The time it takes to repair the skin barrier can vary depending on the severity of the damage, the underlying cause, and an individual's skin type. In general, minor skin barrier damage may take a few days to a week to heal, while a more severely compromised barrier may take several weeks to months to fully recover.
Sun Damage: UV radiation breaks down collagen and depletes the skin's natural moisture, making the barrier more susceptible to damage. Excessive Cleansing: Over-washing or using hot water can disrupt the skin's natural balance, leading to dryness and irritation.
Opt for products with soothing and restorative ingredients such as ceramides, panthenol, peptides and niacinamide. These help replenish the skin's natural barrier and lock in moisture. Avoid harsh scrubs and stick to gentle cleansers that maintain your skin's pH balance.
When your barrier is weak because you don't have enough lipids in your skin, Vaseline acts as a substitute for these lipids. Remember the brick-and-mortar analogy? Vaseline fills in the cracks in your skin's “mortar” so that your barrier starts to act in a healthy way again.
For a healthy skin barrier, you should incorporate gentle skincare products that don't strip the skin's natural oils. Apply a good moisturizer, wear sunscreen daily, avoid over-exfoliating, and stick to a balanced lifestyle that includes proper hydration, sleep, and stress management.
Natural oils such as sunflower, sesame, or safflower seed oil have been suggested as good options for their use in promoting skin barrier homeostasis [119].
Here's what a happy skin barrier usually looks and feels like: Skin is mostly smooth and flake-free. Skin feels comfortable after using gentle cleansers and products with non-active ingredients. You don't typically experience tightness, itchiness, or unpleasant reactions — healthy skin is calm skin.
Hyaluronic acid regenerates the lipids in the skin's barrier, which helps the skin hold water more effectively. The skin's barrier, thus, works best by helping keep the cells in balance. Hyaluronic acid also protects the skin from free radicals and other external toxins.
Our favorite dermatologist-recommended affordable cleansers are: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, Derma Made Hydrating Cleanser, or CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin.
Aloe vera is an Indonesian native plant that is considered to have a hydrating function that strengthens the skin barrier and reduces the risk of dermatitis due to contact with irritant or allergen substances. Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides and other substances that help bind the moisture into the skin.
Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, support the skin's barrier function by enhancing the production of barrier lipids (remember, a damaged skin barrier happens when too many lipids are broken down). Antioxidants also have natural healing properties to reduce inflammation and protect against water loss.
Marisa Garshick's, top do's and don'ts when it comes to repairing a damaged skin barrier. “It is important to avoid any ingredients that can worsen irritation or further compromise the skin barrier such as harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or salicylic acid.
How Aquaphor Healing Ointment Helps Skin Heal. Aquaphor Healing Ointment creates a protective barrier on the skin that allows for the flow of hydration and oxygen. The barrier also helps keep in skin's own moisture to create an ideal healing environment.
Protection is key, so “use an antioxidant-rich serum or moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF every morning to protect your barrier from UV, pollutants, and other environmental aggressors” and prioritize sleep. That's when the skin's natural repairing and rebuilding processes peak, and, without it, skin can suffer.
In conclusion, long and continuous water exposure damages skin barrier function, with hot water being even more harmful. It would be advisable to use cold or lukewarm water for handwashing and avoid hot water.
Petroleum jelly is occlusive, which means it can create a water-resistant barrier on the skin to lock in moisture. Because Vaseline is nothing but pure petroleum jelly, it's a go-to when you need its occlusive powers.
Best Overall: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, $49. Best for Sensitive Skin: Deinde Barrier-Building Moisture Cream, $64. Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Barrier Restore Cream, $32.
Another study showed that coconut oil extract could improve the barrier function of the skin and reduce inflammation due to UVB rays.
However, if the damage is extreme, healing your skin barrier could take up to six months. Just make sure you remain consistent with your reparative routine, and don't be tempted to stray from nourishing cleansers and face creams.
An ideal recommendation for such a sunscreen is Aqualogica Barrier+ Repair Sunscreen. It is a rich blend of fruits and actives like Avocado, 5 Essential Ceramides, and Hyaluronic Acid to help strengthen the barrier function, boost skin health, and improve its texture.