Damaged skin 101: Common symptoms
A damaged skin barrier can manifest itself in various ways. Some common symptoms to help you identify if your skin's barrier has been compromised include:
Dryness and flakiness: Skin that feels rough, tight, and appears flaky may indicate a weakened barrier.
Redness and sensitivity: Increased sensitivity and redness, often accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation, are common signs of barrier damage.
Breakouts: The formation of impurities can accelerate when the skin barrier is compromised, as it becomes less effective at keeping out breakout-causing bacteria.
Uneven texture: Damaged skin may develop an uneven texture with noticeable bumps or rough patches.
Increased sensitivity to products: Products that once suited your skin may now cause irritation or discomfort.
As you may have discovered, the common denominator for these symptoms are that they are very uncomfortable and can affect both our confidence and overall well-being. Luckily, they aren’t permanent – it’s all about taking the right approaches to cater for your skin’s needs and optimize its properties.
So, now that you’re a bit more fluent in your skin’s language, let's explore how to restore it effectively.
Restoring steps for imbalanced skin
Accommodating your skin should never be neither complicated nor difficult. Therefore, we’ve highlighted some simple but vital steps that can help speed up your skin’s healing process and maybe even leave it stronger than initially. Because that’s what your skincare should do: Optimize. Protect. Nourish.
So, let’s introduce you to the steps (and products) that can make the whole difference. And remember: It’s not a complete routine, so take a moment to investigate your skin’s specific needs and then dive into indulgence.
Gentle cleansers: Start by switching to a mild, sulfate-free cleanser, as harsh cleansers can further strip your skin's protective oils, exacerbating the concern. If you’re looking for a richer, more dewy consistency, turn your attention to our oil-based and buttery soft Cleansing Balm with 100% natural cleansing agents and protective antioxidant properties. We use this wonderworker all year in our double cleansing ritual, but especially benefit from it around autumn and the winter months to make sure our skin gets maximum hydration to keep its surface smooth and supple.
Antioxidants: Incorporate products with antioxidants like vitamin C and E into your routine. These combat free radicals and protect your skin from oxidative stress, promoting the restoring processes. Our Vitamin E Serum is formulated with regenerating pseudoalteromonas extract, intensely hydrating sodium PCA, and protective vitamin E that helps neutralize free radicals while providing the skin with restoring properties. Add it to your skincare regimen to experience its wonderful effects on your own skin.
Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a moisture magnet that hydrates the skin, helping to restore its suppleness and resilience. Douse your skin in its versatile benefits with our hydration-boosting Intense Hyaluronic Mask.
Moisturizers: Opt for a hydrating moisturizer with ingredients that help to lock in moisture and restore the skin's barrier. Luckily, all our facial moisturizers are enriched with the moisture-binding ingredient hyaluronic acid, making it all up to you to pick your favorite.
Sunscreen: Always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen, like our SPFs, to shield your skin from further UV damage. UV rays can weaken the barrier and cause numerous types of skin damage, so protection is (always) crucial, no matter the season.
Niacinamide: While niacinamide may not directly restore a severely compromised barrier or reverse extensive skin damage on its own, it can be a valuable component in a routine aimed at improving overall skin health and addressing certain types of damage. This is mainly due to its ability to enhance the skin’s barrier function by stimulating the production of ceramides, which are lipids that are essential for a healthy barrier – and a stronger barrier is better equipped to protect the skin from external stressors. Moreover, niacinamide can improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is essential for restoring and maintaining a healthy barrier, as well-hydrated skin is less prone to damage. Get these benefits (and more!) from our refreshing Niacinamide Lifting Mist.
Damaged skin SOS: Simply put
In conclusion, restoring damaged skin requires two things: patience and the right products. Identifying the signs of a compromised skin barrier early on is key, as is adopting a skincare routine that includes gentle cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, and restoring ingredients. With consistent care and the right products, your skin can regain its natural strength and vitality, ensuring the healthy and radiant complexion we dream of.
