A damaged skin barrier occurs when the outermost protective layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum (or moisture barrier), becomes compromised and can no longer effectively shield against moisture loss and environmental irritants. A healthy skin barrier looks plump, hydrated, and smooth, but when it's damaged, your skin can feel rough, dry, red, and uncomfortable. Common signs of a damaged skin barrier include persistent dryness, flaking, stinging when applying products you normally tolerate, and increased sensitivity to environmental factors like wind and cold. Over-exfoliation, harsh cleansers, extreme weather, and overuse of active ingredients are among the most common causes of barrier damage. The good news is that a damaged skin barrier is typically not permanent. With the right barrier-repairing ingredients and a gentle routine, most people see improvement within two to four weeks. A consistent skincare routine is key, especially one that incorporates ingredients known to support barrier function. For example, squalane can replenish moisture, retinol encourages healthy cell turnover, and salicylic acid gently exfoliates to unclog pores. It's also important to use lukewarm water when washing your skin, because both cold and hot water may aggravate the skin's natural lipid balance. Read on to discover how to repair your skin barrier with the right active ingredients and skincare products.
Skin Barrier Repair: Key Takeaways
- A compromised moisture barrier often causes dryness, redness, or stinging, but the good news is that skin barrier damage is not permanent and usually improves within two to four weeks.
- Give your skin a break to heal by simplifying your daily routine, washing with lukewarm water, and pausing harsh active ingredients like exfoliating acids and retinol.
- Use formulas for your face and body, opting for non-comedogenic creams for your complexion and richer, thicker butters for your limbs.
- Reach for soothing, barrier-repairing ingredients like squalane, colloidal oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help lock in hydration and restore resilience.
- Prevent future moisture loss and protect your complexion from environmental stressors by using a gentle cleanser and applying SPF daily.
Ultra Facial Cream
Old price New price £37.00
Glacial Glycoprotein: Cold-Weather Protection for Your Skin Barrier
Glacial glycoprotein is a naturally occurring compound found deep inside Antarctic glaciers, and its remarkable resilience makes it an exceptional ingredient for protecting stressed skin. To survive in such an extreme environment, glacial glycoprotein has developed remarkable protective properties, which may help defend skin against environmental stressors. When included in skincare it helps to defend the skin against the drying effects of cold air and can provide long-lasting hydration. Glacial glycoprotein also helps to protect the skin against water loss, leaving it looking smoother and feeling softer over time. Here at Kiehl's we synthesise glacial glycoprotein in labs so as not to disturb the delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem. If your skin barrier has been weakened by harsh weather or environmental stress, glacial glycoprotein can help restore its protective function.
Ultra Facial Cream for Lasting Hydration
You'll find glacial glycoprotein in several of our products, and it's a key ingredient in our Ultra Facial collection. Soothe and help repair a damaged skin barrier by reaching for our Ultra Facial Cream. This bestselling moisturiser provides instant hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours and helps to recover the skin barrier function 55%* faster. * results based on an instrumental study on 29 subjects vs untreated site.
Colloidal Oatmeal: A Natural Soother for a Damaged Skin Barrier
Colloidal oatmeal is a natural skin protectant that helps calm, soothe, and repair dry, stressed skin by reinforcing the skin's moisture barrier. Surprisingly, colloidal oatmeal is actually derived directly from the porridge oats you might eat for breakfast (though it's processed into a multitasking, sophisticated skin ingredient). It works as an emollient - a treatment that coats skin with a protective layer to help lock in moisture and protect it from outside aggressors, while simultaneously working to reinforce the skin barrier. It's naturally anti-inflammatory which is great for those suffering from uncomfortable skin conditions. Ideal for adding into your skincare routine during the winter months to give skin a softening boost that also protects, it's a must-have ingredient for dry skin types. For anyone dealing with a damaged skin barrier, colloidal oatmeal is one of the most effective naturally-derived ingredients for restoring comfort and resilience.
Ultra Facial Cream Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
You'll find glacial glycoprotein in several of our products, and it's a key ingredient in our Ultra Facial collection. Soothe and help repair a damaged skin barrier by reaching for our Ultra Facial Cream. Our brand new intensive repairing cream has the texture of a daily moisturiser, with the healing power of a balm. Enriched with calming colloidal oatmeal, this fast-absorbing cream instantly relieves skin from redness and itchiness. Ideal for use as a daily moisturiser when the moisture barrier is compromised, this unique new cream instantly hydrates and repairs.
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Old price New price £38.00
Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Botanical Night Cream
Old price New price £50.00
Fatty Acids: Essential Building Blocks of Your Skin Barrier
Natural fatty acids are essential building blocks of a healthy skin barrier, and replenishing them is one of the most effective ways to repair damage and prevent moisture loss. The outermost layer of skin, also known as the stratum corneum, is made up of skin cells, ceramides, and these natural lipids, which are essentially oils that keep skin hydrated and lubricated. Naturally anti-inflammatory, fatty acids care for the skin barrier and prevent trans-epidermal water loss - they help prevent the skin from drying out. Sensitive skin that feels parched, dry and uncomfortable will benefit from a dose of hydrating fatty acids.
Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream for Deep Repair
To help repair a damaged skin barrier, reach for an intensive skin hydrating cream like our Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream for Deep Repair. Packed with soothing, hydrating ingredients including omega fatty acids - a natural source of nourishment that helps to restore the skin's moisture balance. This rich and creamy moisturiser also contains botanical oils which help maintain skin elasticity and plumpness overnight.
