Acne Care & Skincare Tips | Derma Lab Esthetics Blog

Your skin barrier is like a shield, protecting you from environmental aggressors and locking in moisture to keep your skin healthy and glowing and your cells functioning optimally. However, when this shield becomes damaged, it can lead to dryness, irritation, redness, and a host of other skin issues. Let’s dive into what causes skin barrier impairment and how to repair it.

What is the Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier, or stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of your skin. It comprises tightly packed skin cells (corneocytes) held together by lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. This barrier is essential for:

Retaining moisture.
Preventing harmful bacteria, irritants, and allergens from penetrating the skin.
Regulating the skin’s pH balance.
Ensuring the balance of the skins microbiome

When the skin barrier is functioning properly, your skin feels smooth, hydrated, and resilient. However, when compromised, it becomes prone to dehydration, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Internal Factors Contributing to Skin Barrier Impairment

1. Age

As we age, the skin’s natural production of lipids and ceramides decreases, weakening the barrier’s ability to lock in moisture. This can result in dryness and a higher susceptibility to environmental stressors.

2. Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect sebum production and lipid composition. This imbalance often disrupts the skin’s natural defenses.

3. Diet

A diet lacking essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants can impair the skin’s ability to produce lipids, leading to a compromised barrier. Consuming processed foods high in sugar and omega 6 and 9 can exacerbate inflammation, further affecting skin health. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids with high EPA and DHA, found in fish and flaxseeds, and vitamin-rich foods like leafy greens and berries can support a healthy skin barrier.

4. Chronic Stress

Elevated stress levels trigger cortisol production, which can weaken the skin’s barrier and exacerbate inflammatory conditions like eczema and acne. Chronic stress also impairs the skin’s ability to heal itself, prolonging the effects of barrier damage. Incorporating zinc with copper into your diet for healing and using stress-relieving techniques like mindfulness meditation or yoga can benefit overall skin health.

5. Health Conditions

Underlying health issues, such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or diabetes, can impair the skin’s barrier function. For example, diabetes affects circulation and hydration levels, making the skin more prone to dryness and cracking. Working with healthcare providers to manage these conditions can significantly improve skin barrier health.

External Factors Contributing to Skin Barrier Impairment

1. Over-Cleansing

Using harsh cleansers or over-cleansing can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting its lipid layer. It’s essential to choose a cleanser tailored to your skin type to avoid unnecessary damage.

2. Environmental Aggressors

Exposure to pollution, UV radiation, and extreme weather conditions can compromise the skin barrier. Cold air and low humidity, in particular, sap moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable. Similarly, urban environments with high pollution levels can increase oxidative stress, breaking down collagen and lipids which increase premature aging.

3. Incorrect Product Usage

Frequent use of exfoliants, retinoids, or other active ingredients without proper hydration can weaken the barrier. Alternating active ingredients and using them sparingly can help preserve the skin’s health and integrity.

4. Allergens and Irritants

Fragrances, dyes, and certain preservatives in skincare products can irritate the skin and compromise its protective layer. Opting for hypoallergenic and artificially fragranced products can reduce the risk of irritation.

5. Microbiome Imbalance

The skin’s microbiome, a balanced collection of good and bad bacteria, plays a pivital role in maintaining the barrier’s health. Disruption of this balance can lead to increased sensitivity and inflammation. Overuse of antibacterial products can disrupt this balance, making the skin more susceptible to pathogens.

How to Repair and Strengthen the Skin Barrier

Step 1: Use Gentle Cleansers

Switch to a mild, non-foaming cleanser that preserves the skin’s natural oils.

Product Recommendation: Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Cleanser is perfect for cleansing without stripping the skin. It’s formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin, helping maintain the integrity of the barrier.

Step 2: Incorporate Probiotic Skincare

Probiotics help balance the skin’s microbiome and strengthen its defenses.

Product Recommendation: LaFlore Live Probiotic Skincare’s Probiotic Serum is acne safe and packed with live probiotics to replenish your skin’s beneficial bacteria, reducing redness and irritation.

Step 3: Hydrate with Ceramide-Rich Products

Ceramides are essential lipids that restore the skin’s protective layer. Products rich in ceramides also help soothe irritation and improve hydration levels.

Product Recommendation: Corthe’s acne safe Moisture RX Replenishing Cream delivers a powerful dose of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to repair and deeply hydrate the skin.

