If you're noticing that your skin looks especially dry or dehydrated, your first instinct might be to load up on the moisturizer. However, if that doesn't do the trick and symptoms only seem to worsen, you may be dealing with more than just dry skin. It could be that your skin barrier is damaged.

According to dermatologist Claire Y. Chang, M.D., when your skin barrier is compromised — as is the case when you experience an allergic reaction or when you're dealing with a skin condition (e.g. atopic dermatitis aka eczema) — loss of moisture can occur. The result is dry skin that is often accompanied by irritation and inflammation. While this can be uncomfortable, fortunately, it can be treated.

To find out how, we tapped Dr. Chang and dermatologists Stacy Chimento, M.D. and Patricia Wexler, M.D. for their best tips and advice.

Meet the expert

What Is the Skin Barrier?

According to Dr. Chimento, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that functions to keep all of the good things in and the bad things out.

"Your skin barrier is what keeps you alive by keeping all sorts of harmful environmental toxins and pathogens from penetrating your body," Dr. Chimento explained. "Your skin barrier also keeps the water inside your body that would otherwise escape and evaporate, leaving you completely dehydrated."

The skin barrier also holds high levels of ceramides that protect the immunologic and homeostasis health of the skin, added Dr. Wexler, a dermatological surgeon.

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier

In addition to dry, inflamed skin, Dr. Chimento said a sign of a damaged skin barrier is when you experience symptoms like scaly skin, acne, itchiness, discoloration, or bacterial or fungal infections.

Another cause of barrier impairment? External aggressors. For example, dry weather, allergens, environmental pollution, over-exfoliation, and using harsh soaps or detergents can all damage the skin barrier, noted Dr. Chang, who recommended avoiding excess sun exposure, which disrupts your skin barrier and causes premature skin aging.

How to Prevent and Repair

The key to repairing your skin barrier is keeping it simple and hyper-focusing on moisturizing. Fortunately, this is a relatively quick and easy fix that can be done from the comfort of your own home. Here are five expert-approved ways to fix and restore a damaged skin barrier:

Simplify Your Skincare Routine

Skincare routines with 10 steps may sound like they're addressing every type of skincare concern. However, for some, they may actually be contributing to skin issues. Using too many actives and combining ingredients that shouldn't be mixed together can result in a damaged skin barrier, according to Dr. Chimento. Simplify your skincare routine by limiting the number of products you use. Your skin — and wallet — will thank you.

Eliminate Potential Irritants

Dr. Chang suggested external aggressors, such as excess sun exposure, dry weather, allergens, and environmental pollution, can cause barrier impairment — but that's not all. The CeraVe brand partner added that harsh soaps, scrubs, excess exfoliation, and long, hot baths can also irritate the skin barrier.

Protecting yourself against environmental aggressors by using a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen and products with free-radical-fighting antioxidants, like those found in Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops ($60), will promote a healthy skin barrier.

Swap in Hydrating Ingredients

Dr. Chimento said to look for skincare ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin in your product formulas to improve dryness and strengthen your skin barrier. 

"It is crucial to moisturize your skin daily to repair the skin barrier," emphasized Dr. Chang. 

Dr. Chang also recommended using humidifiers during the winter to keep the air and your skin moisturized.

Treat Inflammation

If your damaged skin barrier is the result of an allergic reaction — perhaps to a new skincare product — you may experience stinging, burning, blotchiness, and more breakouts. Consider swapping out most of your go-to serums, oils, and cleansers for mild (read: less likely to irritate and with little actives) formulas.

Inflammation is another symptom of a compromised barrier. To find relief, look for anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as calendula, niacinamide, witch hazel, and ceramides. The skin barrier holds high levels of ceramides that protect the immunologic and homeostasis health of the skin, Dr. Wexler told us. Using products with ceramides will help to reinforce its strength. For a DIY approach, consider making a face mask with common household ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like aloe, cucumber, and colloidal oatmeal.

Follow a Dermatologist-Recommended Skincare Routine

If you've revised your skincare routine but are still unsure about which products to use, ask a dermatologist. 

Dr. Wexler recommended a regimen that uses gentle micellar water, Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream ($12), Elta MD Clear SPF Broad Spectrum 46 ($41), and SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator ($147). She also advised gently patting products on your face instead of rubbing, which could trigger an allergic response.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can you prevent a damaged skin barrier?

  Having a daily skincare routine filled with good-for-you ingredients is step one. Dr. Chang also recommended avoiding excess sun exposure, which disrupts your skin barrier and causes premature skin aging.

• When should you see a doctor if you have a damaged skin barrier?

  If you're dealing with a bad reaction to a product or suspect you're having issues with your skin barrier, don't self-diagnose. Instead, visit a dermatologist as soon as you can. While some skin barrier damage can be due to allergies, Dr. Wexler added that others may be the result of a genetic predisposition.

• How long does it take to repair a damaged skin barrier?

  It will depend on the extent of the damage, but it can take over six weeks for your skin barrier to heal. When your skin returns back to normal (e.g. redness fades, rashes are completely cleared up, skin feels and looks moisturized, etc.), Dr. Wexler said you can slowly add back in your favorite products.