Ways You’re Impairing Your Skin Barrier (Without Even Knowing It)

Let’s talk about something I’m really passionate about - your skin barrier.

You’ve probably seen the term splashed across skincare marketing everywhere lately: “barrier repair,” “barrier support,” “restore your barrier,” etc.

And while it’s amazing that people are finally talking about this crucial part of skin health, there’s one thing that drives me absolutely mad:

brands who sell barrier-disrupting products and then turn around to sell you something to fix the problem they created.

Like… hello?! 🙃

You can’t strip someone’s skin with a harsh foaming cleanser full of sulfates and fragrance, then hand them a “barrier repair” serum as a peace offering. That’s not skin health - that’s marketing.

So let’s get into it - here are a few ways you might be impairing your skin barrier without even realising it:

1. Over-cleansing (or using the wrong cleanser)

If your skin feels squeaky clean after washing, that’s not a good thing.

It means you’ve stripped away your natural oils - the ones that help keep your skin soft, balanced, and protected.

Look for gentle, creamy, or oil-based cleansers that leave your skin feeling calm, not tight.

2. Over-exfoliating (yes, even “gentle” acids count)

There’s this myth that smooth, glowing skin comes from constant exfoliation.

But your skin isn’t a kitchen bench that needs scrubbing daily — it’s a living organ.

Too much exfoliation can lead to redness, dryness, and that “I can’t get comfortable in my skin” feeling.

Less is more. Truly.

3. Skipping moisture after cleansing

Even the most beautiful natural cleanser can leave your skin slightly vulnerable if you don’t follow up with hydration.

When you cleanse, you remove not just makeup and dirt but also some water content from your skin’s surface - so restoring that moisture straight away helps maintain barrier strength.

4. Ignoring internal hydration + nutrition

Your barrier isn’t built from skincare alone - it’s built from you.

Healthy fats (think avocado, ghee, nuts, and oily fish), water-rich foods, and good hydration all contribute to a more resilient outer layer, while inflammatory foods such as coffee, alcohol, cashews, oranges and strawberries (I know! What the heck?!) can cause redness, inflammation and ultimately barrier impairment in your skin.

When you nourish your body, your skin barrier thanks you.

5. Using too many actives at once

Retinol, vitamin C, acids, niacinamide - all amazing in their own right. But when you pile them on top of each other, your skin can get confused and inflamed.

Think of it like mixing too many personalities in one room - chaos.

Sometimes, your skin just wants simplicity.

6. Not respecting your skin’s rhythm

Your skin has seasons - hormonally, environmentally, emotionally.

It doesn’t always want the same thing every day.

Learning to listen - to notice when it feels tight, reactive, or dull - is the most beautiful act of self-care you can give it.

Your skin barrier is like your energetic boundary - when it’s strong, you feel calm, grounded, and radiant.

When it’s compromised, everything feels off.

So instead of chasing quick fixes or trendy serums, start with the basics: gentle cleansing, hydration, nourishment, and rest.

And if a brand sells you a “barrier repair” serum while their cleanser contains sulfates or drying alcohols?

That’s your sign to politely walk away. ✨