Beta-Glucan: The Multitasking Barrier Protector
Beta-glucan is a powerful multitasking ingredient with hydrating, protective, and soothing properties that make it a standout choice for barrier repair. With hydrating powers that have been favourably compared to hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan is becoming an increasingly valued ingredient in barrier repair. A polysaccharide or complex sugar that's derived from yeast, fungi, or seaweed, this antioxidant helps to protect and soothe skin. While hyaluronic acid is well known for its hydrating properties, beta-glucan offers similar moisture-binding benefits with the added advantage of forming a protective shield over the skin's surface. Beta-glucan forms an undetectable film over the complexion to help protect the skin from outside aggressors, while also helping to defend against bacteria. It's also a humectant, meaning it locks moisture into the skin and prevents dehydration throughout the day.
Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Our new Ultra Facial Cream helps to soothe uncomfortable, itchy skin, while repairing a damaged skin barrier. Enriched with calming colloidal oatmeal and reparative humectant, beta-glucan. Our rich balm-to-cream formula absorbs quickly to help transform chapped, compromised skin into a soft, smooth surface. Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Old price New price £38.00
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Old price New price £65.00
Hyaluronic Acid: Deep Hydration to Restore Your Skin Barrier
Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse hydrating ingredient that's naturally produced by the body and works a bit like a magnet for moisture, pulling water into the skin and holding it within cells so they feel hydrated and plump. It can also be applied topically via skincare, and our skin will recognise it and use it accordingly, so it's a top ingredient for helping to restore a damaged skin barrier. It's also great for improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles, as skin cells filled with water look plumper and in turn, so does the surface of the skin. /br>
Our Powerful Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Duo
Our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate contains hyaluronic acid to help support the moisture barrier while tackling fine lines and wrinkles. It also includes vitamin Cg, a derivative of vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant that activates once absorbed to help skin feel smoother and look more radiant. Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum is formulated with 10% pure vitamin C, tri-peptide and hyaluronic acid and helps to visibly correct lines and under eye dark circles. It's formulated specifically for the delicate eye area helping to strengthen, hydrate and brighten. Our Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum is formulated to help strengthen skin and protect against environmental aggressors, including pollution. The easily absorbed, lightweight silky serum is enriched with glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help skin better retain moisture.
Squalane: A Lightweight Oil That Strengthens Your Moisture Barrier
A signature Kiehl's ingredient, we derive our squalane from olives. A lightweight, serum-like moisturising oil, squalane helps to replenish skin and prevent moisture loss. Squalane has a very similar structure to squalene which is found naturally in human sebum, so when applied topically, our skin can put it to good use quickly and efficiently. A source of fatty acids, it works to replenish skin, keeping it feeling soft, supple and moisturised. Because squalane so closely mimics our skin's natural oils, it's particularly effective at supporting barrier repair without clogging pores. Squalane is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
Ultra Facial Cream
A global bestseller, this daily moisturiser has a lightweight texture that typically sinks in quickly to provide up to 24-hour lasting hydration. Olive derived squalane helps to hydrate, while glacial glycoprotein helps to protect. This easily absorbed cream works to balance moisture levels no matter what environment your skin is in. Ultra Facial Cream
Old price New price £37.00
Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream
Old price New price £41.00
Niacinamide: Calming Inflammation and Strengthening Barrier Function
This potent anti-inflammatory, also known as vitamin B3, has gained popularity as research continues to demonstrate its multiple skin benefits. As well as helping to control oil production, niacinamide works to strengthen skin barrier function and calm irritated skin. It's ideal for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin and for anyone suffering from redness or irritated skin. If you're dealing with a damaged skin barrier alongside breakouts or redness, niacinamide is an ingredient that addresses both concerns simultaneously.
Ultra Facial Meltdown Recovery Cream
Ideal for skin that is prone to sensitivity, redness and roughness, this comforting cream contains barrier strengthening ingredients to complement your niacinamide routine. Specially created for sensitised and stressed skin, the soothing formula can be used as a daily moisturiser, both morning and evening for a calm, clear complexion. We also recommend it for restoring balance after over-exfoliation.
A Humectant That Supports Moisture Barrier Health
Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it draws water into the skin and helps retain moisture even in harsh conditions, making it a fundamental ingredient for skin barrier repair. Glycerin also helps the skin's natural lipids stay healthy and efficient, working to strengthen the skin barrier from within. A moisturising ingredient, this colourless, odourless liquid helps to soften skin with every application. In a similar way to hyaluronic acid, glycerin also works to plump up skin cells with hydration, meaning fine lines and wrinkles look smoother.
Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
This efficacious hydrating serum can be used day and night after cleansing to help plump and smooth the appearance of skin. Infused with Epidermal Hydration Filler and 15% Glycerin, this hydrating, lightweight formula with patented Serum-to-Liquid TechnologyTM plumps skin with up to 120% more moisture** to visibly enhance skin's smooth appearance and the feeling of elasticity. It works to improve skin texture and plump out fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hydrating. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate
Old price New price £70.00
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Fix a Damaged Skin Barrier?
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Is Skin Barrier Damage Permanent?
What Causes a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Do Ceramides Help Repair a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Can You Use Retinol on a Damaged Skin Barrier?
What Is the Best Moisturiser for a Damaged Skin Barrier?
Should You Stop Using Actives When Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged?
How Can You Prevent Skin Barrier Damage?
