The largest organ of your body — the skin — is more than just a covering; it’s a sophisticated defence system. At the heart of this system are two key components: the skin barrier and the skin microbiome. Together, they work in harmony to protect, nourish, and maintain your skin’s health.

The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of your skin. It is essentially your skin’s first line of defence. Think of it as a brick wall: dead skin cells are the “bricks,” and lipids (fats) like ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids act as the “mortar.” This layer serves several essential functions:

Defence against environmental aggressors: It protects your skin from harmful elements like pollutants, bacteria, and UV radiation.

Moisture retention: The barrier prevents excessive water loss, keeping your skin hydrated and plump.

Regulation of skin permeability: It controls what substances can penetrate or leave the skin, maintaining the balance of hydration and protection.

When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to issues like dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and conditions like eczema. Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential for overall skin health and hydration.

The first step to repairing a compromised skin barrier is using the right skincare products for your daily regimen. Here are some tips:

• Simple is best when repairing a compromised skin barrier
• Start with a good moisturiser that hydrates, protects and strengthens skin barrier
• Look for ingredients with niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants (e.g. astaxanthin)
• Avoid exfoliants (all types) and all actives (including retinols, AHAs and medicated creams)
• Avoid common irritants such as synthetic fragrance, colouring agents and certain preservatives
• In addition to a good moisturiser, use a light face oil and essence to hydrate the skin while preventing water loss

When it comes to finding the right skincare products for skin barrier repair, a range like Forest MD offers safe and effective products meticulously created by doctors. Here are some of our favourite skincare ingredients with excellent hydration and anti-ageing benefits that keep skin healthy, youthful and resilient:

1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces redness and boosts DNA repair. (Found in: Hydrating Soothing Essence, Asta Collagen Jelly Serum, Advanced Repair Lotion)

2. Ceramides – skin repair agents that restore moisture, protect the skin from stress & pollution, reduce inflammation & redness, and strengthen skin’s barrier. (Found in: Asta Collagen Jelly Serum, Advanced Repair Lotion)

3. Centella Asiatica Extract (Gotu kola) – a medicinal herb that acts as an antioxidant, and has skin soothing, wound healing, anti-inflammatory and hydrating benefits. (Found in: Asta Collagen Jelly Serum, Advanced Repair Lotion)

4. Hyaluronic acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) – a well-known hydrating agent that relieves dry skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (Found in:Hydrating Soothing Essence, Stem Cell Repair Essence, Nutrient Serum, Asta Collagen Jelly Serum, Stem Cell Sleeping Mask)

5. Squalane – Balances oil production and has anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits. (Found in: Intensive White Lotus Oil, Asta Collagen Jelly Serum)

6. Astaxanthin – a powerful antioxidant with wound healing, collagen stimulation and anti-ageing properties. (Found in:  Asta Collagen Jelly Serum)

7. Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals. It also stimulates collagen production, promotes skin elasticity and diminishes the signs of ageing. (Found in: Stem Cell Sleeping Mask, Ultra-Light Nutrient Lotion, Muru Muru Age-Defy Cream)

By understanding and nurturing your skin barrier, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing in the long run.