Is Your Skin Barrier Damaged?

This insidious but common issue may be the answer to your most stubborn skin issues.

We talk a lot about skin barrier health, resiliency, and integrity at Volta. When the natural moisturizer barrier of the skin becomes compromised, the door is left open to a slew of troublesome issues.

WHAT IS THE SKIN BARRIER?

The skin barrier is the uppermost layer of skin. It protects the skin and body by acting as a filter - keeping the good things in (such as natural moisture) and the bad things (such as environmental toxins) out.

A healthy skin barrier is critical to obtaining and maintaining healthy, hydrated, smooth, even, and glowing skin.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS MY SKIN BARRIER IS DAMAGED?

-Stubborn breakouts.

-Rough, waxy, or bumpy texture.

-Inflammation + redness

-"Spicy" or stinging sensation when applying products.

-Tight feeling + dehydration

-Enhanced fine lines

-Dull, dry, or flaky

-Slow, sluggish healing process and increased acne scarring or sun damage.

-Itchy sensation

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CAUSES OF BARRIER DAMAGE?

There are many factors at play that can contribute to a compromised skin barrier. Commonly, these can include (but are not limited to):

-Over-exfoliation. This happens when the skin is exfoliated incorrectly (using an incompatible exfoliant for you skin type), or exfoliated too often or too harshly.

-Too many (or inconsistent) products. Adding too many competing forces in your skincare routine is not doing your skin any favours.

-Environmental exposure. While we all love and need Vitamin D, the sun's rays also do an incredible job at causing damage to the skin; whether we can visibly see that damage or not.

-Seasonal changes. As the natural cycle of Mother Nature runs her course, our skin also goes through its own cycle of changing needs throughout the year.

-Hot water. As delicious as a long hot shower is, avoid running your face under the hot water. Washing your face in hot water throws off the natural balance of the skin, stripping it from it's natural moisture barrier.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HEAL A DAMAGED SKIN BARRIER?

-Re-think + simply your rituals. Skin thrives on simplicity and consistency. It's best to instead find the routine that is perfectly matched to you, with only a few steps, and sticking to it.

-Never, ever skip SPF. Whether it's sunny, snowy, rainy, or cloudy: prioritize SPF. Whether it's spring, summer, autumn, or winter: prioritize SPF. All skin tones need SPF. We can't stress this enough.

-Minimize or temporarily eliminate exfoliation practices and focus heavily on hydration and nourishment. Your skin is begging for some TLC, not to be further stripped down. Don't be afraid to try gentle, non-comedogenic (not pore blocking) oils, such as rosehip or sea buckthorn.

-Try out our Volta Skin Studio Signature Hydrafacial. Medical and holistic in nature, our treatment is a unique, detailed experience that is exclusive to Volta. We've curated this treatment specifically for the purpose of hydration and nourishment of the skin barrier, and to accelerate skin barrier healing to create a resilient and strong foundation.