LOVE IT: BARRIER CREAMS TO THE (SKIN) RESCUE

Why’s Everyone Talking About Barrier Creams? All About Your Skin Barrier & How to Repair It

Ever wondered how some people’s skin looks perpetually glowy and healthy (think: those glass skin goals), while others struggle with constant skin dryness, irritation and sensitivity? More times than not, the health of your skin barrier is what’s standing between you and your best complexion yet. No shame here: Lots of factors that contribute to a damaged skin barrier (like the weather) are beyond your control. Knowing what to do about it? Now that’s where we can help.

We’re here to demystify the signs of a damaged skin barrier, the role of barrier creams in protecting your skin and the right time to incorporate them into your routine. Along the way, we'll talk about vitamin F and ceramides — your skin barrier's secret weapons and the key ingredients in Confidence in a Cream® Barrier Boost Skin Barrier Repair Daily Moisturizer.

What is a Barrier Cream?

In the world of skincare, barrier creams are the unsung heroes of maintaining your skin’s health. These topical moisturizers are specifically designed to protect it from common irritants and environmental stressors. They work by creating a physical barrier on the skin to prevent water loss and keep out harmful substances.

But, it's not just about protection — barrier creams are great for soothing and restoring. They're the go-to for irritated or dry skin and a must-have for sensitized skin and sensitive skin types, i.e. those dealing with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea or acne. By giving your skin the moisture it craves and calming inflammation, they help bring it back to its happy place.

Enter: IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream® Barrier Boost — your dermatologist-tested, daily restorative skin barrier moisturizer with 100HR hydration. Unlike typical barrier creams that sit on top of your skin, blocking hydration and leaving it to heal itself, Barrier Boost rescues skin from the inside out with lightweight, penetrating hydration to restore even the most sensitive skin.

The secret sauce? A powerhouse of ingredients working together to create a protective shield. Vitamin F is an essential part of skin’s natural ceramide production, so the formula’s 1% Vitamin F Complex is key to nourishing and hydrating the skin, giving it that extra oomph it needs to bounce back. And then there’s the ceramide. Ceramides are the building blocks of our skin's natural barrier, strengthening and repairing its function.

IT Cosmetics Advisory Board member and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Camille Howard-Verovic says, “So many skin concerns are due to a compromised skin barrier, but my patients have a hard time sticking to a routine with thick creams that don’t work under makeup. Barrier Boost is lightweight and blendable, making it a fantastic choice. Plus, the formula with vitamin F hydrates and helps replenish skin’s moisture barrier function.” So use a barrier cream to show your barrier some love whenever it needs a boost. Doctor’s orders!

Is Your Skin Barrier Damaged? Here’s How to Tell:

Your skin is a pro at fending off the bad stuff, but (like all of us) sometimes it gets a little overwhelmed. If you think your skin barrier might be losing the battle, it’s time to take action.

What does a damaged skin barrier look like? Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Tightness or Dryness: If your skin feels like it's a size too small after washing your face or using certain products, the moisture balance might be off, leaving you overly dry and even uncomfortable.
• Redness or Flakiness: When your skin's protective barrier is impacted, you might notice redness, inflammation or flakiness. It might even get itchy or feel like sandpaper.
• Sensitized Skin: Your skin's like a live wire — without a strong barrier, it’s prone to overreact to the elements. That tingly, burning feeling when you apply products or step out into the chill? Blame it on the barrier.
• Unusual Breakouts or Skin Problems: Your skin's like a fortress, and a compromised barrier is like leaving the gate wide open. You might find yourself battling breakouts, acne and other skin issues that wouldn't typically be on your radar, simply because your skin's defense system is less effective.
• Sun Sensitivity: Your skin's natural barrier is a built-in SPF (though it’s not sufficient, which is why you need to layer up daily!). Now, if that barrier is not in the best shape, you're even more at risk for sunburn, sun damage and all the skin concerns that come with it, like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

If you're nodding along here, it's a sign that your skin barrier could use some TLC and a barrier cream can definitely help with that! Strengthening your barrier isn't just about nipping these symptoms in the bud — it's a non-negotiable for your skin's overall health and bounce-back-ability. A healthy skin barrier is one of the keys to glowing, blemish-free skin, all year-round.

Top Causes of a Damaged Skin Barrier

So we’ve learned about the signs of a damaged skin barrier and how they show up in a few different ways. Now, knowing what’s behind your barrier’s breakdown is the next step to find the right way to treat it.

Exfoliation
One of the most common offenders triggering your skin's defense system? Over-exfoliation. Sure, sloughing off those dead skin cells is great. That smooth feeling afterwards is truly unmatched, but too much of a good thing can leave your skin's protective lipid layer in a vulnerable state. The result? Your skin's moisture levels take a hit, and it's left wide open to the elements, literally.

