Understanding Your Skin BarrierJanuary 1, 2026 · Angela Rogers
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, and it plays a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy and balanced. You can think of it like a protective wall or shield. Its main job is to keep moisture inside your skin layers while protecting it from external aggressors such as pollution, bacteria, allergens, and harsh weather. When your skin barrier is functioning well, your skin feels smooth, hydrated, and comfortable. When it’s damaged, you may experience dryness, redness, sensitivity, tightness, or increased breakouts.
The skin barrier is made up of skin cells held together by natural lipids (fats), similar to bricks and mortar. If the “mortar” is weakened, moisture escapes more easily, and irritants can get in. Everyday habits like over-cleansing, using harsh cleansers and exfoliants or actives too often, excessive sun exposure, stress, and even cold or dry climates can disrupt this barrier.
Moisturisers and serums play an important role in keeping the skin barrier strong and healthy. Serums are lightweight formulas designed to deliver concentrated ingredients deep into the skin. They help address specific concerns such as dehydration, dullness, sensitivity, or barrier repair. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, niacinamide helps calm irritation and support the barrier, and ceramides help replace lost lipids.
Moisturisers, oils and balms, work by sealing in hydration and reinforcing the barrier’s protective layer. They help prevent moisture loss and restore the skin’s natural balance. A good moisturiser doesn’t just hydrate it strengthens the skin over time.
When used together, serums hydrate and treat the skin, while moisturisers lock in those benefits, helping your skin barrier stay resilient, calm, and healthy. last note, don't forget the sunscreen, especially in the spring, summer months.