A Dermatologist’s Top Do’s & Don’ts When It Comes To Repairing A Damaged Skin Barrier

Is your skin barrier damaged? Learn board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Marisa Garshick's, top do’s and don’ts when it comes to repairing a damaged skin barrier.

“It is important to avoid any ingredients that can worsen irritation or further compromise the skin barrier such as harsh soaps, abrasive scrubs, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids or salicylic acid. It is always important to allow your skin barrier to recover prior to incorporating any harsh active ingredients.” 

“Once the skin barrier is damaged it is best to use products that are gentle on the skin which includes a gentle hydrating or cream cleanser, a gentle serum like RescueMD DNA Repair Complex and a gentle moisturizer that will help to support and strengthen the skin barrier while also protecting the skin from further irritation.” 

“It is best to avoid resurfacing lasers, chemical peels, and microneedling if you have a damaged skin barrier as having a damaged skin barrier may impact the recovery process with these treatments.” 

“Many in-office treatments should be avoided while the skin barrier is damaged as many treatments like lasers, microneedling. and chemical peels may actually further disrupt the skin barrier and it is important to have a healthy skin barrier to ensure an easy recovery. That said, there are devices that target redness, such as a PDL or IPL, that don’t necessarily support a damaged skin barrier, but may help to alleviate some of the redness that is associated with it. Some injectables may be considered, such as Skinvive which is designed to help hydrate the skin from within.” 

"Black currant, rosehip, aloe leaf juice, sunflower seed oils, and rosemary and balloon vine extracts, which contain fatty acids and anti- inflammatory and antioxidant benefits to help soothe, reduce redness, synthesize ceramides, and support the skin’s moisture barrier while defending against future damage. Proprietary lapachol provides anti-inflammatory properties and supports a reduction in redness and irritation, helping to improve the appearance of a compromised skin barrier. Lapachol also works to gently resurface and fade skin damage, improving the appearance of dark spots and discoloration with scarring, helping to give the skin a glow without stripping the skin or disrupting the skin barrier."

“DNA Repair Complex is formulated with gentle yet effective ingredients that help support your skin barrier and moisture levels. The formula contains dermatologist-approved, barrier-supporting ingredients including allantoin, glycerin, dimethicone, and signature antioxidants. Allantoin is a calming water-based moisturizing agent that works to seal in hydration while acting as a skin protectant. Glycerin, a humectant, helps draw in moisture from deeper layers of your skin. Dimethicone, an emollient, softens and soothes the skin all while protecting the skin, sealing in hydration, and creating a skin-protectant barrier."

RescueMD user submitted photos featuring DNA Repair Complex treatment after windburn. One hour difference in before and after photo. 

DNA Repair Complex works to soothe the skin, so not only does it help to support the skin barrier, but it also is calming and reduces redness and irritation which makes it especially helpful when my skin barrier is compromised. I also love that it is hydrating so it gives the skin that extra boost of moisture that it often needs when the skin barrier is weakened.”*

*Always check in with your dermatology provider before adding new products to your regimen. 

Dr. Marisa Garshick is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine. Stay up to date with Dr. Garshick and MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Center on Instagram. Visit MDCS’s website to learn more or to book an appointment with Dr. Garshick in New York City or Englewood, NJ.  

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