Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin - a wall of cells and natural oils that keeps moisture in and keeps irritants, pollution and heat out.
When it is healthy, your skin looks calm, soft and even. When it is not, everything you put on top struggles to work.
1. Your skin feels tight after cleansing
A little freshness after washing is normal. A tight, dry, squeaky feeling is not. It usually means your cleanser has stripped away the natural oils your barrier needs.
What helps: replacing those oils. A few drops of plant oil after cleansing put back what washing takes away.
2. Redness, sensitivity or rough patches that come and go
When the barrier is intact, it keeps irritants out. When it is compromised, heat, pollution and harsh products get through more easily.
What helps: simplicity and support. Barrier-friendly oils like camellia and argan help calm and strengthen the surface.
3. Skin looks dull no matter what you apply
If you use plenty of product but your skin still looks flat and tired, the issue may be that moisture is escaping as fast as you put it on.
What helps: sealing. An oil applied as the last step locks moisture in, so the hydration underneath actually stays.
How to rebuild a barrier gently
- Cleanse gently and avoid anything that leaves skin tight.
- Cut back on strong actives while skin recovers.
- Add lipids back with a few drops of plant oil on damp skin.
- Be patient. Barrier recovery is gradual.
Need help choosing?
Not sure where to start? Message us and we will help you choose a gentle oil for your skin.