Introduction:

As the skincare industry continues to grow and expand, we start to see cleansing and moisturizing as a necessary step in our daily skincare routine. Many estheticians remind us that repetition is key in skincare. Having a daily routine will help maintain a healthy skin barrier. 

Esthetician Sean Garrette calls out “the biggest thing for me is exfoliation.” It is true. Exfoliation is important, not only to remove dead skin cells, but also to deeply cleanse your pores and help expedite the regenerative process. However, there is such a thing as over-exfoliation. While, removing the everyday toxins from the face helps clear the skin, over exfoliating can also damage the skin further. 

Continue reading to find out if your skin is damaged and identify the dos and don’ts of a healthy skincare routine to obtain that strong, long lasting skin barrier. 

What is a healthy skin barrier:

The first thing you need to know before starting your skincare routine is what skin type you have. Below are the most common skin types:

• Normal skin
• Sensitive skin
• Dry skin
• Oily skin

The skin barrier is the top layer of your epidermis, made from hardened dead skin cells. “Its function is to offer protection for the underlying layers of living, healthy cells” (Dr Ifeoma  Ejikeme, Founder and Medical Director of Adonia Medical Clinic). However, dead skin cells don’t last forever, and as many people have experienced, the skin on the face begins to peel. That is why it’s so important to have an exfoliation routine, to help remove the impurities of the top layer of the epidermis. Having an understanding of your skin type will help you tremendously in choosing the right exfoliation process customized for your skin type. Fortunately, products can be very useful in treating the epidermis as this layer is the most responsive to acids, retinol and exfoliation. They help reveal the healthy cells underneath for a brighter, glowing complexion.

Dos and don'ts of a healthy skin barrier: (Kadalys, Shirley Billot 2023)

What is over exfoliation:

Exfoliation is a great tool to use when you want to expedite the regenerative skin cell process. Typically, exfoliation helps treat dry, peeling skin and breakouts however, many are not aware that too much of a good thing can be bad. Over exfoliation is one factor that can cause more harm to your skin barrier than one might realize. As exfoliation becomes more knowledgeable in the skincare industry, we start to realize this harm. Dr Aanand Geria says, “generally, skin should be exfoliated only one or two times per week to help expedite skin cell turnover without causing damage.” 

A few signs that help identify a damaged skin barrier include irritation, breakouts, redness and inflammation. More signs include increased sensitivity when applying skincare products. You may think this burning sensation is coming from the product, when in actuality it is a sign of a damaged skin barrier. 

Do not fear, there is a recovery process that Healthline Magazine provided to help rescue and replenish the skin: (Healthline, 2019)

1. Stop all foaming cleansers, retinol products, and physical or chemical exfoliators
2. Switch to a milk cleanser and a fragrance free moisturizer
3. Spot treat extremely red or raw areas with a rich emollient. You can use a hydrocortisone cream or aloe gel

Skinesque's Enzyme Cleansing Powder:

Skinesque’s Enzyme Cleansing Powder is the perfect gentle cleanser to use for all skin types daily. Its complete customizable consistency makes it favorable when your skin feels more sensitive than normal. It is a unique 2-in-1 transformative powder that features papaya enzymes to remove impurities and gently slough away dead skin cells and sebum, revealing soft, radiant and pH balanced skin. Enzyme Cleansing Powder is travel friendly and only needs to be activated with water, so you can take this luxurious cleansing experience wherever you go.

How to use: 

Step 1: AM and PM. To activate, pour a nickel-sized amount of the cleansing powder onto the palm of your hand. 

Step 2: Add desired amount of water to create the consistency that suits your skin type. Tip: use more water for a gentler exfoliation / cleanse

Step 3: Gently massage face and neck using light circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Clean skincare FREE of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes. Safe for sensitive skin, vegan and always cruelty-free.