What Is the Skin Barrier and Why Is It Important?
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin, acting as a protective shield against environmental stressors, bacteria, and moisture loss. When it’s healthy, your skin appears smooth, hydrated, and plump. But when it’s compromised—whether due to harsh skincare products, over-exfoliation, or extreme weather conditions—you may experience sensitivity, redness, and dehydration.
Retinoids work by accelerating cell turnover, which can sometimes lead to a temporary disruption in the skin barrier. That’s why it’s essential to support your skin with the right ingredients and habits.
How to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier While Using Retinoids
1. Choose a Barrier-Supporting Retinoid
Not all retinoids are created equal. Traditional retinol can be harsh and irritating, while modern alternatives like Granactive Retinoid (the key active in Biome Perfecting Oil) offer the same benefits with less risk of dryness and sensitivity.
Biome Perfecting Oil is formulated with a gentle yet effective Granactive Retinoid, plus nourishing plant oils to help maintain moisture and protect your skin barrier as you reap the benefits of retinoids.
2. Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Exfoliation is essential for glowing skin, but when combined with retinoids, overdoing it can weaken the barrier and cause irritation. Many people unknowingly strip their skin by using too many exfoliating acids (like AHAs or BHAs) alongside retinoids.
What to do instead:
- Reduce exfoliation to once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.
- Opt for gentler exfoliants like lactic acid rather than stronger acids.
- Prioritize hydration and barrier repair over aggressive resurfacing.
3. Feed Your Skin with Essential Fatty Acids
Healthy skin starts from within, and essential fatty acids (EFAs) play a key role in reinforcing your skin barrier. These beneficial fats help reduce inflammation, improve moisture retention, and promote a stronger, more resilient complexion.
How to get enough EFAs:
- Incorporate omega-rich foods like salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds, and avocados into your diet.
- Take a high-quality omega-3 supplement if needed.
- Use nourishing facial oils like Biome Perfecting Oil, which contains skin-loving lipids that replenish lost moisture.
4. Focus on Hydration & Barrier-Repairing Ingredients
Since retinoids can be drying, pairing them with barrier-strengthening ingredients is essential. Look for products that contain:
- Ceramides – Reinforce the skin’s protective barrier.
- Niacinamide – Helps repair and calm irritation.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
- Squalane & Fatty Acids – Mimic the skin’s natural lipids for long-lasting moisture.
Biome Perfecting Oil is packed with replenishing plant oils and fatty acids that work in harmony with your skin, ensuring it stays hydrated and balanced while using retinoids.
5. Always Use SPF in the Morning
Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, so daily SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Without sunscreen, you risk undoing all the benefits of your skincare routine. In saying this, with or without retinoid use, our skin needs to be protected form UV damage every day of the year!
Best practices:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even on cloudy days.
- Reapply if spending time outdoors.
- Choose a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients to further support your barrier.
Final Thoughts
Retinoids don’t have to mean a compromised skin barrier! By using a gentle yet effective retinoid like Biome Perfecting Oil, limiting exfoliation, incorporating essential fatty acids, and focusing on hydration, you can enjoy all the benefits of retinoids while keeping your skin strong and resilient.
Love, Becks xx
