The 12 best skin barrier repair creams and products, according to experts

Keeping your skin hydrated during the colder months is already a common concern, but ensuring that your skin barrier is both intact and prepped for that extra hydration is something you might not have considered.

If you’re wondering what a skin barrier is or why it requires your attention, you’re not alone. Dr. Ben Johnson, MD, says, “Most people refer to two specific aspects of the epidermis to describe the barrier: the stratum corneum made of 15 layers of dead skin cells compacted together, and the lipid barrier that is intermingled with it.” He also explains that it is constantly being maintained naturally by the skin.

But why exactly is the skin barrier so important, especially during these dry, colder months? Holistic skin scientist and skin wellness expert Dr. Jennifer Davis Alexander, PhD, says, “The skin barrier is the first line of defense against water loss from the skin, known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL).” She also notes that other environmental factors like pollution, UV rays and other harmful contaminants like microbes and irritants can further irritate your skin barrier.

What does a healthy skin barrier look like?

There are a couple of physical indicators that you have a healthy skin barrier. Alexander says, “A healthy barrier is hydrated, radiant, plump, smooth, elastic and lacks invisible signs of irritation, such as tightness or stinging.” If your skin looks dewy and luminous, chances are your skin barrier is in good condition.

On the contrary, telltale signs of a damaged skin barrier include opposite characteristics. Excess redness, irritation or if it feels hypersensitive when using an exfoliant is most likely due to an unhealthy barrier. Symptoms to look out for include dryness, dullness, flaking, burning, itching, stinging or even tightness. According to Alexander, you might even be able to recognize if your barrier is compromised before you start experiencing physical signs. “Research suggests that invisible signs of irritation (neurosensory irritation) are a good initial indicator of a damaged [skin] barrier, as they often precede visible signs of irritation,” she says.

Although barrier disruption can impact anyone regardless of skin type, according to Alexander, “Those with dry skin are often more prone to barrier disruption because their skin lacks sufficient sebum, the oily substance made by our sebaceous glands that naturally protects and moisturizes the skin barrier.” Furthermore, Johnson notes, “Sometimes barriers are damaged by the inflammation from a skin condition. For example, rosacea often involves a compromised barrier because the skin is utilizing its immune cells and critical skin nutrients to manage that issue in the deeper skin, which often leaves the barrier in a disrepair.” Those who are acne-prone also face damaging their skin barrier due to treating the condition with multiple different products, according to Johnson.

How to repair a damaged skin barrier

As our largest organ, skin is impacted by our lifestyle choices. The truth is, any type of exfoliation is going to do at least some level of damage to the barrier, according to Johnson. “This includes scrubs, acids, most retinols, excessive alcohol and/or vitamin C (over 10%),” he explains. “Depending on the level of insult to the barrier it can take from one to 10 days for it to heal once the exfoliant is stopped.” The good news is that the skin has the capability of healing on its own.

To help speed up the process and minimize damage overall, Alexander recommends avoiding inflammatory foods and instead consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, mushrooms, cruciferous vegetables and green tea as well as foods rich in omega-3s such as soybeans, nuts and seeds (hemp, flax and chia). The expert says ample hydration and sleep will also help, since the skin repairs itself at night.

When it comes to barrier-supporting skin care, anything with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are ideal. More specifically, Alexander suggests seeking out humectants and emollients within products that contain organic, minimally processed amounts of “coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera, honey and jojoba oil.” Ceramides, humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin) and occlusives (petrolatum) are also helpful ingredients for supporting the barrier and preventing TEWL. Some less common ones include phosphatidylcholine, trioxolane and chlorella, as recommended by Johnson. Alexander also recommends a daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to protect against free-radical damage from the sun.

Ahead, check out the best skin barrier repair creams and products to add to your routine.