The skin care world is full of tips on how to get glowing, youthful looking skin. From social media influencers to skincare blogs, there’s no shortage of suggestions to help you achieve that elusive dewy complexion. But what if some of the “healthy” skincare habits you’ve adopted are actually wreaking havoc on your skin’s barrier?
Your skin barrier is the protective outer layer of your skin that keeps moisture in and irritants out. It is responsible for keeping your skin hydrated, plump and healthy. When compromised, your skin’s barrier can cause problems like redness, dryness, irritation, and even breakouts.
In this post, we’ll explore five common skincare habits that seem healthy, but may be secretly damaging your skin barrier. We’ll also share tips on how to restore and protect your skin’s natural defenses.
What is the skin barrier and why is it so important?
Before we dive into the habits that could be damaging your skin, let’s first understand what the skin barrier actually is. Also known as the stratum corneum, your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. It consists of skin cells held together by lipids (fats), creating a protective shield.
This barrier has two main jobs:
- Lock in moisture: Prevents water evaporation, keeping your skin hydrated and firm.
- Keeping irritants out: Prevents harmful bacteria, pollutants and allergens from penetrating your skin.
When your skin barrier is healthy, your skin looks smooth, glowing and supple. But when it’s damaged, you may experience dryness, redness, inflammation and increased sensitivity.
Healthy Habit #1: Excessive exfoliation
Exfoliation is a key part of any skin care routine, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. But there’s a fine line between effective exfoliation and overdoing it, which can seriously hurt you skin barrier.
Many people believe that the more they exfoliate, the brighter and smoother their skin will be. However, excessive exfoliation can strip your skin of its natural oils and weaken the protective barrier. This can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness and irritation.
How to fix it:
- Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type.
- Avoid using harsh natural scrubs with large, abrasive particles.
- Choose gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are gentler on the skin.
100% PURE Product Recommendation:
Try it out Acai Pulp Facial Scrub from 100% PURE. It gently exfoliates using natural fruit enzymes and acai pulp, providing a gentle yet effective exfoliation without stripping the skin’s barrier.
Healthy Habit #2: Using too many active ingredients
The rise of powerful skincare ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and chemical exfoliants has led people to incorporate multiple actives into their routine. While these ingredients can be beneficial, using too many at once can overwhelm and damage your skin’s barrier.
When your skin is bombarded with powerful active ingredients, it can become inflamed, dry and sensitive. Your skin’s barrier needs time to adjust to each ingredient and overloading it can do more harm than good.
How to fix it:
- Introduce one active ingredient at a time and observe how your skin reacts.
- Actively use on alternating days instead of placing them all at once.
- Always follow with a soothing, moisturizing cream to support your skin’s barrier.
100% PURE Product Recommendation:
THE Hyaluronic Acid Rose Water Serum from 100% PURE is a moisturizing serum that replenishes moisture and supports your skin’s barrier without irritating active substances. Perfect for balancing your skincare routine.
Healthy Habit #3: Using harsh cleaners
A clean face is the foundation of any skincare routine, but using a harsh cleanser can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your skin at risk. Many drugstore cleansers contain sulfates, synthetic fragrances, and alcohol, which can disrupt your skin’s pH balance and weaken its natural defenses.
When your skin barrier is damaged, you may notice increased dryness, irritation and sensitivity. Over time, your skin can become more prone to breakouts and inflammation as it struggles to protect itself from external irritants.
How to fix it:
- Choose one non-stripping cleanser with mild, herbal ingredients.
- Look for pH-balanced products to maintain your skin’s natural acidity.
- Avoid washing your face with hot water, which can further strip moisture from your skin.
100% PURE Product Recommendation:
THE Creamy cleanser with Argan oil from 100% PURE is a gentle, nourishing option that effectively removes impurities without damaging your skin’s barrier. It is rich in argan oil, which moisturizes and protects your skin while cleansing.
Healthy Habit #4: Skipping Moisturizer
Skipping moisturizer might seem like a good idea if you have oily or acne-prone skin, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do for skin barrier. Your skin needs hydration to maintain a healthy barrier, and skipping moisturizer can cause your skin to overcompensate by producing even more oil.
A damaged skin barrier struggles to retain moisture, leading to transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This results in dryness, peeling and irritation. The moisturizer acts as a protective layer, locking in hydration and supporting your skin’s natural defenses.
How to fix it:
- Use a moisturizer morning and night, even if your skin is oily.
- Choose a light, non-comedogenic formula if you’re concerned about breakouts.
- Look for moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and natural oils to replenish your skin’s barrier.
100% PURE Product Recommendation:
THE Intensive Nourishing Facial Oil from 100% PURE is an excellent choice for all skin types. Contains a blend of light, plant-based oils that nourish skin without clogging pores, helping to restore your skin’s barrier.
Health Habit #5: Excessive use of hot water and steam
A steamy shower may be relaxing, but prolonged exposure to hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and weaken your skin barrier. Heat causes the lipids in your skin to break down, making it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
Overuse of steam or hot water treatments can also cause redness and inflammation, especially in people with sensitive skin. While steam can help open pores for better product absorption, it’s best to use it sparingly and with caution.
How to fix it:
- Wash your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water.
- Limit steam treatments to once a week and follow up with a moisturizer.
- Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel—don’t rub!
100% PURE Product Recommendation:
THE Restorative Hydrating Coffee Caffeine with coffee beans from 100% PURE is perfect for soothing and moisturizing skin after heat exposure. It helps restore moisture levels and soothes any irritation caused by hot water or steam.
How to repair a damaged skin barrier
If your skin barrier is already compromised, don’t worry—there are steps you can take to repair it and restore your skin’s health.
1. Simplify your skincare routine
Stop using harsh products and active ingredients. Stick to gentle, moisturizing products that support your skin’s natural barrier.
2. Look for barrier-boosting ingredients
Ingredients such as ceramides, fatty acids and hyaluronic acid are essential for rebuilding a damaged skin barrier. Look for products that contain these ingredients to help lock in moisture and protect your skin.
3. Avoid washing your face excessively
Limit your cleansing routine to twice a day (morning and evening). Excessive washing can strip your skin of its natural oils, weakening your skin’s barrier.
4. Protect your skin from environmental stressors
Wear SPF every day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Pollution and harsh weather can also damage your skin’s barrier, so be sure to shield your skin with protective products.
5. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from within. Proper hydration supports your skin’s barrier and improves its ability to retain moisture.
Frequently asked questions about the skin barrier
1. What are the signs of a damaged skin barrier?
Signs of compromise skin barrier include redness, dryness, peeling, increased sensitivity and breakouts. You may also notice that your skin feels tight or itchy after cleansing.
2. How long does it take to restore a damaged skin barrier?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to repair a damaged one skin barrierdepending on the severity of the damage. Sticking to a gentle, moisturizing skin care routine can help speed up the process.
3. Can excessive exfoliation damage the skin barrier?
Yes, excessive exfoliation is one of the main causes of a breakdown skin barrier. It strips the skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable to irritation and moisture loss.
4. What ingredients should I look for to fix my skin barrier?
Look for ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid and natural oils. These ingredients help restore moisture, strengthen your body skin barrierand protect your skin from external stressors.
5. Can skipping moisturizer damage the skin barrier?
Yes, skipping moisturizer can cause you skin barrier to weaken over time. Moisturizer helps to hydrate and strengthen your skin’s natural defenses.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a stronger, healthier skin barrier. Remember, less is more when it comes to skin care. Simplify your routine and focus on nourishing your skin to keep it happy and resilient!
