When your skin barrier is compromised, the last thing you want to do is aggravate it further. The barrier is your skin's natural shield—made up of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids—that protects against external irritants and locks in moisture. Over-exfoliation, environmental stress, or even certain skin conditions can weaken this barrier, leaving your skin red, irritated, dry, or reactive.
One of the most effective ways to support barrier repair is by being selective with your skincare. Here are five ingredients to avoid when your barrier is compromised—and what to use instead.
1. Alcohol (Especially Denatured Alcohol)
Why to avoid it: While alcohol-based products can feel light and refreshing, they can also strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness and sensitivity.
Safer swap: Look for alcohol-free hydrating mists or toners.
Try: Medik8 Press & Glow – gentle, hydrating PHA exfoliation without the sting.
2. Synthetic Fragrance and Essential Oils
Why to avoid it: These are common culprits behind allergic reactions and irritation—especially for sensitised skin. Synthetic fragrance in particular has no benefit for skin health and can worsen barrier inflammation.
Safer swap: Choose fragrance-free or naturally soothing formulations.
Try: Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser – designed for ultra-sensitive, reactive skin.
3. Strong Acids (AHAs, BHAs, Retinoids)
Why to avoid it: While these ingredients are powerful for exfoliation and cell turnover, they can overwhelm already compromised skin. Overuse can thin the barrier further, making the skin more prone to redness and dehydration.
Safer swap: Use barrier-friendly exfoliants like PHAs or enzymes.
Try: Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask – gently resurfaces without disrupting the skin barrier.
4. Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
Why to avoid it: Found in many foaming cleansers, sulfates can strip away natural lipids, leaving your skin feeling tight and raw.
Safer swap: Choose creamy or low-foam cleansers that maintain hydration.
Try: Dermalogica Magnetic Afterglow Cleanser – deeply cleansing and barrier-nourishing.
5. Harsh Physical Scrubs
Why to avoid it: Scrubs with rough particles can cause microtears in fragile skin and disrupt healing.
Safer swap: Opt for soothing masks or serums to hydrate and calm.
Try: Cosmedix Harmonize – strengthens skin’s resilience and replenishes the microbiome.
Final Thoughts
When your skin barrier is impaired, less is more. Focus on calming, replenishing, and protecting the skin with products that are free from common irritants and rich in lipids, ceramides, and humectants. By choosing wisely and treating your skin with care, you’ll support faster healing—and a more resilient complexion in the long run.
Need help building a barrier-repair routine? Reach out to our Skinmart Skin Advisors for expert guidance tailored to your skin’s needs.
