Your skin barrier is the outermost layer that protects against moisture loss and environmental irritants. When it’s compromised, skin becomes sensitive, dehydrated, and more prone to breakouts and irritation.
Over-exfoliating, using too many active ingredients at once, or aggressive treatments without adequate recovery time are common ways people unknowingly damage their skin barrier.
If your skin has become suddenly sensitive, red, or reactive to products it previously tolerated, barrier repair — not more actives — is usually the right first step.
