Your skin barrier is your skin’s first line of defence, protecting you from environmental stressors, pollutants, and bacteria while locking in moisture. When the skin barrier is intact, the skin becomes plump, hydrated, and glowing. In contrast, when the barrier is damaged through the use of harsh skincare products, prolonged sun exposure, or dehydration, symptoms–it can lead to irritation, dryness, or even breakouts.
Regardless of your skin type, knowing how to properly hydrate and restore your skin barrier is essential for maintaining a healthy complexion. Let’s explore how you can care for your skin barrier and keep it functioning at its best.
The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the skin. It consists of lipids (fats) that create a protective shield, retaining moisture and keeping harmful substances out. A damaged barrier often leads to sensitive skin, dryness, irritation, and breakouts.
Put simply, really maintaining your skin barrier is keeping it hydrated. When your skin lacks moisture, it becomes more vulnerable to damage and irritation. Here’s how to hydrate your skin effectively:
- Humectants: Make your choice of products based on humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. These ingredients draw moisture from the environment into the skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day.
- Occlusives: Ingredients like shea butter and oils act as a seal to lock in hydration. Applying these occlusives after one has used a water-based serum or cream, forms a protective layer that keeps moisture from escaping.
Incorporating a rich face cream like Saante Time Rewind Face Cream into your routine can elevate hydration. With ingredients like shea butter to combat dryness and the adaptogenic properties of moringa oil to relieve facial stress, this formula hydrates deeply while supporting the skin’s natural repair process.
Harsh cleansers and exfoliants may strip your skin of its natural oils, which can weaken your barrier. Look for products that are gentle and do not contain any harsh chemicals, such as sulphates, alcohol, and synthetic fragrances.
- Cleansers: A sulphate-free, pH-balanced cleanser is a safe bet to avoid stripping your skin of natural moisture.
- Exfoliation: Exfoliate no more than once or twice per week, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and make moisture retention difficult.
To restore your skin barrier, it’s important to nourish it with ingredients that strengthen and repair. Some of the best barrier-repairing ingredients include:
- Ceramides: These are the building blocks of your skin barrier. Ceramides fortify the barrier and retain moisture, as such one of the most essential parts of a hydrating routine.
- Fatty Acids: Oils like rosehip and camellia, both featured in the Saante Time Rewind Face Cream, are rich in fatty acids that rejuvenate and restore barrier function. Camellia Japonica, a long-used ingredient in skincare, fights wrinkles while regenerating skin tissue.
UV rays can severely damage your skin barrier, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased sensitivity. Daily use of sunscreen-not just on sunny days-is critical to avoid damage to this barrier.
Look for a broad-spectrum SPF that is at least SPF 30 and apply it every two hours if you’re exposed to the sun. The moisturising sunscreen is recommended for dry and sensitive skin, which not only provides sun protection but continuous hydration as well.
Skincare is not an area where 'the more, the merrier' applies. Too many active ingredients, retinol, AHAs, and BHAs may overdo it and compromise your skin barrier. Although effective, ingredients like these should be carefully used.
- Simplify: Keep it to a basic, focused routine for hydration, nourishment, and protection of your skin. Introduce only one active ingredient at a time, and wait for your skin to adjust to it before embarking on introducing anything new.
- Alternate Actives: If you’re using strong actives like retinol or acids, consider alternating them with a hydrating serum or a barrier-repairing moisturiser to prevent over-exfoliation or irritation.
Cold weather creates a hostile atmosphere to the skin barrier due to high winds, excessive air pollution, and dry indoor air. To address such damaging effects, protect your skin with hydrating products and oils that seal in moisture.
- Humidifiers: Invest in a humidifier for winter or in air-conditioned spaces (depending on your area) to add moisture to the air so your skin doesn't dry.
- Antioxidants: Rose and sandalwood oil-containing products rich in antioxidants can protect your skin from the adverse impact of the environment. These essential oils, included in the Saante Time Rewind Face Cream, also help reduce inflammation and support skin regeneration.
Internal hydration is just as important as topical hydration. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps you maintain the right moisture levels to keep your skin looking healthy. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider incorporating foods rich in water content, like cucumbers and watermelon, into your diet.
Sleep is when your skin repairs itself, making it a critical part of any skincare routine. A lack of sleep can lead to a compromised skin barrier, increased sensitivity, and dehydration. Have 7 to 9 hours of good sleep every night to allow your skin to repair and recover.
Conclusion
The easy and non-complex way to maintain and restore your skin barrier may include hydration, gentle skincare practices, and nourishing your skin with barrier-supporting nutrients. With the right routine, you can achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that’s resilient against environmental stressors.
Using targeted products like the Saante Time Rewind Face Cream—which combines the anti-aging properties of Camellia Japonica, moringa oil, and rosehip—can enhance your skincare ritual and help restore your skin’s natural balance. Remember, when your skin barrier is happy, your skin will look and feel its best.