Sensitive Skin or Barrier Damage?

Your skin barrier is the topmost layer of skin, which acts like a security guard. It is your skin’s first line of defence against the outside world; in addition, it protects what is on the inside. Essentially, you can thank your skin barrier for clear, healthy skin, and you can blame it for any breakouts.

Sensitive Skin or Barrier Damage?
Sensitive skin, on the other hand, is a term that is often bandied about and is something that not many people truly have. Instead of sensitive skin, what most people suffer from is barrier damage. Knowing the difference will help you to ensure that you look after your skin in the best possible way.

Barrier damage causes

It is not hard to compromise your skin barrier; in fact, damage can be caused incredibly easily. Sunlight, UV rays, airborne pollution, cigarette smoke, dry air conditions, flying long distances, washing too often, facial scrubs and all kinds of factors can cause barrier damage, and even a lack of sleep can have a negative effect.

In contrast, sensitive skin is generally a genetic condition and one that cannot be alleviated in the same way as repairing skin barrier damage. Sensitive skin should be diagnosed by a dermatologist or similar medical professional and is far rarer than you might think.

Signs of skin barrier damage

Sensitive sin is often affected by underlying conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, whereas skin barrier damage is generally indicated by sensitivity, redness, irritation, dryness or oiliness. Repairing the skin barrier is something that can easily be done, while sensitive skin is a lifelong condition and can only be made more bearable rather than eliminated.

Sensitive Skin or Barrier Damage?

Correcting skin barrier damage

Products such as those in an Avene Sensitive Skin Gift Set, available from retailers such as, are ideal for both those suffering from sensitive skin and from skin barrier damage. Any gentle products that are free from alcohol parabens and fragrance are a good way to calm and nourish your skin, with serums also an excellent option.

Looking after a damaged skin barrier takes extra care, but it is possible to repair it and nourish it to ensure your complexion stays clear and healthy; similarly, you can look after sensitive skin. By protecting the skin barrier, those with sensitive skin will also have a better, brighter complexion.