Hey Reader!
Fading dark spots and evening out your skin tone is a harsh process on your skin. If you incorporate all of the suggestions to build the perfect brightening routine then you will be accelerating the production of skin cells and removing layers of your skin. All of these processes can be really rough on your skin, particularly your skin’s barrier. So let’s jump into the final step of– Building Your Brightening Routine Part 5: Tender Love and Barrier Repair.
So during this process, your skin can start feeling rough and irritated. And being proactive to incorporate a barrier repair and rest day into your routine is a GREAT step in a brightening routine.
✨Your Skin’s Barrier✨
The outer layers of the skin are commonly referred to as your skin barrier. If you imagine your skin as a fortress, and the skin barrier as the protective wall. This shield protects us from environmental stressors like pollution, toxins, and even dehydration. But harsh weather, harsh products, and even stress can weaken this barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable and cranky.
✨Signs Your Barrier Might Be Irritated✨
- Dryness and flaky patches ️
- Redness and irritation
- Increased sensitivity
✨Meet the Cavalry: Barrier Repair Creams to the Rescue!✨
Think of these creams as expert masons, rebuilding your skin’s wall brick by brick. They’re packed with nourishing ingredients like:
- Ceramides: The essential building blocks of the barrier, they fill in the gaps and strengthen its structure.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This moisture magnet attracts and retains hydration, plumping up your skin from within.
- Fatty Acids: They provide a protective layer, locking in moisture and keeping irritants out.
✨Finding Your Perfect Armor: Choosing the Right Cream✨
Not all barrier repair creams are created equal! Consider your skin type and concerns:
- Dry Skin: Look for creams rich in ceramides and humectants like hyaluronic acid.
- Oily Skin: Choose lighter formulas with oil-balancing ingredients like niacinamide.
- Sensitive Skin: Opt for fragrance-free, gentle creams with soothing ingredients like oatmeal or Centella Asiatica.
✨Some of My Favorite Barrier Repair Creams of 2024✨
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: A classic drugstore favorite, perfect for dry and sensitive skin. It contains restorative ceramides, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and a patented technology to deliver moisture over 24 hours. (Price: $15.00)
| Buy It ($15) |
The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum: Another affordable powerhouse with soothing Centella Asiatica, restorative ceramides, and antioxidant Vitamin B12.
| Buy It ($17) |
Drunk Elephant Bora BarrierTM Repair Cream: This is one of Drunk Elephant’s newest drops for 2024! A rich, soothing cream for very dry and irritated skin. It contains restorative ceramides, tons of lips, antioxidant Vitamin E, regenerative peptides, and moisturizing alpha-glucan. (Price: $69.00)
| Buy It ($69) |
Want To Learn Even More?
Check out these articles on Relatable Science.com that break down the science of these ingredients further and tell you exactly how to incorporate them into your routine.
We love hearing from you! Share your favorite barrier repair cream picks or any skincare questions you have in the comments below.
Wishing you a luminous and radiant February; until next week!
Allison