How to Support the Skin Barrier

Caring for your skin barrier doesn’t require a complicated routine—in fact, it’s often about simplifying and being intentional with the products you choose. The goal is to replenish what the barrier loses (like lipids and hydration), avoid further irritation, and strengthen its natural defenses. Here are our recommended ways to support your skin barrier for glowing, balanced skin:

1. Gentle, pH-Balanced Cleansing

Harsh cleansers can strip away your skin’s natural oils and disrupt its delicate pH balance, leaving the barrier vulnerable. Opt for plant-based, sulfate-free cleansers that gently remove impurities without compromising essential moisture. Look for formulations with skin-friendly pH levels between 4.5 and 6.5 to maintain barrier integrity.

2. Incorporate Lipid-Rich Hydrators

To replenish the fats that form the “mortar” of the skin barrier, include products rich in plant-based lipids. These ingredients mimic the skin’s natural sebum, helping to repair gaps in the lipid barrier and lock in moisture.

• Jojoba Oil – Mimics skin’s natural sebum for balanced moisture.
• Meadowfoam Seed Oil – Provides a breathable seal of hydration without clogging pores.
• Sunflower Oil – Rich in linoleic acid, essential for barrier repair.
• Olive Oil – A lightweight lipid that replenishes skin’s moisture barrier.

3. Use Humectants and Ceramides

Hydration is key to barrier repair, and humectants are ingredients that draw water into the skin. We recommend incorporating ingredients like organic glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera as they deeply hydrate, plump, smooth and soothe skin.

Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that make up over 50% of the skin’s barrier composition. Skincare products formulated with ceramides help fill gaps in a compromised barrier, enhancing moisture retention and overall skin resilience.

Combining humectants with lipids or ceramides ensures moisture is not only drawn into the skin but sealed in for lasting hydration.

4. Add Antioxidants for Extra Protection

Protecting the barrier from oxidative stress is just as important as replenishing it. Include antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols into your daily routine to nourish and protect. These antioxidant-rich ingredients help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation and support the integrity of the skin barrier.

5. Avoid Over-Exfoliation

While gentle exfoliation is beneficial, over-exfoliating with strong acids or scrubs can erode the barrier. Limit exfoliating treatments or facial masks to once maybe twice a week, and prioritize mild exfoliants like lactic acid or enzyme-based formulas that respect the skin’s balance.

6. Incorporate Soothing Agents

Barrier-compromised skin often needs calming care. Ingredients like organic oats, calendula, chamomile, and panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) can reduce irritation and support the skin’s natural healing processes.

Niacinamide is a multi-functional ingredient that helps strengthen barrier function, reduce redness, regulate oil production, and improve skin tone. This ingredient is especially beneficial for sensitive or reactive skin types.

7. Protect with Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Daily UV exposure is one of the fastest ways to break down the skin barrier. Make broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher a non-negotiable step in your morning routine to protect against UV-induced lipid oxidation and barrier damage.

When it comes to nurturing and repairing your skin barrier, ingredient choice matters. Look for formulations that focus on replenishing lipids, attracting hydration, and protecting against environmental stressors.