What is a skin barrier? 

The skin barrier (a.k.a your epidermis) is the outermost layer of your skin that serves as a protective shield for your face. This powerful layer has three essential roles: Protecting your skin from external stressors like pollution and UV radiation; retaining water to keep your skin and body hydrated, and transporting vital nutrients to your skin. 

When the skin barrier is compromised or damaged, it can lead to various skin issues and conditions. A weakened barrier may result in increased sensitivity, dryness, flakiness, redness, and a higher susceptibility to infections. Protecting and maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier is important for overall skin health and well-being. 

How to tell if your skin barrier is compromised

An impaired skin barrier can present itself in a variety of ways, but at the core of the issue is water loss. The skin loses its ability to retain moisture, resulting in increased water loss, dryness, and dehydration. A compromised skin barrier can also occur due to various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, age and skincare practices. 

Here are some ways to tell your skin barrier is not functioning optimally: 

• Breakouts and rashes: A damaged skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity, making your skin more prone to inflammation and irritation. This can manifest as redness, breakouts (acne), or rashes on your skin.

• Uneven texture: An impaired skin barrier can affect the smoothness and texture of your skin. You may notice rough patches, flakiness, or an uneven skin surface, which can be attributed to the barrier's reduced ability to protect and renew the skin effectively.

• Dehydrated, dull skin: When your skin barrier is compromised, it can lose its ability to retain moisture effectively. This can result in dehydration, leaving your skin feeling dry, tight, and lacking radiance. Dullness may also be associated with a compromised skin barrier.

• Sensitive and irritation: A weakened skin barrier can lead to increased sensitivity and irritation. You may notice that your skin becomes easily irritated by products or environmental factors that didn't bother it before. It may appear red, inflamed, or develop rashes.

How to help a compromised skin barrier. 

When repairing a compromised skin barrier, less is more. Simplifying your skincare routine and replacing your retinoids and exfoliants with hydrating formulas full of ceramides - will replenish, restore, strengthen and build resilience towards external factors such as pollution and UV radiation. Remember, consistency is key when repairing a compromised skin barrier. It may take some time for your skin to fully recover, so be patient and gentle with your skincare routine. 

Saya products to help restore a compromised skin barrier. 

Hydrate deeply with Saya’s Intense Moisture

Say goodbye to dry, depleted skin and hello to a hydrated and nourished complexion, with the Intense Moisture - the ultimate solution for extremely dry and sensitive skin. Our rich and creamy formula will leave your skin feeling soft and luminous, providing nourishment and hydration. Hyaluronic Acid, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil and Pentavitin® provide long-lasting hydration and nourishment. Ceramides help to maintain a healthy skin barrier, helping to keep moisture in and irritants out. Edelweiss and Borage Oil work together to calm and soothe sensitive skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Melt the night away with Saya’s Cleansing Balm

Gently cleanse the day away with the Cleansing Balm, designed to gently melt into your skin and effortlessly lift away makeup, sunscreen and impurities. This balm-to-milk formula transforms into a smooth oil texture when applied to the skin, rinsing off as a milk emulsion. Shea Butter and Macadamia Oil leaves the skin feeling soft and deeply hydrated. Chamomile and Vitamin C-rich Kakadu Plum help to soothe and promote radiance. 

Restore and repair with Saya’s Super Serum

Assist your skin in retaining moisture with the Super Serum. This botanical facial serum has been formulated with Pentavitin, to help strengthen the skin's barrier function and hydrate for up to 72 hours. This lightweight formula assists with collagen production and is the answer to restoring, ageing, dry, damaged and acne-prone skin. Overtime will improve skin texture, regulate oil production and reduce the appearance of skin decline.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Super Serum.

Saya offers a natural, science-backed botanic skincare line created with conscious intention; of the people who use it, and the planet who sustains us all. Each product has been carefully crafted to cleanse, shield, and enrich the skin. Formulated with highly effective native Australian ingredients fused with powerful actives, and led by years of research and education. When used consistently, the natural components present in our products nourish and safeguard your skin barrier, leaving it glowing and healthy. Have you ever thought about opting for natural skincare? Discover why everyone is making the switch and why you should consider it too. 

Don’t forget to take care of your body! Read on to see what products you should be adding to your body routine.