What not to use when skin barrier is damaged?

Author: Prof. Annetta O'Kon  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Harsh cleansers can strip away the essential moisturising and nourishing substances that keep your skin barrier healthy. Do not use abrasive scrubs as they can cause micro-tears to the skin's surface. Instead, use a gentle, leave-on exfoliant. Use fragrance-free skincare products.

What ingredients to avoid with 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.

What should I use if my skin barrier is damaged?

Repairing a damaged skin barrier typically involves gentle skincare practices. To help restore your skin barrier, consider using a gentle cleanser, avoiding hot water, moisturizing regularly with products containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid, and protecting your skin from harsh environmental factors.

Can I use hyaluronic acid if my skin barrier is damaged?

Restore and Repair

Look for ceramide-rich moisturizers and incorporate hyaluronic acid into your routine to soothe and hydrate the skin, says Dr. Sommerlad. “I recommend Vichy Mineral 89 as a good serum, followed by a comforting moisturizer,” she says.

Can I use vitamin C if my skin barrier is damaged?

Normally Vit C is associated with collagen synthesis, which can aid in repair. If your moisture barrier is physically damaged, as in with scratches or micro wounds, they would be useful.

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

What is the fastest way to repair skin barrier?

How to Heal a Damaged Skin Barrier
  1. Use a Gentle (but Effective) Skin Cleanser. ...
  2. Look for a Multifaceted Moisturizer. ...
  3. Stay Clear of Over-Exfoliating. ...
  4. Treat Inflammation. ...
  5. Don't Forget to Take Care of Your Body. ...
  6. Take Care of Yourself. ...
  7. Shower With Lukewarm Water. ...
  8. Wear Sunscreen.

Can I use retinol if my skin barrier is damaged?

For now, take out all retinols, acids and active ingredients from your routine. Go back to basics. Revert back to a simple, nourishing cleanser, serum, oil and/or moisturiser. Up the hydration and skin barrier-loving ingredients.

Can I exfoliate when my skin barrier is damaged?

Avoid exfoliating until your skin is less inflamed. Grainy and chemical exfoliants strip your skin of its natural oils and can compromise your moisture barrier. Don't exfoliate for the first two weeks of repair, and then slowly reintroduce it to your routine.

Can I use niacinamide on a damaged skin barrier?

Niacinamide has been shown to support skin components such as ceramides and fatty acids that are integral to the outermost layer of our skin. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% hydrates the skin, and reinforces the skin barrier in as little as 7 days.

What is the best gentle cleanser for damaged skin barrier?

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.

Does Vaseline repair skin barriers?

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.

Does glycerin repair skin barriers?

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.

What product heals skin barrier?

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.

Should I use salicylic acid if my skin barrier is damaged?

AHAs: AHAs are exfoliating acids that can be too harsh for a damaged skin barrier, leading to further irritation and sensitivity. 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.

What is the fastest way to heal damaged skin barrier?

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.

What not to use when repairing skin barrier?

Harsh soaps or cleansers. Over exfoliation or aggressive exfoliation scrubs, loofahs, or brushes. These products can strip away protective lipids and cause barrier damage. Chlorine causes dryness and irritation, leading to an increase in susceptibility to infection.

Is CeraVe good for damaged skin barrier?

You should also complete your routine with a barrier-repairing cream that is rich in ceramides and lipids. CeraVe's formulas, for instance, contain 3 essential ceramides identical to those found naturally in the skin. Our formulas help protect the skin barrier function, therefore replenishing the lost lipids.

Can I use retinol on broken skin barrier?

If you're noticing your skin has been sensitive and you are experiencing redness or unusual texture, bestie, STOP. Continuing to apply retinol while you have a damaged skin barrier would be like having a hot shower with a sunburn, OUCH.

What is the best oil for skin barrier repair?

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].

Can you use vitamin C serum on a damaged skin barrier?

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.

How long until my skin barrier heals?

That being said, you are going to have to be patient while the skin heals itself for about two weeks. Depending on the type of damage, it could take longer. Your skin's barrier may also be predisposed and more at risk of breaking down due to contributing factors such as genetics, age, and stress.

Should I use toner on damaged skin barrier?

A simple routine will constitute 'gentle cleansing, toning and moisturising' with the addition of skin ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, vitamins and squalane which help nourish and support the skin barrier. Avoiding harsh or irritating ingredients will also speed up repair.

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