Summer is coming, and we need to get our skin ready. With that comes the discussion surrounding our skin barrier. Our skin barrier health is important all year round, but in order to get our skin summer-ready, with that much-wanted glow, it’s vital that we start paying more attention to our complexion. Skin barrier aggressors are everywhere, and they can be particularly troublesome in the warmer months. By preparing your skin to tackle the environmental challenges of summertime, we can keep our skin looking and feeling as healthy as possible.
Why is Your Skin Barrier Important?
For all our resident beauty buffs, we all know how important it is to keep our skin barrier fighting fit. Physically, our skin barrier protects our skin, the biggest organ in our body, from any external threats - whether that be chemicals, toxins, or environmental factors. Internally, our skin also prevents a loss of water from our bodies. So, all in all, it’s fair to say that our skin barrier is extremely important!
What Causes a Broken Skin Barrier?
Whilst our skin is strong, it does take the brunt of everything. We are constantly putting pressure on our skin - we put on makeup, we exfoliate, and even the weather is sometimes not our friend. Your skin barrier can be broken very easily, but it’s equally easy to spot:
Dehydration:
The first red flag is if your skin will not retain water. Water loss and dehydration are very common signs that your skin is not having the best time. If you notice that your complexion has become dry or irritated, then it might be time to switch up your beauty regime and pay closer attention to your barrier.
Over-cleansing:
Most damage to your skin barrier actually comes from stripping your natural oils. This again can be done easily. Harsh cleansers, certain acid-based products, and makeup removers can all lead to those all-important oils being removed.
Over-exfoliating:
Another way that the skin barrier can become impaired is if you exfoliate too often. Whilst your skin is tough, the continuous damage can weaken it. Physically scrubbing your skin, or waxing can also harm the barrier, and make it react poorly. To avoid this, try to stay away from homemade scrubs. Research what your skin type is, and what it requires to stay happy.
Stress:
Finally, stress can play a massive part. We all know that stress is not good for our health, but it’s sometimes unavoidable. However, it’s good to know that even if you are doing everything you can for your skin - you're double cleansing, toning, moisturising, and you are even using your SPF every day, yet, your skin is still having a bad time - it could just be down to stress.
3 Ways To Better Your Skin Barrier
1. Focus On Healing and Hydrating
There are so many good products on the market and so much good advice. But when it comes to bettering your skin barrier, it's better to have a stripped-back skincare routine. Firstly, our Skincare Experts would recommend putting down the exfoliants, retinol, and vitamin C. These are all active ingredients, and whilst they are a great way to rejuvenate the skin, it’s also important that you give yourself time to heal.
The Hydration Kit from Obagi Medical is another great solution. The Obagi Hydration Kit includes two of Obagi’s best-selling creams to keep your skin feeling hydrated and soft throughout the day. This non-irritating, non-sensitising and allergy-tested formula will leave your skin feeling and looking supple for up to eight hours. If your barrier is compromised and appears dry and listless, our Skincare Experts couldn’t recommend this duo of products more.
2. Get Better Acquainted With Your Skin Type
After you've completed the healing stage, and you are looking to better your skin and continue supporting your barrier, it’s important to get reacquainted with your skin’s needs. Knowing your skin type, and which products will work well for it is vital for ensuring your barrier remains intact.
If you are struggling to get to grips with what your skin is after, we can help! Our 12-step Skin Quiz utilises an advanced algorithm skin tool that analyses your skin and its needs, matching you with products to suit your skin profile. All the guessing work is over! Once you've input your information, our Skin Quiz works to produce results for you in real-time. The skincare routine that comes out will be completely unique to you, your complexion, and the needs that you have described. Goodbye broken barrier, hello healthy glowing skin!
If you need more advice, our skin care experts are available for complimentary 1-to-1 virtual consultations. You can book your appointment here and start your journey to skin health!
3. Slow and Steady!
There is beauty in a simple skincare routine - and when introducing new products, you will want to go at a slow and steady pace. Once you get your skin barrier in a good place, the name of the game should be to continue protecting it.
One of the main ways our barriers can be broken, as mentioned above, can be overdoing that. Whether that be through exfoliation, or using too many products which aren't right for us. If you are adding new products to your skin, introduce them slowly, one at a time. This will not only give your skin a chance to decide whether it agrees with the new product, but it also gives you a clear-cut culprit if your barrier begins to be compromised again.
Expert Product Recommendations To Support Your Skin Barrier
Strengthening your skin barrier ahead of summer not only enhances hydration and comfort, but also prepares the complexion for exposure to heat, humidity and UV. These clinically advanced skincare essentials available at Skinstation help keep the barrier protected, resilient and healthy-looking all season long.
1. Rebuild Barrier Strength with Obagi RebalanceFor skin that feels compromised or sensitised, Obagi Rebalance offers a calm yet effective boost to the barrier. This lightweight, dermatologically developed moisturiser supports moisture retention and soothes visible signs of inflammation, keeping skin balanced, comfortable and primed for warmer weather.
2. Boost Surface Hydration with SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 GelHydration is a key component of barrier function. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, enriched with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5, attracts and locks in essential moisture to restore suppleness and smoothness. Used daily, it helps maintain a plump, radiant complexion that performs better under summer conditions.
3. Protect Barrier Integrity with Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+Sun exposure is one of the biggest contributors to barrier breakdown. Heliocare 360° Water Gel SPF 50+ delivers high-level broad-spectrum protection while feeling exceptionally lightweight on the skin. Antioxidants and hydrating complexes defend against UV-induced damage and dehydration, ensuring the barrier remains strong and supported throughout the day.
