How to Strengthen a Damaged Skin Moisture Barrier

Our skin’s moisture barrier is a crucial part of skin, helping to protect us and retain moisture in the skin. However, things like excessive cleansing, harsh ingredients in skincare products, as well as certain skin conditions, can lead to a damaged skin moisture barrier.

Here we examine the signs of a damaged skin moisture barrier, the main causes, and which products can be used to help strengthen it.

The skin moisture barrier is part of the stratum corneum, or outermost layer of the skin, and is comprised of dead skin and lipids that work together like a brick wall to help protect the delicate skin beneath the surface. The moisture barrier plays a very important role not only in helping to retain moisture in the skin, but also in helping to protect the skin from potential harm from things like harsh chemicals. The skin’s moisture barrier is the body’s first line of defense against the environment¹.

Signs of a damaged skin moisture barrier can change how the outer layer of skin appears, and can easily be mistaken for other skin conditions, making identifying a damaged skin moisture barrier somewhat difficult.

• Dry, scaly skin²
• Sensitive skin due to dryness²
• Reduced skin elasticity due to dryness³

There are several factors that can contribute to compromising the skin’s moisture barrier, from exposure to certain chemicals, to conditions in the environment, and even certain skin conditions. Due to individual skin sensitivity and the myriad ways skin can be affected by both intrinsic and external factors, pinning down the cause of skin moisture barrier damage can be tricky sometimes, but here are some common causes to watch out for:

• Ambient climate – indoor and outdoor – things like low temperatures and dry air can contribute to skin moisture barrier damage³.
• Air pollution⁴
• Prolonged sun exposure⁵
• Washing the skin with excessively hot water²
• Over-washing the skin
• Over-exfoliating the skin⁶
• Using detergents and soaps that can strip the skin of its natural oils¹
• Excessively rubbing or scratching the skin⁷

Since skin moisture barrier damage can be caused by an improper skincare routine such as using products with harsh ingredients or over-washing and over-exfoliating the skin, the first step to helping strengthen a damaged skin moisture barrier is to take a look at your skincare routine.

With a combined focus on strengthening the skin barrier and adopting a routine to help prevent further skincare moisture barrier damage, you can help maintain the moisture balance in your skin for a healthy-looking glow.

• Exfoliate skin gently to help prevent dead skin buildup and adjust how often you exfoliate based on your skin’s response.
• Use moisturizing products that work to help not only hydrate skin but also retain skin’s moisture.
• Drink plenty of water to promote hydration from the inside out⁸.

• Use gentle cleansers and skincare products like the Eucerin Gentle Cleansing range.
• Minimize contact with external allergens or irritants whenever possible⁹.
• Hot water can strip skin of its natural moisture², so bathe in water that is lukewarm, not hot, and limit shower or bath time to no more than 10-15 minutes in order to help reduce the likelihood of drying out the skin and weakening the skin’s moisture barrier⁹.
• Avoid overconsumption of alcohol.
• Avoid unprotected or prolonged sun exposure and be sure to wear sunscreen² and take proper sun protection measures when spending time in the sun.
• Be careful not to scratch or rub your skin too much and avoid the itch-scratch cycle.
• Use gentle clothing detergents to help avoid skin contact with potential irritants¹⁰
• Wear protective gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning agents

For skin moisture barrier damage resulting in very dry skin, using a moisturizing product with ceramides and NMF can be beneficial. We recommend Eucerin®’s Advanced Repair range. Eucerin® Advanced Repair Lotion is uniquely formulated to provide gentle, lightweight, and fast-absorbing, 48-hour daily hydration for dry to very dry skin. It’s enriched with Ceramide-3 and NMF: Moisturizing Factors, including 5% Urea, and helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, replenish moisture, and prevent dryness from reoccurring.

For gentle cleansing that won’t strip skin of its natural oils, try Eucerin® Advanced Cleansing Body and Face Wash. This noncomedogenic, fragrance and dye-free cleanser is formulated for normal-to-dry skin and helps maintain skin’s natural pH balance. Its soap-free formula gently cleanses to help prevent skin from drying out, helps preserve skin’s optimal pH, and helps maintain skin’s protective moisture barrier, all while rinsing clean without leaving a residue.

If skin moisture barrier damage is severe, resulting in very dry skin, its repair may feel like fighting a losing battle.

Repairing the skin’s moisture barrier can sometimes take 3-4 months before seeing improvements². Implementing a gentle skincare routine, avoiding irritants and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key strategies to promoting healthy-looking skin.

If you’re concerned with your skin moisture barrier, speak to a dermatologist or doctor for further advice.

The information provided herein is not intended to be medical advice. Nor is it intended to treat the underlying skin disease or condition. The information is provided solely to:

1. Moisturize, soften and smooth dry skin 
2. Improve the appearance of the skin 
3. Achieve healthier-looking skin