A Rainbow Prescription for a Damaged Skin Barrier

The skin barrier, otherwise known as the "moisture barrier" is a term used to describe the top layer of your skin. Its two main roles: keeping the good stuff in and the nasty stuff out. 

The skin moisture barrier protects the body from physical toxins like pollution and ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure. It also helps the body to retain natural moisture by preventing transepidermal water loss.

A healthy skin barrier is key to obtaining hydrated, glowing skin. Unfortunately, everything from too much sun exposure to over-exfoliation and stress can affect your skin barrier. Other culprits include stress, over-cleansing, and lack of sleep.

To ensure your skin barrier functions in the best possible way, here's our prescription for a damaged skin barrier.

SIGNS OF A DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER

When your skin barrier isn't functioning properly, it may present in several ways, including:

• Rosacea and eczema
• Itchy, dry skin
• Discolored patches
• Hyperpigmentation
• Skin infections
• Acne 
• Delayed wound healing

The good news is, there are some things you can do to rescue your skin barrier. 

HOW TO RESTORE YOUR SKIN BARRIER

#1: Strip Down Your Skincare Routine

If your current regimen comprises of half a dozen or more skincare products, you may be actively weakening your skin barrier. Give it some time to rest and recuperate by simplifying your skincare routine.

That means sticking to the basics like cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF, and temporarily avoiding acids (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, etc.), retinols, exfoliants, and astringent toners.

Consider talking to a dermatologist about which products are essential and most effective for your skin.

#2: Use a Gentle Cleanser

Washing your face is a healthy daily skincare habit that must not be missed. However, it's not so healthy if you're using a harsh, drying cleanser that strips your skin of natural oils and causes dryness and flakiness.

Stick to a hydrating cleanser formulated for your skin type to maintain skin health and boost barrier repair. 

#3: Apply a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

When it comes to nourishing dry, damaged skin, humectants help a lot. Humectants work by drawing water from the air or body, increasing the skin's water content, and keeping skin hydrated. 

Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are the most well-known humectants in serums and lotions. Although hyaluronic acid is the most powerful for locking in moisture and keeping the stratum corneum protected. 

Repair your skin barrier with Rainbow's Hydrate Bundle. It features a face serum and face mask formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to visibly plump, regenerate damaged skin cells, and hydrate for an all-over healthy glow.

#4: Try a Plant Oil

According to research from 2018, certain plant oils may help repair the skin barrier and prevent it from losing moisture. In addition to their hydrating effects, most of these plant oils have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, too. 

Some of the best plant oils to use on your skin include jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, rosehip oil, argan oil, and sunflower oil.

These are especially good for sensitive skin, as they're much less likely to cause irritation or breakouts than other skincare ingredients.

#5: Use Formulations Containing Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids found in the stratum corneum and responsible for the healthy functioning of your skin barrier.

Research shows that products containing ceramides may help improve dryness, scaling, rashes, and itchiness caused by a damaged skin barrier. 

Opt for a ceramide-rich moisturizer to help strengthen your skin barrier. Studies show these formulations may also be beneficial for acne-prone skin as they can be helpful in treating and preventing blemishes. 

#6: Add Vitamin C into Your Routine

According to dermatologists, vitamin C can soothe and help to speed up the healing process. 

Rainbow's Smooth Bundle features a serum and mask made with vitamin C and collagen to protect skin from free radicals while thickening the dermis to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Make this part of your daily routine to keep your skin barrier strong.

#7: Address Inflammation

If your skin is irritated, numerous things can exacerbate that irritation. We recommend keeping an eye on your skin each day to see how it's going and reacting to products. If you think you may be experiencing skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea, see a board-certified dermatologist to treat the inflammation.

Once your underlying conditions are managed, you'll be able to tolerate a wider range of skincare products.

Remember, if you experience any unpleasant side effects from products, such as dryness, itching, or breakouts, refrain from using. 

#8: Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Apply sunscreen every single day to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent it from damage. 

Even if your skin barrier is already damaged, it's still important to wear SPF daily to prevent it from weakening even more. Even when the sun isn't shining, if you're going outside, always apply a generous layer of sun protection to keep your skin healthy. 

Pair it with your vitamin C serum for extra protection!

#9: Get More Sleep

Sleep is a chance for your skin to repair and rejuvenate itself. When you lack sleep, your skin doesn't get the opportunity to repair, leaving it vulnerable to a whole host of issues including dryness, acne, and dullness. 

Start investing in your self-care routine by sleeping more, eating healthier, and releasing stress through yoga or meditation. Even wearing a face mask once or twice a week may help sustain you through another week.

Above all, take better care of yourself. It'll reflect in your complexion.

Your skin barrier serves a very important purpose for both your skin and body. It protects the bad stuff from getting in while keeping the good stuff in. The trouble is, many things can jeopardize the health of your skin barrier -- pollution, UV rays, certain skincare products, stress, and lack of sleep, to name a few.

By implementing these skin-barrier-friendly skincare products and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you give your skin barrier an opportunity to reset.

Keep this Rainbow prescription close so you can return to it whenever you feel your skin barrier slipping.