The Byrdie Guide to a Healthy Skin Barrier

Between the freezing temps and drying indoor heaters, it’s kind of a no-brainer your skin is rebelling. (We’re looking at you, redness, flakes, and fine lines.) The most effective way to keep it healthy and happy? Strengthening your barrier, the outer layer of your skin that seals in moisture. We partnered with StriVectin, the experts in skin barrier science, to bring you all the essential info you need to take your moisture barrier from thirsty to thriving.

Go Strong
Embrace New Technology

Seeing signs of damage? StriVectin’s revolutionary barrier-boosting technologies NIA-114 and the 1:1:1 Biomimetic Lipid Ratio—found in Wrinkle Recode Rich Cream—reinforce delicate, compromised skin.

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TRUE OR FALSE
Cleansing with hot water is best for your skin barrier.
False!

Hot water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, which keep your barrier in tip-top shape. Wash with cool or lukewarm water instead.

True or False
Dryness, lines, and redness are a barrier’s cry for help.
True!

Dehydration, chronic dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and redness are some of the most common signs of a skin barrier in distress.

A+ Ingredient
Cholesterol

You know healthy fats are crucial in your diet. Turns out cholesterol is also key for nourished, plump, and youthful skin. Look for the lipid—and two others—in StriVectin’s Wrinkle Recode Rich Cream.

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Barrier Boost
Follow a Mild Diet
Follow a Mild Diet

Ever notice yourself flushing while eating spicy meals, or drinking coffee or wine? These culprits may cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to inflammation and redness.

Take supplements with omega 3, 6 and 9," advises Dr. Sophie Shotter. "Their role is to maintain a healthy cell membrane. This healthy barrier will support softer, more supple skin

GO STRONG
Look for the 3 Classes of Lipids

That would be ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Use a moisturizer with all three daily to seriously strengthen your barrier. Our go-to: StriVectin’s Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream.

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A+ INGREDIENT
Fatty Acids

Like a vitamin for your skin, fatty acids strengthen, soothe, repair, and shield from future damage. They’re packed into StriVectin’s Wrinkle Recode Rich Cream, along with ceramides and cholesterol.

True or False
Your barrier will thank you for using fewer products.
True!

Seeing irritation, inflammation, or an allergic reaction? Take a break from your full routine for a week or two to give your barrier time to fortify itself again. Stick to cleanser and moisturizer.

True or False
Blemishes haven't been linked to a weakened skin barrier.
False!

A strong skin barrier is more efficient at keeping inflammation and bacteria—two of the most common causes of blemishes—at bay.

A+ INGREDIENT
Ceramides

This lipid makes up about half of the skin’s outer layer to form its barrier. Imagine what it can do applied topically! Find it as an essential component of StriVectin’s Wrinkle Recode Rich Cream.

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STOP THE STRIP
Signs You’re Over-Cleansing Your Skin

Spoiler alert: If your skin feels tight, you’re doing too much.

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Barrier Boost
Slough Strategically
Slough Strategically

Over-exfoliating has been linked to a weak barrier. When you’re experimenting with a new product, start slow: Exfoliate every three or four days, then work your way up to daily or every other day.

A+ Ingredient
Niacin

Proven to strengthen the skin barrier and boost the performance of other ingredients, there’s pretty much no one who can’t benefit from niacin or NIA-114, StriVectin’s patented form of the ingredient.

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I used to be hesitant about using a cream texture under makeup," says Byrdie Editor, Leah Wyar "but this [StriVectin Wrinkle Recode Rich Cream] doesn't feel greasy.

BARRIER BOOST
Cocktail Your Skincare
Cocktail Your Skincare

Top a water-based, humectant ingredient (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) with an oil-based emollient (such as facial oil, moisturizer, or balm) to lock in nourishment.

True or False
Sunscreen is key to a healthy barrier.
True!

SPF protects from complexion irritants like UV rays, free radicals, and pollution, all of which can compromise the strength of your skin barrier.

Barrier Boost
Sleep Smarter
Sleep Smarter

Don’t forget to turn on a humidifier before bed. The added hydration will prevent moisture from escaping from your skin, so you’re less likely to wake up dry or flaky.

True or False
Stress can make an impaired barrier even weaker.
True!

When you’re on edge, your body amps up production of the stress hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol signals increased inflammation in the skin, which has a negative impact on your barrier.