Hello readers! Are you facing trouble with your skin lately? Is it dry, itchy, and irritated most of the time? If not, this blog post is probably not for you; but if you are in the same boat as me, you will certainly appreciate these 5 expert-recommended tips to restore and revive your skin.
If you are anything like me, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with sensitive, itchy, dry skin that always gets irritated. I wanted to share tried and tested tips to heal your damaged skin barrier and get back that healthy, glowing, and supple skin we all crave!
Top 8 Expert-Recommended Tips to Restore Your Damaged Skin Barrier
Simplify Your Skincare Routine
I used to think the more products I applied to my face, the better my skin would be. But I had to learn this the hard way. So, if you are using every other product out there to try and revive your skin, STOP!
Overcomplicating your routine can actually damage your skin barrier, so it’s important to keep it simple. Cleanse your skin with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser, moisturize with a nourishing cream, and protect your skin from the sunrays with a good quality sunscreen. These basic steps should be enough to help you understand what suits your skin and what doesn’t.
Consistency is Key
Healing your skin barrier takes time and patience, so it’s important to be consistent with your routine. Try to incorporate natural, organic products into your routine. Use the same products every day, and give them time to work. It may take a few weeks or even months to see a noticeable difference, but trust me; it’s worth it!
Identify the Root Cause
To effectively heal your skin barrier, you need to know what’s causing the damage in the first place. For me, it was a combination of stress and using harsh skincare products. Once I identified these triggers, I was able to take steps to avoid them and improve my skin’s health.
Over-Exfoliating is Your Enemy
Exfoliating can be great for removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, but over-exfoliating can actually damage your skin barrier. That’s why finding a balance that works for your skin type is important. I recommend exfoliating no more than once or twice a week. Plus, it’s always better to exfoliate with a brush rather than chemicals. That way, not only will you be gentler to your skin, but you’ll also be protecting the environment.
Did you know plastic microbeads in your scrub or exfoliator wash into the sea and threaten marine life?
Listen to Your Skin
Just like how we listen to our bodies when we’re feeling sick, it’s important to listen to our skin when it’s trying to tell us something. If your skin reacts negatively to certain ingredients or products, avoiding them is important. Some ingredients to watch out for include sulfates, fragrances, and alcohol. Instead, look for nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
Hydration is crucial when it comes to healing your skin barrier. Make sure to drink lots of water throughout the day, and consider using a hydrating serum or mist to give your skin an extra boost of moisture.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for your skin’s health and well-being. Lack of sleep can cause stress and inflammation, which can damage your skin barrier. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and consider using a silk pillowcase to help prevent friction and irritation while you sleep.
Give Your Skin a Break
Sometimes, the optimum thing you can do for your skin is to give it a break. Try going makeup-free for a few days or taking a break from any harsh treatments or exfoliants. This can give your skin time to rest and recover and help to prevent further damage to your skin barrier.
Ingredients to Include in Everyday Skincare
Some ingredients are particularly effective at healing and strengthening your skin barrier. Look for products that contain ingredients like:
Ceramides
Ceramides play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function, helping to keep moisture in and irritants out. When your skin barrier is damaged, your ceramide levels may decrease, which can lead to dryness, itching, and sensitivity. Using skincare products containing ceramides can help replenish and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
Fatty Acids
Like ceramides, fatty acids are also essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. They help keep the skin moisturized and protected and have anti-inflammatory properties. Look for products that contain fatty acids like linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, which can help to nourish and repair your skin barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant type that can attract and hold onto moisture. This makes it a great ingredient for hydrating and plumping the skin, which can be particularly helpful if your skin barrier is damaged or compromised. Hyaluronic acid can also help improve your skin’s texture and appearance, making it look smoother and more radiant.
You can also consider using a facial oil or balm that contains nourishing ingredients like:
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a bountiful, nourishing ingredient that can help to soothe and hydrate dry or damaged skin. It contains high levels of fatty acids and vitamins, which can help to improve your skin’s elasticity and barrier function. Shea butter is also gentle and non-irritating, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that can help to protect and moisturize the skin. It’s similar in structure to the natural oils produced by our skin, which means it’s easily absorbed and can help to balance oil production. Jojoba oil is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, which can help to support a healthy skin barrier.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a nutrient-rich oil that is particularly high in vitamin C and other antioxidants. It can help brighten and even out your skin tone while providing hydration and protection. Rosehip oil is also thought to have anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Wrap Up
There you have it! My top 8 expert-recommended tips and some super ingredients will help revive your skin.
Remember, taking care of your skin is a journey, not a destination. So be patient, listen to your skin, and always remember that everyone has a few setbacks when it comes to the look of their skin. But as long as you follow these tips and are conscious of water intake + moisturization, there’s no stopping you from glowing all day, every day!
