The skin barrier, explained
Tight, stinging or suddenly sensitive skin is often asking you to do less.
The outer layer of your skin works like a wall: skin cells are the bricks and fats called lipids are the mortar. When that wall is damaged, water escapes and irritants get in.
The most common cause is too much: strong cleansers, frequent exfoliating and stacking several active ingredients at once.
Repair is mostly patience. A gentle cleanser, a moisturiser with ceramides or glycerin, sunscreen in the morning, and a pause on acids and retinoids for a couple of weeks.
Try this
- Wash with lukewarm water, never hot.
- Pause exfoliants until your skin feels calm again.
- Introduce one new product at a time.
General information, not personal medical advice. If something worries you, talk to your doctor. In an emergency in Bulgaria or the EU, call 112.