Is Your Skincare Routine Ageing You?
Your skincare might be doing more harm than good, and not in the ways you’d expect. Products that promise glowing skin or fast results can sometimes backfire, especially if they weaken the skin’s protective barrier. When that barrier is compromised, skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness, inflammation, and premature ageing.
What’s Causing the Damage?
These common skincare habits may be working against your skin:
Harsh cleansers and sulfates: These strip natural oils and disrupt the lipid layer, making skin prone to dehydration and irritation.
Frequent exfoliation: Strong acids, gritty scrubs, or overuse of at-home devices can degrade the skin barrier. This leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and low-grade inflammation, both of which accelerate visible ageing.
Potent actives on sensitised skin: Even well-researched ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids can cause problems if used on compromised or dry skin without barrier support.
Why the Skin Barrier Is So Important
Your skin barrier, mainly located in the outermost layer (stratum corneum), is more than just a surface layer. It helps retain hydration, blocks irritants, and regulates inflammation. When it’s intact and functioning well, skin appears smoother, stronger, and more resilient to ageing triggers.
But if the barrier is impaired, signs like these often appear:
Persistent dryness or tightness
Increased sensitivity
Flaky or rough patches
Fine lines that seem to worsen quickly
A Better Strategy: Build Your Barrier First
Instead of focusing on aggressive treatments or quick fixes, it’s more effective to restore and protect the skin barrier. A consistent, well-formulated routine can deliver better long-term results.
Look for these evidence-backed ingredients:
Ceramides and essential fatty acids (EFAs): Strengthen and repair the lipid layer to reduce moisture loss.
Peptides: Support skin structure by stimulating collagen and aiding recovery.
Glycerine and hyaluronic acid: Hydrate deeply by drawing water into the skin.
Lactic acid (in low concentrations): Gently exfoliates while maintaining hydration and barrier integrity.
Antioxidants and probiotics: Help neutralise environmental stressors and reduce inflammation by supporting the skin microbiome.
Consistency Over Intensity
While the occasional treatment has its place, daily habits have a far greater impact on skin health. A calm, barrier-focused routine helps protect skin from inflammation, dehydration, and environmental damage, all key factors in slowing visible ageing.
And Don’t Forget the Sun
No skincare routine is complete without sun protection. UV exposure is still the number one external cause of premature ageing. Even the most barrier-supportive skincare needs to be paired with a good broad-spectrum SPF to truly protect skin long-term.
—
Want to learn more about barrier-supportive skincare or get personalised guidance? Visit rehabskin.co.nz