Restore and Repair Look for ceramide-rich moisturizers and incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine to soothe and hydrate the skin, says Dr. Sommerlad.
To help the stratum corneum heal, use a thick moisturizer each day that contains ingredients to support the skin barrier, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Ceramides and occlusive moisturizers are also beneficial.
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.
Ceramides and niacinamide are helpful for replenishing the skin barrier, while hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol will help your skin retain water.
Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and glycerin are excellent for restoring barrier function. For example, Cetaphil's Brightening Night Comfort Cream contains niacinamide, a key ingredient that not only hydrates the skin but also reduces sensitivity.
The most researched skin-restoring ingredients include retinol, retinoids, niacinamide, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ceramides, adenosine, and various peptides.
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.
Benefits of Snail Mucin for Skin
Moisturizes the skin: According to Dr. Lain, snail mucin contains moisturizing agents that work to repair the barrier function of the skin, both locking out irritants from the environment while also simultaneously locking in moisture.
Helps strengthen the skin barrier
Studies have shown that glycerin can boost the skin's barrier function. Since glycerin boosts this essential function, it can also help prevent the skin from drying.
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.
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].
Hydration is key to repairing a damaged skin barrier. Look for a hydrating serum or essence that contains certain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. All these ingredients greatly help attract and retain moisture, hydrating the skin from within.
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.
Bottom Line: If snail mucin is your quick-fix, then ceramides are your steadfast guardian, providing long-term resilience and repair. Think of snails for that immediate glow, but marry ceramides for happier, healthier skin in the long run.
Kassouf says that slugging can help retain your skin's moisture, while repairing and protecting your skin barrier. And if you have any concerns or questions, you shouldn't hesitate to talk to a dermatologist before trying slugging — or any other skin care trend.
Snail mucin products can be used with most other skincare ingredients, but avoid combining them with harsh exfoliants or acids to prevent potential irritation.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) can help improve the skin's protective barrier by stimulating the synthesis of ceramides within the skin. Ceramides are important components of the skin and help maintain strong bonds between the cells to help strengthen the natural skin barrier.
BHAs: While effective for treating acne, BHAs like salicylic acid can dry and may strip the skin of its natural oils, further compromising the skin barrier.
Multivitamin. There is evidence that vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and the minerals chromium, iron, selenium, and zinc play important roles in maintaining skin heath. Additional supplementation may be helpful for specific skin conditions.