Barrier Repair Routine: What to Do When Your Skin Feels Irritated

Tightness, stinging, flaking, and sudden sensitivity often point to a stressed skin barrier. The fix is usually simpler than you think.

A 7-day reset

• AM: gentle cleanse (or rinse) + moisturiser + SPF

• PM: gentle cleanse + moisturiser (repeat if very dry)

• Pause: acids, retinoids, scrubs, and fragranced products

What to look for in products

• Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane

• Fragrance-free if you’re reactive

• A creamy cleanser rather than foaming if you’re dry

Once your skin feels calm again, reintroduce actives slowly — one at a time.