Revive Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier

The underlying cause of dry, irritated, and tight-feeling skin generally boils down to a problem with your skin’s moisture barrier. Moisture barrier damage requires more to correct than just slathering on some lotion or moisturizer. Fortunately, there are some easy fixes for reviving your skin’s moisture barrier and restoring your skin to its healthy, moist, and supple look.

What Is Your Skin’s Moisture Barrier?

The moisture barrier of your skin is the topmost protective layer of the skin anatomy. The protective layer helps the skin retain moisture, and it provides your skin with defense against environmental debris and bacteria. It consists of oils that bind the skin cells together, keeping your skin calm, healthy, and feeling soft. Damage to the moisture barrier from harsh cleansers, over-exfoliation, smoking, dry climates, medications, and more creates openings in the skin that are invisible to the naked eye. These tiny cracks allow irritants in and moisture out, resulting in dry and rough skin.

Is Your Moisture Barrier Damaged?

Your moisture barrier may need some extra attention and TLC if you experience any of the signs below:

  • Crepe skin and fine lines
  • Dehydration
  • Dryness
  • Flakiness
  • Increased breakouts
  • Itchiness
  • Peeling
  • Redness
  • Rosacea
  • Rough skin to the touch
  • Skin feels sensitive
  • Skin is easily irritated
  • Skin rashes such as eczema
  • Stinging or burning sensation after product application
  • Tight feeling

Best Moisturizing Practices

Reviving your skin after damage to your moisture barrier takes some work, but it is doable. Treat your skin the way you would a baby’s skin, meaning be as gentle as possible. Cut back on exfoliation, wash your skin in lukewarm water, wear sunscreen, and choose a gentle cleanser. Avoid fragranced skincare products, select a high-quality moisturizer or serum for daily use, and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

How Often Should You Moisturize?

When it comes to moisturizing, more is not always the right answer. Over-moisturizing can leave skin dull and lifeless. As a general rule, moisturize your skin morning and night. Applying moisturizer or face serum right after a bath or shower is the optimum time for application and leaves you feeling pampered.

Pamper yourself every day with spa products from Shira Esthetics. Our product lineup is natural and USDA-certified organic. For more information about our moisturizing products, browse our online store or visit one of our participating spa locations!