11/13/2025
Hey, hi, hello!
Class is officially in session. I am going to share information with the idea that whoever is reading this has little to no knowledge of the skin barrier (and its purpose) and how to properly
care for your skin.
Let’s Start with the Basics and the “Why”
Before diving into fancy serums and trendy ingredients, we have to start with the foundation — the steps that actually keep your skin healthy. Because if you don’t understand why each one matters, you’re just throwing money (and effort) at the mirror.
Here’s the routine that sets the tone for everything else:
1. Double Cleanse
The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, and surface oil. The second cleanse actually gets to your skin — clearing dirt and buildup. Think of it as taking off your shoes before mopping the floor. I prefer (and most skin types need to start with an oil based cleanser)
2. Toner
This step balances your skin’s pH after cleansing and preps it to absorb everything else better. A good toner adds hydration, not sting. This is not the toner of the 80's (Seabreeze) that strips your skin. Toners and skin flooding will have their own post soon!
3. Serum
This is your concentrated treatment — packed with active ingredients that target your goals (hydration, brightness, fine lines, etc.). It’s like your skin’s daily vitamin shot.
4. Moisturizer
Seals in hydration and helps strengthen your skin barrier (we’ll get to that part). Even oily skin needs this step.
5. SPF
The non-negotiable. UV damage causes premature aging, dark spots, and barrier breakdown — basically, everything we’re trying to avoid. SPF is your invisible shield.
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What’s a Skin Barrier, and Why Should You Care?
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin — a mix of lipids (fats), ceramides, and natural moisture that keeps the good stuff in (hydration) and the bad stuff out (pollution, bacteria, irritants).
When it’s healthy, your skin feels smooth, calm, and hydrated. When it’s damaged? You’ll notice dryness, redness, flakiness, and that “tight” feeling after washing.
Common ways people damage their barrier:
• Over-exfoliating (using scrubs, actives, and/or acids too often)
• Harsh cleansers or too-hot water
• Skipping moisturizer or SPF
• Mixing ingredients that fight each other
To repair and protect it:
• Stick to gentle cleansers
• Use ceramide-rich moisturizers
• Don’t skip SPF
• Use a clean towel and clean washcloth each time your wash your face!
• Change your pillow case EVERY single night. I know, I know but trust me when I say . . . it makes a difference. This will also have its own post.
• Simplify your routine for a few weeks if your skin feels irritated
A healthy barrier = glowing, balanced, resilient skin. Everything else works better when this foundation is strong.
Bottom line though is . . . YOU HAVE TO BE CONSISTENT!!!
Product info and links coming tonight. Tonight, I will be posting links for cleansers and share information about ingredients and my option on the products.
