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Monday

Welcome to Monday! We’re beginning another week of self-care with:

• How to know if your skin barrier is damaged

• Steps to improve your skincare routine

• Daily, factual news for free

• What you need to know about different moisturizer textures

What Does It Mean To Have a Damaged Skin Barrier?

Our skin has many functions — including acting as a barrier to protect the rest of our bodies. But what happens when your skin’s barrier becomes damaged?

There are three layers to our skin: the subcutaneous fatty layer, the dermis middle layer, and the epidermis outer layer.

On the outer layer of skin, we have corneocytes that act as sort of “bricks,” and lipids, which act as the “mortar” in the gaps, Cleveland Clinic shared. These work together to form a protective barrier.

However, when that barrier becomes damaged, it’s not able to protect us as well from things like the sun’s UV rays, pollution, infections, and so forth.

This damage can come from things like the weather, acne, eczema, and other skin conditions — but it can also occur from the things we do (or don’t do) in our routines. This may include over-exfoliating, not moisturizing, or using too many products or combinations of products that irritate our skin.

Some signs of a damaged skin barrier include dryness, a lack of elasticity, trans-epidermal water loss, a thinning of the top layer, and more. It may also feel sensitive or dry.

Luckily, there are ways to help a damaged barrier (more on that below).

Steps To Repair a Damaged Skincare Barrier

Whether your skincare barrier is damaged or you want to improve that protective defense, there are some easy ways you can give your skin a boost.

Facialist Katharine Mackenzie Paterson recommends simplifying your skincare routine of anything beyond the essentials to identify what could be irritating your skin. The essentials include cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

This simple routine will not only promote healing but will also help you identify what may have contributed to barrier damage in the first place.

Antioxidant serums can help shield your skin from free radicals and other damage, according to Westlake Dermatology.

Some research has also shown that plant oils may help repair the skin barrier, so that could be a helpful addition as you go on your healing journey.

As your barrier begins to heal, avoid overdoing the number of products you use or adding them in too quickly. Focus on one or two additional products at a time, and pump the brakes if you notice signs of barrier damage again.

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How Different Moisturizer Textures Can Impact Your Skin

From creams and lotions to gels and more, there are seemingly endless different kinds of moisturizers to choose from.

These different moisturizer types and textures can have different impacts on your skin, so it’s important to know how they work and find the best fit for your routine.

• Cream: This tends to be a bit heavier and provides an ultra-hydrating barrier. This makes it a solid choice for those with dry skin, places with dry climates, and the harsher winter months.

• Gel: These are among the most lightweight moisturizers, making them a great option for those with oily skin.

• Lotion: This is the “middle” option, falling in consistency between a gel and cream. It holds a little more water, meaning it may seem a little more liquid. This makes it an all-around good moisturizer for a variety of skin types, climates, and seasons.

• Oil: Oil-based moisturizers may come in all different textures, including gels, creams, or lotions. This tends to make them all heavier, but can also be a hydrating option for those with particularly dry skin types.

When choosing your moisturizer texture, consider your skin type, goals, and environmental factors to find the best fit for your routine.

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know: Our skin has 11 miles of blood vessels! Our bodies are truly incredible.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Consider what changes you could make in your skincare routine to love and care for it!

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!