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How to Know if Your Skin Barrier is Damaged

How to Know if Your Skin Barrier is Damaged
Sometimes referred to as the β€œmoisture barrier” or β€œacid mantle,” the skin barrier is a term used to describe the function of the outermost layer of our skin. The skin barrier is composed of dead skin cells and, when properly cared for, is an excellent shield against the external aggressors present in everyday life.
Sometimes referred to as the β€œmoisture barrier” or β€œacid mantle,” the skin barrier is a term used to describe the function of the outermost layer of our skin. The skin barrier is composed of dead skin cells and, when properly cared for, is an excellent shield against the external aggressors present in everyday life.

This outside layer is faced with the task of protecting your body from a constant barrage of UV rays, pollutants, topical products containing harsh ingredients, and stress, all of which can weaken the skin barrier and alter the visible appearance and tone of the skin.Unfortunately, many products in the market aimed at reversing these visible signs of aging skin, such as acid peels and strong retinoids, carry the risk of contributing to skin barrier damage. If the proper care isn't provided to skin after treatment, these products can strip your skin of its top protective layer and its natural oils, leaving skin vulnerable to external stressors.When the skin’s moisture barrier is damaged, this can cause inflammation, redness, and flaky skin that can become difficult to manage. That is why it is important to know the signs of a damaged skin barrier, as much of this damage can be prevented and reversed.This blog will discuss how you can know whether your skin barrier is damaged or not. It will describe the visible signs of a damaged barrier, how it feels (or doesn't feel), and the first signs in recognizing where and how your skin barrier may be damaged.

This outside layer is faced with the task of protecting your body from a constant barrage of UV rays, pollutants, topical products containing harsh ingredients, and stress, all of which can weaken the skin barrier and alter the visible appearance and tone of the skin.Unfortunately, many products in the market aimed at reversing these visible signs of aging skin, such as acid peels and strong retinoids, carry the risk of contributing to skin barrier damage. If the proper care isn't provided to skin after treatment, these products can strip your skin of its top protective layer and its natural oils, leaving skin vulnerable to external stressors.When the skin’s moisture barrier is damaged, this can cause inflammation, redness, and flaky skin that can become difficult to manage. That is why it is important to know the signs of a damaged skin barrier, as much of this damage can be prevented and reversed.This blog will discuss how you can know whether your skin barrier is damaged or not. It will describe the visible signs of a damaged barrier, how it feels (or doesn't feel), and the first signs in recognizing where and how your skin barrier may be damaged.
01

Signs of Skin Barrier Damage

When the skin barrier becomes disrupted, the skin is more prone to irritation and water loss. This may result in any of the following visible signs of a damaged skin barrier:
  • Dry, Flaky Skin: A healthy skin barrier retains moisture and maintains a balanced hydration level. Damage can lead to moisture loss, resulting in skin that appears dry, flaky, and sometimes peels, revealing an inability to retain water.
  • Itchy and Irritated Skin: Damaged moisture barrier symptoms can cause the skin to become unusually itchy and irritated. This discomfort arises as the skin becomes more exposed to environmental irritants and allergens, leading to inflammation.
  • Painful Areas, Particularly Burning/Stinging: The application of skincare products, even those previously tolerated, can cause a burning or stinging sensation on damaged skin. This reaction occurs because the protective barrier is unable to shield the nerve endings within the skin effectively.
  • Breakouts and Roughness: A damaged skin barrier disrupts the skin's texture, leading to roughness and acne breakouts. Without its protective layer, the skin is more susceptible to bacteria and pollutants that can clog pores and cause acne.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Damaged or broken skin can affect the skin's ability to fight off UV damage, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can cause dark spots and uneven skin tone, especially when the barrier is weakened.
  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The loss of moisture and decreased production of essential lipids and proteins weaken the skin's structure, accelerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin loses its elasticity and firmness.
  • Increased Skin Infections: A strong skin barrier acts as a defense against pathogens. When compromised, the risk of skin infections increases due to the easier penetration of harmful microorganisms.
  • Delayed Wound Healing: A healthy skin barrier is crucial for the efficient healing of wounds. Damage can slow down the repair processes, leading to prolonged healing times and increased chances of scarring.
01

