A:

Your skin barrier is your body’s first line of defence - a thin, protective layer that locks in moisture, defends against irritants and keeps your complexion looking healthy. When it’s strong, your skin feels smooth, comfortable, and hydrated. But when it’s compromised? Expect dryness, redness, and irritation. 

Why is my skin barrier so important?

A healthy barrier helps your skin feel comfortable and look naturally radiant. It holds moisture, helps prevent dullness and supports an even tone. When weakened, skin can become textured and more prone to breakouts. Over time, repeated barrier damage can also make fine lines and other signs of ageing more noticeable.

What everyday habits might be weakening it?

Regime habits

1. Over Cleansing

We all love that fresh, clean feeling after washing our face, but overdoing it can put your skin barrier at risk. Washing more than twice a day or using cleansers formulated with harsh surfactants can strip away natural oils your skin needs to stay balanced.

Barrier-friendly swap: Use a nourishing formula like our Oat Milk Cream Cleanser to gently lift away impurities without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. 

2. Skipping SPF

Even though summer is coming to an end, it doesn’t mean you should be packing away the sunscreen. UV damage is one of the leading causes of premature ageing and weakening your skin barrier, making SPF a year-round essential for healthy, protected skin.

Barrier-friendly swap: Choose a skin-first daily SPF that not only protects but also hydrates. In a user trial, 91% of people agreed our Squalane SPF 50 Hydrating Daily Sunscreen gave the same level of moisturisation they would expect from a daily moisturiser.

3. Using Hot Water

Hot showers might feel relaxing, but your skin disagrees. Washing with hot water strips the skin of the natural oils that maintain your barrier’s integrity, leaving the skin more prone to redness, dryness and irritation over time. 

Barrier-friendly swap: Opt for lukewarm water when cleansing your skin. 

Lifestyle Habits 

1. Poor diet

Diets low in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins (like A, C, and E) deprive the skin of the building blocks it needs for repair. A deficiency in healthy fats can leave the skin feeling dry and dehydrated.

Barrier-friendly swap:Add foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds for healthy fats, along with colourful fruits and veggies for an antioxidant boost.

2. Lack of sleep

During deep sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, boosting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen needed for repair. Not getting enough rest reduces this process, impairing barrier recovery and leaving skin looking dull, tired, and more reactive. 

Barrier-friendly swap: Create a calming night-time routine that helps you unwind - swap screens for reading or stretching and aim for a consistent bedtime. 

3. Pollution exposure 

Airborne pollutants, such as car exhaust and industrial emissions, generate free radicals that damage healthy skin cells and, over time, compromise your barrier. 

Barrier-friendly swap: Defend against free radicals with an antioxidant-rich serum, like our Vitamin C Brightening Serum.. 

The bottom-line 

A strong skin barrier means healthier, happier skin, and small, consistent changes can make the biggest difference. By being mindful of how you cleanse, protect, and care for your skin (inside and out), you can keep that protective shield at its best.

Until next time,

Erin @ Team Q+A