It’s 2023, so everyone has a 5-step skincare routine, right? Except for my bestie. Her routine has at least 24 steps which is a little overboard if you ask me.
I’m quite familiar with most of her products but when she introduced me to barrier repair creams, it pretty much changed my life. If you don’t know what these are or why you need them, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
What Is Skin Barrier?
Our skin has three layers: the epidermis (top), dermis (middle) and hypodermis (bottom). The epidermis is also known as the skin barrier, and its primary function is to act as a protective shield.
Without the skin barrier, harmful environmental toxins can penetrate your skin. Additionally, the water in your body will escape, leaving you extremely dehydrated. Combined, this ruins the texture and look of your skin, leaving it rough and patchy.
What Damages This Barrier?
- Harsh environmental conditions
- Too much sun exposure
- Over-exfoliation or over-washing
- Allergens and pollutants
How Do You Fix It?
With barrier repair creams! These products are loaded with ceramides that repair and moisturise your skin’s barrier and protect your skin from external aggressors such as weather and pollution.
So if you have a weak skin barrier because of over-exfoliation or extremely sensitive skin, these are exactly what you need for that dewy, fresh face.
Now I know everyone’s been talking about Alia Bhatt’s favourite D’You In My Defence Barrier Building Moisturiser, however, it’s a little too pricey for me since I’m on a budget.
Instead, here are a few of my personal favs that are easy on the pocket but more importantly, super easy on the skin!
My Top Picks:
The Dot and Key Barrier Repair Face Cream with Ceramides is so good, I’m literally on my second bottle! Formulated with ceramides, rice water, and hyaluronic acid, it protects your skin while hydrating it.
As an acne girl, I have a lot of faith in Bioderma so of course, I’m going to recommend their incredibly lightweight Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume. It reconstructs your skin barrier through lipids and proteins, relieves itching and kills that pesky urge to scratch your skin.
The Minimalist Ceramides 0.3% + Madecassoside moisturising gel is perfect for oily/combination skin. Formulated with ceramides (of course), masecassoside (fights inflammation) and ursolic acid (for skin elasticity) I just had to include this on the list.
Infused with peptides that support collagen growth, FormulaX’s Barrier Plus Moisturiser should be on your skincare bucket list. It is extremely moisturising, long-lasting and strengthens your skin barrier with a comfortable, buttery formula. I loved it, I’m sure you will too!
Last, on a more expensive note, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream has three essential ceramides that lock in moisture for long-lasting hydration, and maintain your skin’s natural barrier. It’s non-greasy, blendable, and super lightweight on your skin. It’s totally worth the price I think!
A fundamental part of any skincare routine in this day and age, barrier repair creams are perfect (read: essential) for people like me—troubled with easily irritable, acne-prone skin.
They’re the first step to minimise any potential damage your skin might have accumulated over the years. So trust me, try them out and happy healing!
Featured Image: Instagram
