How well do you know the skin barrier? Here are a few common myths and questions we get about it!

True. Over-cleansing can break down the skin's natural oils and destroy skin barrier function. A compromised skin barrier can cause breakouts, redness, and decrease your skin’s natural resistance to UVA and UVB rays.

Typically it takes anywhere from two weeks to a month to repair your skin barrier. Key signs of a healing skin barrier are less inflammation, dehydration, flakiness, and redness.

No. Ceramides are fats that help form the skin barrier and retain moisture. Ceramides are actually a great ingredient to use when repairing a damaged skin barrier because they help to heal it.

No. The safest bet is to take a break from actives while your skin barrier is compromised. Actives can sensitize the skin further and worsen the damage if used incorrectly. A few examples of actives are exfoliators like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, brightening ingredients like vitamin C, and ingredients like retinol.

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($128) is rich cream that helps to restore the essential lipids in the skin. It’s also formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that help fight free-radical damage.

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream ($13) is a fan-favorite product because it’s rich in ceramides to help restore and protect the skin barrier and is also available at the drugstore!

We’re big fans of the Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream ($50). As the name suggests, it’s rich moisturizer that’s formulated with lipids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid that work to hydrate, firm, and plump the skin.

Obviously we had to include the Plant Ceramide Rich Moisture Cream ($25) from Susan Yara’s brand NATURIUM. The plant-derived ceramides help to fight dry skin and strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

What products do you love that strengthen the skin barrier? Share in the comments!