The Truth About Over-Exfoliation
If you’ve been overdoing it with exfoliating products in hopes of achieving that perfect glow, you might actually be damaging your skin barrier. Here’s how to recognize and recover from over-exfoliation,...
Signs Your Skin Barrier Needs Help (And How to Repair It Fast)
Your skin barrier. It’s the unsung hero of your skincare routine, working hard to protect your skin from harmful bacteria, pollution, and moisture loss. But when it’s compromised, things can go south pretty quickly. So, how do you know when your skin barrier needs a little TLC? And more importantly, what can you do about it?
What is the Skin Barrier?
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, also known as the stratum corneum. It’s a shield made up of dead skin cells and lipids (fats) that keep everything in balance. When it’s healthy, it keeps moisture in and harmful stuff out. But when that barrier becomes damaged—whether from harsh ingredients, environmental stress, or even over-exfoliating—it can lead to dryness, irritation, and a whole lot of frustration.
Your Skin Feels Tight and Dry
A dry, tight feeling is one of the first signs that your skin barrier may need some help. If your skin feels parched, even after you apply your moisturizer, it’s a sign that your barrier isn’t holding onto moisture the way it should. This often happens when your skin is stripped of its natural oils, either by harsh products or environmental stressors.
How to Repair It: Reach for nourishing, barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and squalane. These help replenish the skin’s natural oils, restore moisture, and strengthen the barrier. Our Crème de la Blair is packed with these to give your skin the hydration it craves without feeling greasy.
You’re Seeing Red (And Not the Good Kind)
If your skin is more sensitive than usual, with redness, irritation, or even stinging when you apply products, your skin barrier might be compromised. This happens because the outer layer isn’t protecting your skin from irritants and allergens the way it should. Think of it as your skin’s first line of defense—when that line is weakened, your skin becomes more prone to reactions.
How to Repair It: Go for calming, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and niacinamide. These help to reduce redness and irritation. And of course, avoid anything too harsh (we’re looking at you, exfoliators and strong acids).
Breakouts Aren’t Just for Teens Anymore
When your skin barrier is damaged, it can lead to a breakdown in your skin’s natural microbiome, the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria. This can trigger inflammation, which may lead to breakouts, even if you're past your teen years. While breakouts are usually associated with oily skin, dehydrated skin can break out too when the barrier is weakened.
How to Repair It: Focus on restoring balance with gentle, non-stripping cleansers (like our Acne Cleanser with benzoyl peroxide). Be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Even oily skin needs moisture, and a healthy, moisturized barrier is key to preventing excess oil production and those pesky pimples.
You’re Seeing Dry Patches or Flaking
When your skin barrier is impaired, it has a harder time retaining moisture, leading to those dreaded dry patches or flaky spots. If you’ve noticed that your moisturizer just isn’t cutting it anymore, this could be a sign that your barrier is in distress.
How to Repair It: Incorporate a hydrating serum packed with skin-loving ingredients to replenish moisture and restore balance. Revision’s Hydrating Serum is a game-changer—featuring two forms of hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and a peptide for intense hydration.
Your Skin Feels Rough or Bumpy
A compromised skin barrier can also lead to a rough or bumpy texture. This can happen when dead skin cells build up on the surface because the barrier isn’t functioning properly, leading to clogged pores and uneven texture.
How to Repair It: Try incorporating gentle exfoliation into your routine with products that contain mild acids or enzymes (like our Tonic). This will help shed the dead skin without over-drying or irritating the barrier. But remember, moderation is key—over-exfoliating can cause even more damage.
Introducing the CMT Post-Procedure Cream by Revision
Say hello to your skin's new recovery hero: CMT Post-Procedure Cream by Revision. Originally designed to reduce downtime and discomfort after treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser procedures, this breakthrough cream is also a game-changer for compromised skin barriers.
Powered by patent-pending neurocosmetic technology, CMT Post-Procedure Cream helps your skin bounce back faster by regenerating the epidermal barrier and minimizing irritation. Whether you're recovering from a procedure or dealing with a damaged skin barrier from over-exfoliation or environmental stress, this cream is here to help.
How to Fix It—Fast
When your skin barrier is in distress, the key to repairing it is patience and consistency. Here’s how to get back on track:
Simplify your routine: Avoid anything too harsh (we’re looking at you, retinol and harsh exfoliants). Stick to gentle, nourishing products that will help repair your skin’s barrier without disrupting it further.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Focus on rich, hydrating formulas that will help lock in moisture and replenish the skin’s natural oils.
CMT Post-Procedure Cream by Revision: Soothes irritation, regenerates your skin’s protective barrier, and helps speed up recovery.
Give it time: Repairing your skin barrier doesn’t happen overnight. Be kind to your skin and give it the time it needs to heal.
We believe that self-care is all about honoring your skin and listening to its needs. If your skin barrier is in need of repair, remember, you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve got the products and guidance you need to help your skin feel its best.
Here’s to stronger, healthier skin—inside and out.
Signs Your Skin Barrier Needs Help (And How to Repair It Fast)
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