Skin care and barrier repair. These two go hand-in-hand – if you care about your skin, you have to work to repair and strengthen its barrier. 

Your skin has a natural, protective barrier, known as the hydrolipidic barrier, which comprises water, sweat and sebum. Think of it like your skin’s security guard: it keeps the bad things out and protects the good stuff inside.

But, just like a car on the road, your skin barrier can face its fair share of wear and tear. From UV rays to product misuse and lack of oxygen, many factors can weaken this vital shield. Genetics can also throw a wrench in the works – talk about unfair.

If your skin tends to be red, irritated or simply doesn’t look its best, it’s time to pull into the barrier repair shop.

How to repair your skin barrier

If you’re up against a weakened barrier, you’re likely also battling sensitive skin. More than just a temporary annoyance, this skin type can cause uncomfortable sensations like stinging, itching, flushing, and even red blotches, dryness and flakiness.  

Combat your skin’s compromised barrier with calming, strengthening ingredients, like Bakuchiol, a gentle alternative to retinol that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Opt for fragrance-free products and avoid over-exfoliating to ensure your skin gets the TLC it deserves. 

Skin barrier-loving ingredients to look for

Keep an eye out for these four powerfully restoring, skin barrier-loving ingredients (and the products estheticians recommend): 

Ceramides: These lipids restore your skin barrier function and enhance moisturization. By preventing moisture loss and promoting mild desquamation, they ensure your skin barrier stays healthy and hydrated. (Esthetician’s pick: sensitive eye smoother) 

Hemp Seed Oil: This oil is highly moisturizing and non-comedogenic. Packed with omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, it regulates oil production, boosts hydration and offers powerful anti-inflammatory agents. (Esthetician’s pick: sensitive skin cleansing oil) 

Silver Ear Mushroom: A natural alternative to hyaluronic acid, it holds up to 500x its weight in water — so, it has an even stronger ability to hydrate the skin. Plus, it helps form a skin barrier-protective hydration film, keeping skin nourished over longer periods of time. (Esthetician’s pick: soothing reset mist) 

Sodium Hyaluronate: The salt form of hyaluronic acid, this hydrating ingredient binds moisture to surface skin layers. It helps restore and maintain hydration levels while soothing and repairing the skin barrier with its anti-inflammatory properties. (Esthetician’s pick: barrier fix daily hydrator) 

Oxygen and skin barrier health

Low oxygen levels can also disrupt your skin barrier health. When your skin’s oxygen supply runs low, it’s like inviting unwanted guests to your skin care soirée – think clogged pores, acne, dullness, premature aging, and increased sensitivity. Not exactly the vibe we’re going for, right? 

Incorporating oxygen-boosting treatments, like a facial, can help restore vitality and promote skin barrier health. Look for treatments designed for stressed or delicate skin – ones that deliver calming, stress-relieving and sensitive-skin-approved goodness. 

Not sure where to start? Opt for one of our favorites: the barrier repair + relax. With targeted treatments to soothe sensitivities and nourish your skin’s barrier, plus a few calming acupressure massage movements, this treatment promises the perfect blend of repair and relaxation – as its name suggests. 

 Find a Biolements Spa near you to experience the visible benefits of a barrier repair facial. 

Along with treatments, oxygen-boosting ingredients are essential for skin barrier health. 

“You have to look for ingredients that lock in moisture and help loosen that oxygen in the skin while also protecting your barrier,” licensed esthetician Deborah Jones said. 

Oxygenating ingredients to look for

Not all formulas and ingredients are created equal. Search for formulas specifically designed to target redness and reactivity, and strengthen a weakened, delicate skin barrier. Choose ingredients that will not only calm your skin but help strengthen its barrier – like these three esthetician-loving components that comprise the ultimate oxygenating product: the oxygen boost barrier treatment. 

Dermal Respiratory Factor: This ingredient improves barrier function and reduces transepidermal water loss, significantly increasing moisturization with better results over time. It also enhances cellular respiration + collagen and elastin synthesis while soothing the skin. 

Mitostime: This ingredient reduces wrinkles, rejuvenates aged cells and increases skin respiration. Rich in nutrients, it helps refresh aging cells, helping to restore a youthful appearance and increase collagen production. 

Stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide: This ingredient creates an unfavorable environment for bacteria within the pores, helping purify the skin barrier and giving it a chance to be healthier.   

The bottom line is to listen to your skin – pay attention to how it reacts to different products and adjust your routine accordingly.