Damaging Your Skin Barrier

Introduction to Skin Barrier Repair

The skin-care industry has been focusing on repairing our skin barriers with ceramide-rich balms and peptide-packed serums. This trend started when our skin barriers became cracked and angry, and we needed something to cushion them. According to Google Trends, searches for "slugging" peaked in July 2023, and "barrier repair" is still a popular topic, with its highest search volume in January this year.

Over-Repairing Our Skin Barriers

However, it’s possible that we’ve over-repaired our skin barriers. A client recently visited a skin care professional, Pavitt, after doing a full "barrier support" routine twice daily for a few months. Instead of getting glowing skin, the client experienced massive irritation. This suggests that using too many barrier repair products can be counterproductive.

The Rise of Big Skin Barrier

"Barrier support is a very trendy subject within beauty," says Pavitt. Brands are marketing many specialized products, making it seem like everyone needs to repair their skin barrier. On Ulta.com, a search for "skin barrier" returns over 1,400 products, and on Amazon.com, there are over 30,000 results. These products range from moisturizers to sunscreens, skin tints, and bronzers, all containing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, or peptides.

Potential Irritants in Skin Barrier Products

Dr. King points out that niacinamide, a popular ingredient, can be an irritant if used in high concentrations. "Topical niacinamide can increase the skin’s production of ceramides and have stabilizing effects on the skin’s barrier function, which can help improve moisture retention," she says. "But niacinamide at concentrations greater than 5% can cause irritation in sensitive skin." This means that while niacinamide can be helpful, it’s essential to use it in moderation.

The Link Between Skin Irritation and Barrier Repair Products

Jess Bowers, a New York City-based facialist, has noticed a link between skin irritation and barrier repair products. When a client comes in with red, inflamed, irritated skin, Bowers asks about their skin care routine and often tells them to stop using most of their products, including those intended for barrier repair. This suggests that using too many products can be overwhelming for the skin.

Expert Advice on Using Barrier Repair Products

Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, advises that you only need to use one product specifically designed to help boost the health of your skin barrier. This means that instead of using multiple products, it’s better to focus on one or two that work well for your skin.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while repairing our skin barriers is essential, over-repairing can lead to irritation. It’s crucial to be mindful of the products! we use and not overdo it. By using one or two products that work well for our skin, we can maintain healthy, glowing skin without causing unnecessary irritation.

FAQs

Q: What is skin barrier repair?
A: Skin barrier repair refers to the process of repairing and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function, which can become damaged due to various factors such as dryness, irritation, or environmental stressors.
Q: What are some common ingredients used in skin barrier repair products?
A: Common ingredients used in skin barrier repair products include ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, and peptides.
Q: Can using too many skin barrier repair products cause irritation?
A: Yes, using too many skin barrier repair products can cause irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Q: How many products should I use to repair my skin barrier?
A: It’s recommended to use only one or two products specifically designed to help boost the health of your skin barrier.