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After summer, your skin may need a little rest. Sun, heat, air conditioning, salt water and chlorine can dry out the skin and may put extra strain on the skin barrier. Instead of immediately turning to powerful active ingredients, this is the time to go back to basics. A gentle, supportive routine helps the skin feel comfortable again and regain its balance.
In recent years, active ingredients such as retinol, exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA) and vitamin C have become increasingly popular. These ingredients can certainly offer many benefits for the skin, but an extensive routine with several powerful ingredients is not always the best choice if you first want to strengthen your skin barrier.
Back to Basics therefore does not necessarily mean less effective skincare, but consciously choosing what your skin needs at that moment. A strong skin barrier often forms the foundation on which every effective skincare routine is built.
Barrier Care Checklist
Healthy skin starts with a strong skin barrier. Use this checklist to discover whether your routine is giving your skin the support it needs.
Cleansing
Hydration
Supporting the skin barrier
Active ingredients
Listening to your skin
From within
Which ingredients support the skin barrier?
There are several ingredients known for their hydrating, soothing or skin barrier-supporting properties. Here are 5 ingredients that can be effective in supporting the skin barrier:
Ceramides naturally occur in the skin and form an important part of the skin’s lipids. They help support the skin barrier and contribute to reducing moisture loss.
Panthenol is known for its hydrating and soothing properties and helps the skin feel comfortable.
Centella asiatica is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare because of its soothing properties. It supports the skin and is suitable for sensitive or unbalanced skin.
Beta-glucan is a powerful hydrating ingredient that helps retain moisture and keeps the skin feeling comfortable.
Hyaluronic acid helps attract water and contributes to well-hydrated skin. When combined with a supportive cream, it helps keep the skin comfortable and supple.
Which products help restore the skin barrier?
Barrier care is all about supporting the skin and replenishing moisture. You can do this with products that hydrate, soothe and help strengthen the skin barrier, such as a hydrating toner, an essence, a serum, a nourishing moisturiser or a caring mask.
Brands known for barrier care
Within Korean skincare, several brands have specialised in supporting the skin barrier for many years. Here are a few examples:
The perfect products for barrier care
Discover our favourites and scroll through the products.
Frequently asked questions about Barrier Care
Still have questions about supporting your skin barrier? Below, we answer some frequently asked questions.
How do I know if my skin barrier is out of balance?+
A skin barrier that is out of balance can show itself in several ways. Your skin may feel drier, tighter or more sensitive and may react more quickly to products. Redness, a rough skin texture or a dull appearance can also be possible signs.
Should I stop using active ingredients if my skin feels sensitive?+
When your skin feels particularly sensitive or irritated, it may be helpful to temporarily simplify your routine and reduce or pause the use of powerful active ingredients such as exfoliating acids or retinoids. Once your skin feels comfortable again, you can gradually reintroduce these products.
How long does it take for my skin barrier to regain its balance?+
This varies from person to person and depends, among other things, on the cause and the extent to which the skin is out of balance. Give your skin time and choose a consistent, gentle routine that feels comfortable.
Hopefully, this blog has helped you put together the perfect barrier care routine and you have checked everything off the checklist!
With love for skincare,
Little Wonderland.
