Does your skin look more sensitive than usual? Maybe you’re noticing excessive dryness, or your go-to skincare routine is beginning to irritate the look of your skin? If you’ve checked off some (or all) of these boxes, you could be dealing with a damaged skin barrier.

If your barrier isn’t working like it should, we’re here to help. Discover everything you need to know about this protective layer—and what to expect when it’s damaged. Plus, learn how to help repair and strengthen your barrier with 6 essential routine tips.

Featured above: Global Education Digital Manager, Kindra Mone and Global Product Development Director, Chloe Leeds.

What is a skin barrier?

Your skin has two main layers: the dermis and the epidermis. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, forms your skin barrier.

Why is your skin barrier so important? Imagine it as the armor that shields your skin. It’s the first layer of defense between your skin and external aggressors. It helps keep the bad things out (like pollution and skin-damaging free radicals) and the good stuff in (like skin’s natural moisture).

What causes a damaged skin barrier?

Think of it this way: Like a shield of armor, skin can weaken when it’s damaged. Factors like over-exfoliating or cleansing and harsh skincare formulas can impair your barrier. Environmental stressors like free radicals or sun damage can also disrupt this protective shield.

How do I know if I have a damaged skin barrier?

LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS LIKE:
• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Rough skin texture
• Increased sensitivity, such as visible redness or irritation
• Enhanced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

If you’re noticing any of these skin concerns, it could be a sign that your barrier needs a bit of TLC.

How can I help strengthen and repair my skin barrier?

BE GENTLE
If you’re dealing with a damaged skin barrier, a common concern is excessive dryness and loss of moisture. That’s why choosing gentle formulas that replenish (and don’t strip) the skin is essential. Start with the first step in your skincare regimen: cleanser.

A gentle cleanser can remove dirt, oil pollutants and other irritants from your skin that can damage your barrier. Advanced Night Cleansing Gelée is a barrier-friendly favorite. It’s formulated with 15 amino acids that are naturally found in skin's protective layers. Use it day and night to wash away makeup and impurities from skin’s surface—without stripping away essential moisture.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN WITH SPF
Excessive sun exposure can impact your skin (premature signs of aging, dark spots and more). But did you know UV rays can also damage your skin barrier?

Pro Tip: Opt for a sunscreen with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection, like our Perfectionist Pro UV Gel SPF 50. It helps prevent UV damage, but also contains antioxidants that help protect skin from the visible effects of pollution, free radical damage and other irritants.
 

SOOTHE SKIN WITH A TREATMENT LOTION
Help optimize and strengthen your barrier with a treatment lotion formula made with double barrier power like Micro Essence Treatment Lotion with Bio-Ferment. This soothing, fortifying lotion helps improve the common signs of a damaged barrier (loss of moisture, visible redness and, irritation). Plus, it gives dull, tired-looking skin a boost of radiance. 

ADD A REPAIR SERUM TO YOUR ROUTINE
Your barrier-strengthening routine could always use a repair serum. In fact, our Advanced Night Repair Serum provides +22% barrier repair in just 2 hours*. Not to mention: The multi-tasking serum provides 7 other night-renewal actions for more youthful-looking skin.

*Clinical testing on 23 women, measured 2 hours after a single product application.

MOISTURIZE
Boost your skin’s hydration by using a moisturizer like Revitalizing Supreme+ daily. This indulgent cream strengthens skin’s vital moisture barrier. Made with nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, it saturates skin with 72-hour hydration.

REVITALIZE YOUR SKIN AT NIGHT
Did you know that skin naturally repairs while you sleep? That makes night the perfect time to optimize your routine for powerful barrier repair benefits.

Upgrade your nighttime regimen with formulas made to aid in skin’s visible recovery, like our Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment. This cushioning leave-on treatment features a 13% Lipid Infusion that aids in barrier recovery while you sleep.

Want more skincare tips? Chat Live with an Estée Expert or take our Skincare Quiz to find the perfect routine for you.