Skincare Ingredients
Then there's the enemy within — harsh skincare ingredients. Some products with surfactants, alcohol or scents can throw your vulnerable skin's pH off-kilter, stripping its natural oils and setting the stage for skin dryness, redness and all-around irritation. If you typically have sensitive skin or are currently experiencing issues, opt for a daily moisturizer that's fragrance-free, like Confidence in a Cream® Barrier Boost, at least until your flare-ups have resolved.

Environment
And let's not forget the environment — it's not always playing nice with your skin barrier either. Whether it's the sweltering heat, harsh cold, UV rays, low humidity, or smog, the air around you can suck the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it dry and irritable.

Chronic Skin Conditions
Common chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis also impair your skin's barrier function, leaving behind dry, itchy and inflamed skin. But fear not, with the right skincare and a little help from the pros, you can give your skin barrier a boost.

Aging
Now, let's talk about aging. It's a fact of life that as the years roll on, our skin's ability to produce vital lipids, like ceramides, declines. The result? A weakened skin barrier that's a magnet for dryness, irritation and damage.

So, knowing the top culprits for a damaged skin barrier, you can now make informed choices about your skincare and lifestyle, keeping your skin in its best shape throughout the years. Remember: be kind to your skin, shield yourself from the elements and don't forget to tackle any underlying skin issues with a dermatologist.

How to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier & Prevent It from Coming Back

Adding a barrier cream to your daily skincare routine is a no-brainer. It’s like giving your skin a shield to fend off the elements and keep it in tip-top shape. Here’s how to make it happen:

Your Everyday, Barrier-Boosting Routine

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

• Ditch the heavy-duty cleansers and exfoliators: Go for a mild, hydrating option like Confidence in a Cleanser and exfoliate just once or twice a week. If winter's got your skin feeling drier than usual, or if you're just prone to sensitivity, steer clear of harsh cleansers. And remember: pat (don't rub) your skin dry.

Step 2: Apply Barrier Cream

• Keep your skin hydrated: It's the golden rule for a reason. Use a barrier cream like Confidence in a Cream® Barrier Boost on your face, neck, and any other spots needing a little extra love and help holding onto moisture. If retinol is in your routine, apply your barrier cream after to keep irritation at bay.

Step 3: Layer Moisturizer (Optional)

• In the winter months or particularly harsh environments, use a hydrating moisturizer like Confidence in a Cream after your barrier cream to lock in that hydration and keep your skin feeling supple all day long. CC+ Cream also acts as the perfect finishing touch for complexion perfection.

Step 4: Don't Forget Sunscreen

• Sunscreen is an all-year-round sun protection must. Those UV rays are no joke — they can really throw off your skin's defenses. So, generously apply sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher like Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen For Face SPF 50 at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Use over your barrier cream and moisturizer in the AM. And don't forget to reapply every couple of hours.

Stick to these pointers, and you’ll be on your way to a better skin barrier. If you're still grappling with severely irritated skin or the aftermath of retinol burn, don't hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist for a game plan tailored to you.

When’s the Best Time to Use a Barrier Cream?

So, you’ve learned that barrier creams are your go-to for flare-ups, general sensitivity or irritation — but when else should you look to a barrier cream for a boost?

Prevention
Barrier creams are amazing at helping with visible skin damage, but what many people don’t realize is that they can also be used as a preventive measure especially during the harsh winter months or when exposed to extreme weather conditions.

During Winter, Harsh Weather Conditions & Travel
Cold temperatures, biting winds, dry climates, airplane travel and low humidity levels can wreak havoc on your skin, stripping it of its natural oils and disrupting its delicate balance. This can lead to dry skin in winter, irritation and even more severe conditions (like sensitized skin and retinol burn).

Barrier creams can be a great way to protect your skin from the effects of challenging environmental conditions, even if you’re not currently seeing any visible signs of damaged skin. It's that extra coat that keeps the harsh weather from getting under your skin. Adding a barrier cream into your winter skincare routine is one of the best things you can do to prevent damage before it even starts.

After Exfoliation, Non-Ablative Laser Treatment & Retinol Use
Barrier creams are great to have in your skincare toolkit, especially after you've exfoliated or used some heavy-duty retinol. Visited a derm lately for non-ablative laser treatments? These harsher skin treatments can sometimes leave your skin a bit compromised, making it more prone to getting riled up and losing moisture. That's where a barrier cream swoops in, helping your skin calm down and get back to its normal state.

So remember:

• Using a barrier cream in your daily routine is like giving your skin an extra boost of hydration.
• It’s your secret weapon for maintaining a healthy skin barrier — key to keeping your skin looking and feeling even better year-round, no matter what life (or the weather) throws at you.
• An easy way to fend off skin dryness, retinol burn, or chronic skin flare-ups like eczema and psoriasis is with the extra care that a daily restorative skin barrier cream can provide.

Now that you know how to detect the signs of a damaged skin barrier, read up on how to protect yourself from skin cancer.