5 Best Ingredients to Repair & Strengthen Your Damaged Skin Barrier

• The Best Ingredients to Repair & Strengthen Skin Barrier

| Ceramides

Ceramides are lipids that make up to ~50% of the skins lipids to form the natural skin barrier that helps prevent moisture loss — keeping skin hydrated, plump, and supple. The barrier also protects the skin from harmful irritants, bacteria, and other environmental toxins. Your skin is naturally loaded with ceramides, but this layer thins over time, leading to a greater need for topical, barrier-bolstering products. 

Ceramides can appear on a product label under many different names (for example, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP, or ceramide NP), which understandably causes confusion when shopping for products. But although the structure of ceramides may differ, their function is pretty much the same and nothing to stress over.

Product to try:

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

($18.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Developed with dermatologists, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream has a unique formula that provides 24-hour hydration and helps restore the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides (1,3,6-II). The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain skin 's natural moisture. Ideal for normal to dry skin on the face and body, this rich, non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula features Cerave's patented MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of moisturizing ingredients throughout the day and night.

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2. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

($130, up to 6% cashback at Skinceuticals)

Working to nourish and visibly improve the appearance of skin, the moisturizer is formulated with a concentration of lipids (2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids) easily utilized by skin, and fortified with the first and patented 2:4:2 cholesterol-dominant ratio to help restore skin's barrier while supporting natural self-repair. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the cream melts effortlessly into skin, effectively improving texture, fullness and the appearance of pores. 

| Hyaluronic acid

Keeping your skin well moisturised is essential for a healthy skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, and it helps to bind water to collagen, trapping it in the skin, so that skin can appear plumper, dewier, and more hydrated. It can absorb more than 1,000 times its weight in water.

Hyaluronic acid is also a moisturizer, a type of hygroscopic skin care ingredient that means it draws moisture from the surrounding. Scientific researches have shown that Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration and collagen production, fight free radicals, maintain skin elasticity, and even has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to wound healing.

Product to try:

1. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

($7.50, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

This formulation combines low-, medium- and high-molecular weight HA, as well as a next-generation HA crosspolymer at a combined concentration of 2% for multi-depth hydration. This system is supported with the addition of Vitamin B5 which also enhances surface hydration. Infusing the follicle with moisture, this formula plumps the skin, smoothing out any fine lines, imperfections or wrinkles to provide long-lasting hydration.

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

($24.49, up to 2% cashback at CVS)

This Neutrogena face cream is a great example of what the brand does best: affordable, effective products that feel expensive. Unique Hyaluronic Gel Matrix – Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in skin. This acts as a sponge to absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and the formula leaves skin more supple and smooth. 

In addition to helping to hydrate your skin, incorporating the ingredient into your daily skin-care routine via this gel cream can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the skin’s moisture content. This refreshing gel-cream works nicely on all skin types, thanks to its fast-absorbing, oil-free formula. 

| Squalane

Squalane is a hydrocarbon derived by hydrogenation of squalene, a naturally hydrating lipid (or fat) produced by the sebaceous (or oil) glands in our skin. Historically, squalane was harvested from shark's livers, but most modern formulas are now derived from plants including olives, rice bran or sugarcane. 

It's essential for keeping skin nourished and protected as it locks moisture into the skin. Research shows it also has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce redness and swelling, and can help protect skin from UV damage.

Product to try:

1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane

($9, up to 12% cashback at SkinStore)

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane is an exceptional hydrator and can prevent ongoing loss of hydration that impairs dermal suppleness. Squalane is non-comedogenic and is suitable for use on all skin types. It can also be applied to hair to increase heat protection, add shine and reduce breakage potential.

2. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil 

($32, up to 6% cashback at Biossance)

A weightless and replenishing multipurpose squalane oil—harvested from renewable sugarcane—that’s highly stable and totally sustainable. Designed to mimic squalene - a natural molecule present in our skin that diminishes over time – this moisturising ingredient comes from 100% plant-based, renewable sugarcane and enhances elasticity as well as protecting your skin. 

| Niacinamide

From brightening post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation to controlling excess oil production, niacinamide wears many hats to tackle common skin goals for all skin tones and types. Niacinamide may be revered for its brightening properties, but it's also equally amazing at strengthening the skin's moisture barrier. 

Because it promotes the production of ceramides and elastin, both vital components of the skin barrier, niacinamide helps strengthen the complexion's natural protective shield, resulting in more hydrated, healthy skin that can better defend itself against moisture loss and outside irritants.

Product to try:

1. Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster

($34.50, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

10% Niacinamide Booster is the first concentrated 10% niacinamide formula blended with natural calming and superior hydrating ingredients to address the frustrating combination of enlarged pores plus visible signs of aging. The light-as-water texture is designed to dramatically enhance your skincare while also providing soothing agents to promote visibly calm skin. Antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients make this product a multi-tasking must-have solution for all skin types.

2. Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream

($48, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

This gel cream is more than a moisturizer; it restores, strengthens, balances and protects all skin types – even oily, blemish and fungal acne-prone skin. A powerful blend of clinically active, dermatologist-recommended ingredients including saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, heptapeptides and zinc PCA help reduce the appearance of dry skin and flakiness as well as the appearance of pores, oiliness and shine. Plus, it's free from silicone/dimethicone and many known triggers of malassezia folliculitis. Allergy tested and pH balanced.

| Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oat grain, or Avena sativa, into a fine powder. It's considered an emollient — a substance that softens or soothes the skin — because it packs fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin.

The biggest benefit is that it helps the skin retain moisture. When applied to the skin, colloidal oatmeal reinforces the protective skin barrier. But in addition to acting as an emollient, its anti-inflammatory properties soothe dry or irritated skin. This makes it a perfect solution for treating issues like insect bites, contact dermatitis, chickenpox, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and much more.

Product to try:

1. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

 ($38, up to 6% cashback at First Aid Beauty)

FAB Ultra Repair Cream is a thick, rich, emollient product that hydrates deep down with exceptional penetration. This cream is formulated with colloidal oatmeal that relieves itching and soothes irritated and eczema-prone skin. The ceramide 3 and shea butter help strengthen and protect the skin barrier, and allantoin calms and soothes the skin. It is clinically proven to increase hydration by 169% immediately upon application. Better still, the antioxidant element of this moisturising formula also provides protection against free radical damage. Safe for sensitive skin, the cream can be used by all members of the family, even children and babies.

2. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer 

($26.99, up to 6% cashback at Walgreens)

Tested to be gentle on sensitive skin, this lightweight gel cream from a dermatologist-recommended skincare brand instantly soothes irritated, dry skin, replenishes its moisture barrier while strengthening skin's moisture barrier for long-term resilience. Prebiotic oat helps soothe dryness and nourishes skin's natural moisture barrier while feverfew calms. The hydrating gel cream continues to moisturize for 24 hours so even sensitive skin feels comfortable all day. The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of fragrances, parabens, alcohol, dyes and phthalates and is non-greasy. 

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