Some skincare trends come and go (CBD anyone?), but learning how to care for your skin barrier is timeless—and essential.

What is the skin barrier?

Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, and it’s your body’s first line of defence. When it's healthy, you probably don’t give it much thought. But when it’s compromised? Oh, you’ll know.

Dryness. Redness. Stinging. Tightness.
Your skin suddenly feels like it hates everything, even your favourite moisturiser.

Think of your skin barrier like a fence around a field of sheep. When the fence is strong, the sheep (hydration) stay in and the foxes (irritants, pollution, bacteria) stay out. But if the fence is damaged—cue chaos.

What Damages the Skin Barrier?

Unfortunately, there are quite a few things that can disrupt your skin barrier. The key culprits include:

  • Over-cleansing
  • Overusing active ingredients (AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, etc.)
  • Drying soaps or SLS-based washes
  • Certain alcohol-based or heavily fragranced products
  • Environmental stressors like cold weather and central heating
  • Household irritants (e.g. washing powder, cleaning products)

Ever noticed your skin struggling more in winter? Now you know why.

How can you take care of your skin barrier?

To keep your barrier strong, you need a simple, soothing routine. Here's how to do it right:

1. Choose a Gentle Cleanser

Your cleanser is your first step, so don’t let it sabotage your skin. If your skin feels tight or dry after washing, it’s a red flag.

Try: Refreshing Face Wash
Formulated to hydrate, soften and balance—not strip—your skin. A rare foaming gel that actually supports your barrier.

2. Reassess Your Exfoliation

Dry or irritated skin doesn’t mean you have to skip exfoliation completely—but frequency and type matter.

Try: Radiance Face Scrub
Gentle, non-abrasive, and shea butter-based—perfect for maintaining glow without damaging your skin.

Tip: Watch out for layering too many actives across products (like having AHAs in your cleanser, toner andserum). It adds up fast.

3. Hydrate Like Your Skin Depends On It (Because It Does!)

After exfoliating or using actives, flood your skin with hydration.

Step 1: Mist with Hydrating Face Mist – packed with Hyaluronic Acid
Step 2: Apply Recovery Face Cream – seals hydration in and mimics your skin’s natural protective layer

This combo = like a big drink of water and a cosy blanket for your skin.

How can you support a damaged skin barrier?

If your skin’s barrier is already feeling fragile or inflamed, less is more is your new mantra.

Your SOS Skin Barrier Routine:

  1. Before showering: Apply Skin Saviour Balm around delicate areas (especially eyes) to protect from shampoo & hot water
  2. Cleanse gently: Use Refreshing Face Wash to remove residue and soothe irritation
  3. Hydrate: Mist with Hydrating Rose Mist (and keep it handy throughout the day!)
  4. Moisturise while damp: Layer Recovery Face Cream on damp skin to lock in hydration
  5. Protect & seal: Use a balm or moisturiser containing ceramides and nourishing oils

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