The skin barrier is what stands between our skin and all the harmful elements in the environment that can damage it!
However, the skin barrier is more than simply a fence or a protective wall that separates the inside from the outside. Its primary function is to keep the skin hydrated. It also keeps the bacteria, germs and environmental pollution from penetrating deep into your skin. Thus, it protects the skin’s richness that lies within.
A thin, weak or damaged skin barrier allows the irritants to easily seep into your skin while a strong, thick skin surface makes it hard for the bacteria or germs to enter your skin. A strong skin barrier can ensure perfect flawless skin while a weak skin barrier ensures poorer skin quality.
So, how can you strengthen the skin barrier if it’s weak? Let’s find out.
1. Ditch the Harsh Skincare Products
These are the skincare products that aim to treat acne breakouts. Although these products may fix your problem for the time being, in the long-term they can be very harmful to your skin barrier. Instead, you can treat acne naturally and just as effectively.
The daily use of these products can weaken it. Products like foaming cleansers contain a great number of sulfates so watch out for those!
2. Don’t Over-Exfoliate Your Skin
We all know that exfoliation can help you get rid of the dead skin cells and pores.
However, over-exfoliating can be extremely harmful. Your skin will most likely experience irritation, dryness, possible breakouts and it can damage skin cells. The ideal thing to exfoliate 2-3 times a week. If you have sensitive skin, you should exfoliate once a week. Be as gentle while exfoliating as possible. By being super gentle you will only help to nurture your skin to achieve its healthiest state.
3. Cleanse with Tepid Water
Cleansing your face with overly hot water will further aggravate your skin. Hence, it is recommended to cleanse your face with lukewarm water.
4. Don’t Stress
The right skincare products isn’t the only way to ensure a strong skin barrier. Besides taking care of your physical health, mental health is also important in giving you great skin.
Stress can adversely affect your skin. So, daily stress can permanently weaken the skin barrier. To cope with stress, think about starting yoga or trying breathing exercises.
5. Wear Sunscreen
Another effective way to protect and strengthen your skin barrier is by wearing a daily SPF. Sunscreen is full of all those good things that can help protect your skin from the harmful UV rays. With the right amount of antioxidants, your skin is also protected from other environmental stressors.
It is imperative that you wear a sunscreen according to your skin type. A sunscreen that may work for sensitive skin may or may not work for dry or oily skin. Hence, for protecting your skin barrier from any damage, select skincare products that suit your skin! Also choose mineral sunscreen instead of chemical sunscreen.
By following these tips you can protect your skin barrier from damage, ensuring that it remains healthy and strong!
