How can the damaged skin barrier be repaired?

External and internal factors challenge your skin barrier, each exerting a distinct impact on its health. Humidity and dryness may induce either swelling or dehydration, thereby disrupting its equilibrium. Overstimulation by allergens, irritants and pollutants leads to skin inflammation, redness and barrier damage. Excessive sun exposure degrades collagen fibres, accelerating the ageing process. Harsh skin-care products and emotional stress can also impair the barrier. Identifying these early signs is vital; only then can restoration of your skin barrier commence before conditions develop into serious issues such as eczema or acne flare-ups.

A healthy and strong skin barrier is a key component of your skin defence system, acting as a natural armour against environmental stressors, pollutants and microbes while retaining moisture. Once it becomes compromised, it gives rise to a range of distressing symptoms. Evidence of a damaged skin barrier includes dryness, red patches, tightness, heightened sensitivity to cosmetic products and, in some cases, breakouts or irritation. You may also find your skin feeling rough or flaky. These symptoms are common due to dehydration and a lack of protection from external irritants.

The skin barrier comprises four essential layers—physical, chemical, microbiological and immunological—each actively involved in maintaining its integrity and function. Disturbance of any layer can give rise to disorders such as atopic dermatitis, during which enhanced hydration becomes a pivotal component of therapy. Moisturisers assist in restoring equilibrium by increasing moisture levels, reinforcing the stratum corneum, fortifying the chemical barrier and shielding it from allergenic agents, thereby promoting overall recovery and cutaneous homeostasis. It is substantially easier to repair a compromised skin barrier when the underlying cause of damage is identified, although the steps outlined below should be advantageous in most cases.

Optimise your skin care regimen.

The skin barrier is compromised by the excessive use of products containing active ingredients. In contrast, a minimalist skin routine is an effective solution for repairing the skin barrier, generally focussed on hydration and protection, whilst using gentle cleansers and moisturisers.

Temporarily cease exfoliating.

Micro-tears, irritation and lack of moisture can result from over-exfoliation, whether physical or chemical, compromising the integrity of the skin barrier. In such circumstances, it is advisable to cease both physical and chemical exfoliation and concentrate on treatments containing nutrient-rich and hydrating agents to promote repair and prevent further damage.

Select a gentle cleansing agent.

The need for soap-free cleansers and therapeutic moisturisers is emphasised by their role in hydrating the skin, restoring the skin barrier and enhancing corticosteroid treatment outcomes. For example, choosing gentle sulphate-free formulations preserves the skin’s protective lipids and facilitates the rebalancing of its natural equilibrium. Adequate hydration is essential, so opt for moisturisers that contain soothing agents. Key humectants include glycerine, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, each contributing to barrier repair.

Apply Vegetable Oils to Restore the Skin Barrier.

The evidence supporting the beneficial effects of topical plant oils for skin health is grounded in barrier homeostasis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, enhanced wound healing, and antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Use emollients and humectants to maintain hydration.

Moisturisers and emollients act as connective tissue in the restoration of skin barrier function and alleviate dryness, particularly in conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Considering individualised moisturisers for specific skin abnormalities would further enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Optimise Your Diet to Support Skin Health.

Diet is another crucial factor that determines the health of the skin barrier. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can also help strengthen the skin’s barrier. Each of these measures supports the long-term maintenance of skin health by repairing skin-barrier damage. However, it is advisable to adopt these steps patiently, as recovery may range from one day to several months, depending on the severity of the damage. With a straightforward regimen of appropriate products, together with the necessary dietary adjustments, you will have everything required to restore the skin’s natural protection and even enhance its resilience against future stress.

• LODÉN M. Do moisturisers work? Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2003).

• LODÉN M. Role of topical emollients and moistururisers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2003).

• SUBRAMANYAN K. Role of mild cleansing in the management of patients’ skin. Dermatological Therapy (2004).

• CHEONG W. K. Gentle cleansing and moisturising for patients with atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2009).

• LEUNG D. Y. M. et al. Atopic dermatitis: A disorder characterised by an altered skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Immunological Reviews (2011).

• STAMATAS G. N. et al. The infant skin barrier: Can we preserve, protect and enhance the barrier? Dermatology Research and Practice (2012)

• EBERTING L. C. Repairing a compromised skin barrier in dermatitis: Harnessing the skin’s ability to heal itself. Journal of Allergy & Therapy (2014).

• KAMATH Y. et al. Effect of commercial cleansers on skin barrier permeability. Skin Research and Technology (2015).

• SANTIAGO J. L. & al. Anti-inflammatory and skin-barrier repair effects of the topical application of certain plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018).

• KATTA R. et al. Diet and Skin Barrier: The Role of Dietary Interventions in Skin Barrier Function. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2021).

• GAJBHIYE S. et al. Skin care via an exfoliation process. International Journal of Current Science (IJCSPUB) (2022).

• SHI V. et al. The skin barrier and moisturisation: Function, disruption, and mechanisms of repair. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2023).

• NAGENDRA K. S. Skin health: Understanding, maintaining and enhancing the skin barrier. Health Science Journal (2024).