6 tips for a stronger skin barrier
Published: 28/01/2025 | Author: Julie Gunn
We all want to look in the mirror and see hydrated, happy, glowing skin reflected back at us – who doesn’t?! But the skin barrier is delicate and many factors can cause it to become impaired. If you think your skin barrier might be damaged, read on to check out the symptoms, the causes, and what you can do to bring it back to good health.
How does the skin barrier get damaged?
A strong skin barrier keeps goodies – like moisture – in your skin, and baddies – like pollution – out! Three key components forming this barrier are the skin cells themselves, the lipids that surround the cells, and the microbiota that reside on the surface of your skin. Over-cleansing, harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, UV, pollution and extreme cold or humid weather are a few of the most common factors that can strip away the lipids and disrupt the microbiome, impacting the hydration and function of the skin barrier.
Strong skin barrier vs damaged skin barrier
A strong skin barrier is hydrated, and functions optimally – good hydration is crucial for plump, smooth, glowing skin. A damaged skin barrier can’t hold on to hydration, so is likely to look rough and dull.
Is my skin barrier damaged? Symptom checker!
A damaged skin barrier can cause a range of symptoms that can affect how your skin looks and feels. Your skin might look dry, dull and flaky, red and blotchy, you might experience unexpected breakouts, and lines and wrinkles may become more visible. It might feel tight, itchy and uncomfortable, and be sensitive to products it normally tolerates.
6 tips to strengthen your skin barrier
1. Go easy on the cleansing!
Cleansing can be hard on the skin barrier – harsh cleansers and over-cleansing can remove more than you intended, disrupting your microbiome and stripping the lipids that keep your skin smooth and hydrated. Choose a cleanser that is designed with the skin barrier in mind – like Opt Optimals cleansers, which have mild surfactants and also contain ingredients that are similar to the lipids in your skin – effectively removing makeup and impurities, without stripping the skin.
2. Don’t over-exfoliate
Exfoliation – whether chemical (acids) or mechanical (scrubs) – is not for every day. Even if your skin is in great shape, once or maybe twice a week is plenty. But if your skin is dry and flaky, or oily, the temptation can be to exfoliate more often to try and solve the problem, when in fact it is just going to disrupt the skin barrier even more. Choose a gentle exfoliant, always follow the instructions, and listen to your skin – if you’re experiencing symptoms of a damaged skin barrier then hold off on exfoliating until you have got things under control.
3. Drench skin with hydration
Keeping skin well hydrated is essential for plump, juicy, glowing skin! As well as being loaded with moisturising ingredients, Opt Optimals moisturisers contain Niacinamide, one of the best ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier and help skin to retain moisture – in fact Opt Optimals moisturisers keep skin hydrated for an amazing 48 hours – clinically proven!
4. Think about your microbiome
You can’t see it, so it’s easy to forget it’s there! But your skin microbiome plays a key role in maintaining the health and function of your skin barrier. This diverse living ecosystem of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms help to regulate things like moisture retention, pH balance, inflammation, as well as helping to shield the skin against environmental aggressors like UV and pollution. Opt Optimals moisturisers contain Para-probiotics. Although they are non-living, inactive bacteria, they still help to support the balance of the microbiome.
5. Protect, protect, protect!
Environmental aggresors like UV and pollution harm the skin barrier in more ways than you might imagine, leading to lipid depletion, dehydration, oxidative stress, inflammation and accelerated skin ageing. Always use sunscreen – even on cloudy days – and look for skincare that contains ingredients to help protect against pollution. Opt Optimals Daily Glow Multi-Protector does it all – protecting against UVA (SPF50+), UVB and pollution, without the dreaded white cast you often get from this type of product.
6. Support your beauty from within
Don’t forget to support the strength and beauty of your skin barrier from within!
Nutrients that benefits the skin include omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins C, E and A, and the minerals zinc and selenium. Make sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, fatty fish and lean proteins. And most importantly keep your body hydrated, and don’t forget to prioritise rest – beauty sleep is not just a myth!
Nutrients that benefits the skin include omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins C, E and A, and the minerals zinc and selenium. Make sure to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, fatty fish and lean proteins. And most importantly keep your body hydrated, and don’t forget to prioritise rest – beauty sleep is not just a myth!
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