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What is the skin barrier? -

Your skin is composed of several layers, and your skin barrier, also called your moisture barrier, is the outermost one. Its job is to keep bad things like irritants out and good things like hydration in.

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What causes a damaged skin barrier? -

The skin barrier can easily become damaged, which can lead to dehydration and irritation. Most of the damage comes from stripping the skin of its natural oils with harsh cleansers, scrubs, waxing, and even some DIY products.

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What are the signs of a damaged skin barrier? -

It’s easy to detect a compromised barrier. It will feel and look irritated overall, with scaly texture, itching, and inflammation. Another sign is that you experience stinging and burning when applying nonactive products like cleansers or hydrating serums.

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How to repair it -

The good thing is it’s a pretty straightforward process to reverse the damage. And there are both external and internal factors that will help you get your luminous skin back.

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Introduce some Vaseline -

One of the first things you can do to help reverse a damaged skin barrier is to keep your skincare routine super simple for the next two to three weeks. Allow your skin to renew itself with Vaseline and avoid using makeup.

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Avoid active products -

During this time, skip active products and ingredients like exfoliants, retinol, and even vitamin C, as these will be too tough on the irritated skin.

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Moisture is key -

Focus on healing, hydrating, nourishing creams that soothe and calm damaged skin. These will restore and give back moisture to the skin barrier.

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Drink water -

Internal hydration is also key for good skin and the most obvious rule to follow. Keep a glass or a bottle of water next to you so you don't forget to drink up. You can also switch it up by drinking some herbal tea as well.

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Apply your skincare in the correct order -

Make sure you're applying your skincare in the correct order. The sequence in which you apply your products could be even more important than the products themselves.

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Invest in a face mist -

Invest in a skin-soothing face mist to keep your face hydrated at all times, especially during hot weather. Mist regularly to keep your skin barrier happy and healthy.

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Amp up on nutrients -

To help skin repair, it's imperative to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients and vitamins. Think of berries, salmon, and dark leafy greens, for example.

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Stop playing chemist -

After properly repairing your skin barrier, you want to focus on repairing and strengthening it to avoid future damage. The secret to do so is to stop playing chemist and know what you're using on your face.

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Exercise -

Staying active is a great way to improve your skin. Try doing at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, as the endorphins will help your skin repair each night.

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Use hyaluronic acid -

If your skin is in need of hydration, use a moisturizer or serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid. This heavy-hitting formula can hold up to 100 times its own weight in water, meaning it’ll draw water into every layer of the skin and hold it there.

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Cut back on alcohol -

Alcohol causes your skin to fade from its glow, because it deprives the skin of vitamin A by preventing its absorption. Alcohol causes the skin to dehydrate, leading to inflammation and more prominent lines.

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Improve the moisture -

If your skin’s extra dry, then your skincare routine may not be to blame. Try infusing your bedroom air with a little extra moisture by getting a humidifier. They are also great for a little extra home decor.

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Use a non-soap cleanser -

Cleaning your skin is super important, so consider using a gentle, non-soap cleanser. Pay particular attention to barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, glycerine, and centella.

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Don't overdo your skincare routine -

Many people are overdoing it with their skincare routines and harming themselves in the process. Take the time to understand your skin issues in order to address them one by one and not all simultaneously.

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Say no to sugar -

We all know sugar is bad, and it can even have a negative impact on your skin. In general, sugar ages your skin, and it causes acne from the insulin increase when consuming it.

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Avoid long, hot showers -

A steamy shower may feel great when it’s cold, but it's horrible for your skin. Not only does the heat strip the skin's beneficial natural oils, but it creates a mild burn. Blood vessels respond by dilating in an effort to cool the skin, and this causes your skin to look red.

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Use a muslin cloth when cleansing -

Muslin cloths are great for more gentle exfoliation. Soak it with warm water and wipe the face using outward and upward motions. This will leave the skin soft and silky.

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Avoid adding new products all at once -

If you’re adding new products to your routine, introduce them one at a time, and be especially careful with the ones with active ingredients. This will save your skin barrier in the process.

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Cut down on cheese -

Dairy is known to aggravate skin, particularly pasteurized dairy that has been proven to promote acne. So do consider cutting it from your diet.

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Stop touching your face -

Aside from the hygiene reasons, not touching and picking your face helps keep your complexion clear.  So if you frequently touch your face and seem to be getting spots in areas like your jaw, this could be the reason.

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Stick to a consistent sleep schedule -

Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule for at least seven to eight hours per night. This will help your skin repair and have you waking up looking refreshed. Skin cells regenerate the most when we’re sleeping, so it's important to let them do their job.

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Cut the gluten -

Wheat seems to be the big problem with it comes to skin and even sleeping. So cutting down on wheat can make a big difference in your complexion.

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Always cleanse before bed -

Make sure to clean your face with a sensitive cleanser before bed. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin doesn't just clog pores, it can also cause excessive dryness and breakouts.

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Take probiotic -

A healthy gut is key for beautiful skin. If you have healthy digestion, it means you have effective absorption of vitamins and minerals. These vitamins and minerals are essential for skin repair.

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Don't forget to apply SPF daily -

You're probably tired of hearing this, but it can't be stressed enough: always apply SPF. Wearing sunblock is one of the most important factors when it comes to flawless skin. It will prevent damage and keep your skin staying luminous in the long run.

Sources: (Glamour) (Women's Health) (Best Health)

See also: Holistic skincare rules to live by

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