Signs of Skin Barrier Damage

When the skin barrier becomes disrupted, the skin is more prone to irritation and water loss. This may result in any of the following visible signs of a damaged skin barrier:
  • Dry, Flaky Skin: A healthy skin barrier retains moisture and maintains a balanced hydration level. Damage can lead to moisture loss, resulting in skin that appears dry, flaky, and sometimes peels, revealing an inability to retain water.
  • Itchy and Irritated Skin: Damaged moisture barrier symptoms can cause the skin to become unusually itchy and irritated. This discomfort arises as the skin becomes more exposed to environmental irritants and allergens, leading to inflammation.
  • Painful Areas, Particularly Burning/Stinging: The application of skincare products, even those previously tolerated, can cause a burning or stinging sensation on damaged skin. This reaction occurs because the protective barrier is unable to shield the nerve endings within the skin effectively.
  • Breakouts and Roughness: A damaged skin barrier disrupts the skin's texture, leading to roughness and acne breakouts. Without its protective layer, the skin is more susceptible to bacteria and pollutants that can clog pores and cause acne.
  • Hyperpigmentation: Damaged or broken skin can affect the skin's ability to fight off UV damage, leading to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can cause dark spots and uneven skin tone, especially when the barrier is weakened.
  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The loss of moisture and decreased production of essential lipids and proteins weaken the skin's structure, accelerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as the skin loses its elasticity and firmness.
  • Increased Skin Infections: A strong skin barrier acts as a defense against pathogens. When compromised, the risk of skin infections increases due to the easier penetration of harmful microorganisms.
  • Delayed Wound Healing: A healthy skin barrier is crucial for the efficient healing of wounds. Damage can slow down the repair processes, leading to prolonged healing times and increased chances of scarring.
02

How do you fix a damaged skin barrier?

The largest cause of a damaged skin barrier, particularly in younger individuals, is due to the overuse of harsh ingredients in cleansers, exfoliants, toners, and acne treatments. Repairing a damaged skin barrier starts with one simple idea: less=more. Although the answer to β€œhow much is too much” is different for every skin type, there are a few steps you can take to build the right skin care regimen that will help prevent or fix a damaged skin barrier2:

Evaluate your skin care products

Evaluate your skin care products and ask yourself β€œwhy” you are using them. Sometimes we can get distracted by the newest and greatest products and we often overlook how they interact with other products for our skin types.

Consider taking a break from your complex regimen

Consider taking a break from your complex regimen and take notes. Sometimes a more simple or gentle skin care routine can help improve barrier function. For a few weeks, consider setting aside some skin care products and reevaluate how your skin is reacting to less ingredient exposure.This is especially important if you’re already experiencing the signs of a damaged skin barrier and if you’re using harsh exfoliants or acne treatments (e.g., retinols, peels). Take note of how your skin changes or improves over the few weeks that you avoid these products. And be sure to give yourself enough time (usually a full few weeks) for your skin to restore its natural balance.

Cleanse gently and moisturize liberally

During this time, use a gentle gel cleanser and a daily peptide moisturizer with no fragrances, alcohol, or unnecessary additives. Also, consider using a moisturizer with specific β€œfunctional” ingredients that can help with skin barrier repair (i.e., ceramides, hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, niacinamide).Consider using topical supplements that are clinically validated to improve skin barrier function, like OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY
. 3,4 Each are Dermatologically Tested and Safe for Sensitive Skin, plus they're powered by the OS-01 peptide which is scientifically proven to increase skin's epidermal thickness. 3,5

Slowly reincorporate your products, one by one

Once you have given your skin a break, reintroduce your topical skin care products one at a time. Depending on your skin type and damage, you may need to wait 3-4 weeks before adding other products.

Consult a dermatologist

If there is underlying inflammation or disorders to your skin barrier that is not resolving, consult an expert on how to better optimize your skin. Some instances of skin barrier damage are due to underlying skin disorders, such as rosacea and atopic dermatitis.
02

How do you fix a damaged skin barrier?

The largest cause of a damaged skin barrier, particularly in younger individuals, is due to the overuse of harsh ingredients in cleansers, exfoliants, toners, and acne treatments. Repairing a damaged skin barrier starts with one simple idea: less=more. Although the answer to β€œhow much is too much” is different for every skin type, there are a few steps you can take to build the right skin care regimen that will help prevent or fix a damaged skin barrier2:

Evaluate your skin care products

Evaluate your skin care products and ask yourself β€œwhy” you are using them. Sometimes we can get distracted by the newest and greatest products and we often overlook how they interact with other products for our skin types.

Consider taking a break from your complex regimen

Consider taking a break from your complex regimen and take notes. Sometimes a more simple or gentle skin care routine can help improve barrier function. For a few weeks, consider setting aside some skin care products and reevaluate how your skin is reacting to less ingredient exposure.This is especially important if you’re already experiencing the signs of a damaged skin barrier and if you’re using harsh exfoliants or acne treatments (e.g., retinols, peels). Take note of how your skin changes or improves over the few weeks that you avoid these products. And be sure to give yourself enough time (usually a full few weeks) for your skin to restore its natural balance.

Cleanse gently and moisturize liberally

During this time, use a gentle gel cleanser and a daily peptide moisturizer with no fragrances, alcohol, or unnecessary additives. Also, consider using a moisturizer with specific β€œfunctional” ingredients that can help with skin barrier repair (i.e., ceramides, hyaluronic acid, fatty acids, niacinamide).Consider using topical supplements that are clinically validated to improve skin barrier function, like OS-01 FACE, OS-01 EYE, and OS-01 BODY
. 3,4 Each are Dermatologically Tested and Safe for Sensitive Skin, plus they're powered by the OS-01 peptide which is scientifically proven to increase skin's epidermal thickness. 3,5

Slowly reincorporate your products, one by one

Once you have given your skin a break, reintroduce your topical skin care products one at a time. Depending on your skin type and damage, you may need to wait 3-4 weeks before adding other products.

