5 skincare mistakes are damaging your skin barrier

Skincare mistakes that damage skin barrier (Image: Pexels)

When it comes to skincare, the influx of advice that is out there can be confusing. We live in a day and age when people consume a lot of information through swipeable content on reels and short videos. So, when someone comes across a reel wherein they list down some simple steps to achieve glass skin, one can't help but try some hacks in hopes of glowing and radiant skin. Instead of studying the nature of our skin and reading about the ingredients of a particular product, what one does is simply jump on the next big trend. The result? It can be damaging and irreversible at times.

There are many mistakes that can actually end up damaging the skin barrier. Wondering what a skin barrier really means? Well, to break it down for you, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that helps protect our skin from external aggressors like chemicals, bacteria, toxins, UV rays, allergens, among other things. One of the important functions of a skin barrier is to keep the body hydrated by locking in the moisture. So, now imagine what happens when the barrier gets damaged? Well, it will lead to loss of water and your skin may start showing symptoms like dryness, irritation, inflammation, increased sensitivity and so on.

Listed below are some of the skincare faux pas that you must avoid at all cost, as they can damage your barrier.

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Not using a makeup removing product
Picture this: You have layers of makeup on your skin and you're trying to rub it off with water and soap. It's obvious that the makeup won't come off easily and in your endeavor to get rid of it, you rub soap against your skin in an even more abrasive manner. Well, this is a big no no. This practice can even take a toll on your skin barrier. You must always use a balm, makeup removing wipes and other such products to remove makeup and then clean your face.

Overuse of actives
It is pretty common for people to get influenced by what they see on social media. So, if someone touts 'Niacinamide' as the next big thing, or gamechanger for their skincare routine, a lot of people mindlessly start incorporating actives in their skincare routine without consulting their dermat. Well, overuse of actives can aggravate your skin and damage your skin barrier. You must always consult a specialist before deciding on which active to introduce and how much quantity you want to start with.

Using hot water
Splashing hot water on your skin can cause it to dry, and how! It can strip away the essential oil and make your skin look dull. Prolonged exposure to hot water can interfere with your skin barrier and make it prone to increased sensitivity.

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Not using a sunscreen
It is advised to apply sunscreen, as it helps protect the skin against harmful UV and IR rays. Exposure to UV rays can lead to signs of premature ageing and inflammation. So, when an individual avoids wearing sunscreen, they are inevitably inviting a lot of skincare troubles their way.

Over-exfoliation
If one exfoliates one's skin in excess or used incorrect products to do that then it can disrupt the barrier of the skin. It can strip the skin of essential oils and leave it feeling dry, irritated or inflamed. The result? Damaged skin barrier. This is why one must regulate the number of times one exfoliates one's skin under the guidance of a dermatologist. Also, using the product matters a lot.

FAQs on mistakes that damage skin barrier:
What are common mistakes that damage the skin barrier?
Common mistakes include not using a makeup removing product, overusing actives, using hot water, and not applying sunscreen.

How does hot water affect the skin barrier?
Hot water can strip away essential oils, causing dryness and making the skin look dull. Prolonged exposure can interfere with the skin barrier, increasing sensitivity.

Why is it important to use a makeup removing product?
Using a makeup removing product ensures that makeup is removed gently without harming the skin barrier, unlike rubbing soap abrasively against the skin.

What is the role of sunscreen in protecting the skin barrier?
Sunscreen protects the skin against harmful UV and IR rays, preventing premature ageing and inflammation.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.