From peptides to plumpers, discover the ultimate barrier-loving skincare routine
This article is sponsored by CeraVe, e.l.f. SKIN, Drunk Elephant, Sol de Janeiro, Origins & Ole Henriksen
You’ve probably heard the term ‘skin barrier’ buzzing around the beauty world, but what does it actually mean? This delicate yet vital function exists in the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of your skin. It acts as your body’s first line of defence against environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV rays, inflammation and toxins – basically all the nasties out there!
When your skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to increased sensitivity and issues like irritation, dryness and flakiness. A damaged barrier can also struggle to retain essential moisture and protect against external stressors, making your skin more susceptible to further damage from things like harsh weather, excessive sun exposure and poor skincare choices.
The good news is, you can help support your skin barrier by taking care of your skin and maintaining a consistent routine using barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and squalane. Not only does this enhance your skin’s health, but it can also improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration – sounds good, right?
If you’re ready to discover how to repair and maintain your skin barrier, follow this step-by-step guide to build your perfect routine.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. As well as gently removing dirt, oil and make-up that accumulate throughout the day, cleansers help to rebalance and nourish your complexion, promoting clear, healthy-looking and radiant skin.
Top tip: Always cleanse with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip the skin of moisture and damage its natural barrier, while cold water can cause irritation.
Try: CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin
• Size: 236ml
• Refreshing gel-to-foam cleanser
• Ideal for blemish-prone skin
This gentle cleanser effectively removes dirt, impurities and excess oils without stripping the skin of moisture. It penetrates pores to eliminate the cause of spots and blemishes while respecting the skin’s natural barrier. You’ll be left with skin that feels refreshed, clean and comfortable!
Step 2: Moisturise
Moisturising is the essential second step in your barrier-loving skincare routine. A good moisturiser locks in hydration while relieving any feelings of tightness or irritation, helping to repair your skin barrier and promote a youthful-looking appearance.
Try: e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Face Cream
• Size: 50ml
• With hyaluronic acid & peptides
• Illuminates & hydrates skin
This silky-smooth cream maintains the skin’s moisture balance while protecting it with skin-supporting peptides. Packed with powerful ingredients including squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it quickly absorbs to nourish your skin. Get ready for plumped-up, balanced and hydrated skin that feels as fabulous as it looks!
Try: Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Supports skin’s natural pH balance
• Hydrates & plumps skin
Drunk Elephant’s protein-rich moisturiser is a total game-changer! Packed with a powerful blend of signal peptides and amino acids, it works wonders to visibly improve skin’s tone, texture and firmness. Fine lines, wrinkles and signs of sun damage appear reduced, while your skin feels strengthened and deeply moisturised.
Try: Sol de Janeiro Delícia Drench Body Butter
• Size: 150ml
• Whipped, ultra-rich body butter
• Locks in long-lasting moisture
Pamper your skin from head to toe with this luxurious body butter. Formulated with high-quality Brazilian ingredients, it works to repair the skin’s protective barrier and support the skin’s natural microbiome, leaving it healthier and softer – a win-win!
Step 3: Plump
A healthy skin barrier looks plump, hydrated and smooth. Incorporating these plumping products into your routine can help you achieve a youthful-looking, radiant glow.
Try: Origins Youthtopia™ Peptide Plumping Apple Cream
• Size: 50ml
• For smooth, plump & bouncy skin
• 100% saw an immediate boost in skin-plumping moisture*
Protect your skin’s future with this bounce-boosting peptide moisturiser. Powered by apple stem cell extract and apple peel ferment, it increases skin’s surface renewal to help keep it looking fresh. Plus, this plumping powerhouse also strengthens the skin’s barrier and minimises the look of pores, making it the perfect addition to your skincare routine!
Try: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment: Crème Brulee
• Size: 12ml
• Powered by lip-specific peptides
• Brightens & revives dull lips
Enriched with skin-strengthening peptides and kokum butter, this ultra-nourishing lip treatment instantly plumps lips with hydration and smooths fine lines, delivering clinically fuller-looking lips in just one week.** And the best part? It features a gorgeous beige nude tint that smells like caramelised sugar!
Step 4: SPF
Regardless of the weather or temperature, applying SPF should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine. This is especially important if your skin barrier is compromised, as the sun’s UV rays can pose a significant threat to your skin’s health. UV exposure can accelerate the skin ageing process, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, and it can also cause dark spots that result in an uneven skin tone. Plus, without proper protection, your risk of developing skin cancer increases.
A good sunscreen acts as a protective shield, enhancing the effectiveness of all your other products while creating an invisible barrier against preventable skin damage. To safeguard your skin effectively, explore our SPF range here and get ready to defend your skin.
Now that you’re better informed about the ideal products to help repair and maintain a healthy skin barrier, remember that patience is key! Expect to see results in three to four months as your skin heals and returns to a healthier state.