Consult a dermatologist

If there is underlying inflammation or disorders to your skin barrier that is not resolving, consult an expert on how to better optimize your skin. Some instances of skin barrier damage are due to underlying skin disorders, such as rosacea and atopic dermatitis.
03

Can a damaged skin barrier heal itself?

A compromised skin barrier can be repaired, but it takes time and care. Written within the code of our skin’s DNA is a natural ability to heal itself, but these processes can be disrupted or delayed due to inflammation and cell dysfunction. Self-repair is possible by removing products from your face and body care routine
that may be causing inflammation and irritation. Skin barrier repair can be accelerated by maintaining proper moisture in the skin. This can be done by avoiding hot showers, moisturizing regularly, and optimizing your diet with whole and healthy foods.2,6
03

Can a damaged skin barrier heal itself?

A compromised skin barrier can be repaired, but it takes time and care. Written within the code of our skin’s DNA is a natural ability to heal itself, but these processes can be disrupted or delayed due to inflammation and cell dysfunction. Self-repair is possible by removing products from your face and body care routine
that may be causing inflammation and irritation. Skin barrier repair can be accelerated by maintaining proper moisture in the skin. This can be done by avoiding hot showers, moisturizing regularly, and optimizing your diet with whole and healthy foods.2,6
04

How long does it take a broken skin barrier to fix itself?

The timeline that it takes your skin to heal is based on the extent of the damage and your skin condition. Noticeable improvement in skin condition and skin barrier function
can occur in as little as a couple of weeks, but some cases require up to 6 months to return to a normal state.7
There are other factors, such as your skin’s natural microbiome, that can also promote skin barrier healing. Recent research has uncovered commensal bacteria that can generate ceramides to enhance skin moisture.8
04

How long does it take a broken skin barrier to fix itself?

The timeline that it takes your skin to heal is based on the extent of the damage and your skin condition. Noticeable improvement in skin condition and skin barrier function
can occur in as little as a couple of weeks, but some cases require up to 6 months to return to a normal state.7
There are other factors, such as your skin’s natural microbiome, that can also promote skin barrier healing. Recent research has uncovered commensal bacteria that can generate ceramides to enhance skin moisture.8
05

How do you know if your skin barrier is healing?

Healthy, hydrated skin is smooth, plump, and radiant. With time and a revamped skin routine, your skin barrier will begin to function like normal and regain its texture and color. Areas of dryness will become less flaky and itchy. Red patches of skin will begin to fade. As inflammation is reduced and your skin returns to a state of homeostasis, this will result in visible repair and regeneration of damaged areas. However, have realistic expectations for your goals and skin type; stress only worsens it!
05

How do you know if your skin barrier is healing?

Healthy, hydrated skin is smooth, plump, and radiant. With time and a revamped skin routine, your skin barrier will begin to function like normal and regain its texture and color. Areas of dryness will become less flaky and itchy. Red patches of skin will begin to fade. As inflammation is reduced and your skin returns to a state of homeostasis, this will result in visible repair and regeneration of damaged areas. However, have realistic expectations for your goals and skin type; stress only worsens it!
06

Is my skin barrier permanently damaged?

The skin barrier can be permanently damaged, but this is usually related to an underlying skin condition and is rare. Procedures such as surgeries and injections can also cause permanent damage or changes, but certain medications and products can provide improvement. Permanent damage often does not recover on its own, so be sure to consult an expert with any skin concerns.
06

Is my skin barrier permanently damaged?

The skin barrier can be permanently damaged, but this is usually related to an underlying skin condition and is rare. Procedures such as surgeries and injections can also cause permanent damage or changes, but certain medications and products can provide improvement. Permanent damage often does not recover on its own, so be sure to consult an expert with any skin concerns.
Key Takeaways:
  • The skin is the largest organ of our bodies and is responsible for protecting us from harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, bacteria, and viruses. The skin barrier is an important part of our skin, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. The skin also has a natural ability to heal itself.
  • A damaged barrier can be caused by environmental factors and overuse of functional skincare ingredients. Most barrier damage is repairable, which starts by reevaluating each skin care product you use and only moisturizing for a few weeks.
  • Nurturing a damaged skin barrier with moisturizer and addressing underlying inflammatory factors can help keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.
Key Takeaways:
  • The skin is the largest organ of our bodies and is responsible for protecting us from harmful environmental factors such as UV rays, bacteria, and viruses. The skin barrier is an important part of our skin, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. The skin also has a natural ability to heal itself.
  • A damaged barrier can be caused by environmental factors and overuse of functional skincare ingredients. Most barrier damage is repairable, which starts by reevaluating each skin care product you use and only moisturizing for a few weeks.
  • Nurturing a damaged skin barrier with moisturizer and addressing underlying inflammatory factors can help keep our skin barrier functioning as best as possible.

Last Updated February 26, 2025

Reviewed by

Alessandra Zonari

Alessandra Zonari

PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.