Step 4: Protect with Sunscreen

UV damage is a major culprit in barrier dysfunction. Use a mineral-based sunscreen on your face daily. Consistent use of mineral sunscreen not only prevents damage but also allows the skin time to repair existing issues.

Product Recommendation: Tizo’s Mineral Sunscreen is a lightweight, non-comedogenic option that shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays without clogging pores.

Step 5: Avoid Over-Exfoliation

Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week or use a daily gentle exfoliant. Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and a weakened barrier.

Product Recommendation: Face Reality’s Mandelic serum is an acne-safe exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells without damaging the barrier and can be used daily without irritating the skin.

Step 6: Restore Balance with a Barrier Repair Cream

Barrier repair creams are designed to replenish lost lipids and lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and fatty acids for maximum benefit.

Product Recommendation: LaFlore’s Barrier Repair Complex provides instant relief for irritated skin while reinforcing its natural defenses. Tizo's Soothing Skin Protectant helps calm inflammation and provides a protective layer to help the skin heal and hold in moisture. Can be used over other barrier repair moisturizers.

Lifestyle Tips for Skin Barrier Health

1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to maintain internal hydration, which reflects on your skin. Dehydration can exacerbate dryness and make it harder for the skin barrier to repair itself. Be careful that you are not over hydrating as well as taking in too much water can also dehydrate. Drink to thirst and always use an electrolyte to assist your body in retaining that moisture in the cells. If you are urinating clear, you are drinking too much. If your urine is dark, you are not adequately hydrating.

2. Optimize Your Diet

Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, flaxseeds), vitamins (A, C, E), and antioxidants to support skin health. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can trigger inflammation, deplete the gut microbiome and weaken the skin’s defenses.

3. Manage Stress

Practice stress-relieving activities like yoga, meditation, or regular exercise to reduce cortisol levels. Chronic stress not only affects the skin barrier but also delays healing processes and exacerbates inflammatory conditions.

4. Use a Humidifier

If you live in a dry climate, adding moisture to the air can prevent your skin from drying out. Humidifiers are especially helpful during winter when car and indoor heating can strip moisture from the air and your skin.

5. Prioritize Sleep

Adequate sleep allows your skin to repair itself and maintain a healthy barrier. During sleep, the body increases blood flow to the skin and regenerates collagen, promoting overall skin health.

6. Avoid Harsh Fabrics and Detergents

Choose soft, breathable fabrics for clothing and bedding to reduce friction and irritation. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free detergents can also minimize exposure to potential irritants.

Product Routine for Barrier Repair

Morning Routine:

Cleanse with Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Cleanser.
Apply LaFlore’s Probiotic Serum.
Moisturize with Corthe’s Moisture RX Replenishing Cream.
Protect with Tizo’s Mineral Sunscreen.

Evening Routine:

Cleanse with Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Cleanser.
Exfoliate with Face Reality’s Mandelic Serum.
Apply LaFlore’s Barrier Repair Complex.
Lock in moisture with Corthe’s Moisture RX Replenishing Cream and or Tizo's Soothing Skin Protectant.

Advanced Tips for Barrier Repair

1. Layering Products Effectively

Layer products from thinnest to thickest consistency to maximize absorption. Start with serums, follow with moisturizers, and finish with sunscreen in the morning.

2. Patch Test New Products

When introducing new skincare items, patch-test them to avoid irritation. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24-48 hours to check for reactions. This step is important if you have skin that stings with product application.

3. Consult a Skincare Professional

If your skin barrier issues persist, consult an esthetician. Professional treatments, such as LED therapy or hydrating facials, can accelerate healing.

4. Monitor Environmental Factors

Be mindful of external conditions that could affect your skin. For example, windburn can damage the barrier, so use protective balms like Tizo's Soothing Skin Protectant when necessary.

Danielle is a Colorado Springs esthetician specializing in holistic acne clearing and managment, age management and general skincare at Derma Lab Estheticsi.

Danielle is a licensed esthetician in the state of Colorado and owner of Derma Lab. She is a Face Reality Certified Acne Specialist and has been in the industry since 2007. Danielle has worked in spas & medi spas, and has been trained in chemical peels, microdermabrasion, microneedling and Sciton Laser Systems. Nothing here is meant to be medical advice.

Understanding Skin Barrier Impairment: Causes and Solutions