Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash
Most of us know that the skin is made up of a combination of different layers, which all perform their own function, but you may not know what the top layer, or barrier, is and does. Simply put, the skin barrier is a watertight seal that keeps the outermost layers of skin smoothly together. When these outer layers are healthy, skin feels soft, supple and plump. But if these outer layers are damaged, skin may look dull and feel rough or dry, which is why it’s so important to use products which protect and perfect the skin’s barrier. Here are just five of them:
This Works In Transit Pollution Shield
Pollution, such as fumes from cars and other traffic, is notorious for settling on the skin and degrading the natural barrier, which can lead to other skin issues. This Works In Transit Pollution Shield contains a natural super-blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming camomile extract and aloe vera to help reduce the appearance of redness and irritation, as well as a polysaccharide to trap carbon particles, heavy metals and particulate matter in an invisible skin veil. It can be misted onto skin either before or after make up to provide a physical barrier against daily aggressors and atmospheric pollution.
Elemis Clarifying Serum
Oily skin can create its own issues when it comes to your skin’s barrier – blemishes, visible pores and blackheads are a particular nuisance and redness can be a leftover of dealing with spots. This serum contains a polysaccharide shield that helps limit adhesion of bacteria on the skin’s surface which can cause blemishes. Skin is left looking calmer, clearer and more even with improved texture and smoothness.
Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair
Dermalogica UltraCalming™ Barrier Repair is a unique waterless moisturiser that melts gently into sensitised skin to soothe and help repair damage from environmental aggression. It contains sme excellent natural ingredients, such as oat kernel oil, evening primrose oil and borage seed oil which combine to reduce irritation and reinforce the barrier lipid layer.
Decleor Antidote Serum
Decleor Antidote Serum is a 97% natural-origin product for smooth and glowing skin with hyaluronic acid. It strengthens the skin’s barrier and protects it from daily aggressions, such as pollution by combining a blend of essential oils, including peppermint, sandalwood and patchouli. It reinforces the skin’s natural barrier, refines texture and leaves your skin looking moisturised, supple, and healthy.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
When the skin’s barrier starts to break down, the signs of ageing can start to advance, making it harder to control the decline. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream helps minimise the signs of ageing you can see, and the ones you can’t see yet all while strengthening the skin’s protective barrier. It relies on Retinol Tri-Active Technology, a retinol booster for ongoing transformative results to help minimise the appearance of lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more refined texture.