What the barrier does
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of cells held together by lipids. It keeps water in and irritants out. When it is weakened, both jobs get harder at once.
The five signs
Products you have used for months suddenly sting. Skin feels tight within minutes of cleansing. Redness appears without a clear cause. Patches feel rough or flaky. Moisturizer seems to disappear and stops lasting through the day.
How to calm it down
Pause exfoliating acids and retinoids for a week or two. Switch to a gentle, low-foam cleanser and lukewarm water. Apply a hydrating serum to damp skin, then seal it in with a moisturizer.
If redness or stinging continues after two weeks, check in with a dermatologist.
