1. What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier or the outer layer of the skin, AKA the
stratum corneum, is the buzzy new term in beauty. It keeps out toxins and keeps
in moisture – very important for your skin health, in addition to your overall
health.
Many things can damage your skin barrier including the environment,
allergens, irritants, pollutants, sun exposure, harsh soaps, over-exfoliation, steroids,
genetics and stress. Protecting your barrier is the first step in any skincare
regimen.
A damaged barrier will look like dry and scaly skin,
itchiness, discoloration, acne, inflammation and even skin infections. In the
wintertime, when the air is dry, you might notice your skin suffering from a weak
barrier, but it can happen any time of year.
The good news is that the skin care industry is taking note of
the importance of caring for the skin barrier and protecting it with the right
products. From face to body, the skin barrier needs attention all over.
We’ve rounded up some of the best products that focus on
skin barrier health. They contain special ingredients to support your skin
barrier and keep skin healthy-looking and moisturized.
2. Crunchi I Am the Balm
This balm does double duty as both a gentle cleanser and
powerful makeup remover. Squalane mimics the skin’s lipid barrier. Follow with a Crunchi
Facial Bar and Facial Essence for a multi-step cleansing and protection routine.
3. Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream
This hydrating gel face cream has saccharide isomerate and
niacinamide which nourish the barrier while improving skin’s appearance.
4. Vitamasques Plump Collagen Peach Biodegradable Sheet Mask & Eco Pouch
Apply this fruity natural sheet mask to your face when you
want to boost collagen and support the skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like
vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants and niacinamide.
5. Environ Focus Care Moisture + Vita-Complex Super Moisturizer
It’s the combination of moisturizers and emollients in this face cream that leaves skin feeling balanced, hydrated and smooth. There’s also a
blend of vitamins and antioxidants to keep skin protected from free-radical damage.
6. Medicube Triple Collagen Glass Glow Serum 3.0
The triple collagen in this serum penetrates deep into the skin
barrier. Elasticity is boosted and dull skin is nourished for that healthy “glass”
skin glow.
7. Crépe Erase Advanced Body Repair Treatment Ultra
You need to protect the skin barrier of your whole body, not
just your face. This natural body cream, with ingredients like dill, apple and
sage, boost skin’s elastin and collagen production and diminishes the look of
aging. It locks in essential moisture for 72 hours, which allows the skin
barrier to hold onto vital substances.
8. Crunchi Sunlight
Good sun protection is vital to protecting the skin barrier.
This daily facial sunscreen is SPF 30 with non-nano zinc technology for a
light, non-greasy, fast absorbing, invisible finish. Squalane, organic grape oil
and shea butter nourish the skin barrier as well.
9. BioSil Original Capsules
This supplement helps you protect the skin barrier from
within by activating your body’s natural ability to protect and generate collagen,
keratin and elastin. The result is strong nails and hair and luminous skin.
10. The Nue Co. Barrier Culture Cleanser
Overcleansing can be a real stressor to the delicate skin
barrier. Cleanse without stripping the natural skin balance with this soap-free
formula that also lifts makeup and other impurities. This cleanser is pH
balanced to protect the topical microbiome with pre- and probiotics to feed and
repopulate good bacteria.
11. PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster
If you’ve ever suffered through chapped, cracking lips in
the winter, it's probably because the skin barrier has been compromised.
A waxy balm doesn’t penetrate deep enough to fix damaged skin. Opt for a hyaluronic acid-based product to lock in moisture, stimulate collagen
production and fill lip lines.