After Hours Skin Clinic

How to Repair and Protect A Damaged Skin Barrier


Listen Later

Our skin barrier is the foundation for great skin health. However, it's so easy to damage or compromise it with overly complicated routines, product overuse and ingredient misuse. This episode is all about understanding, fixing, maintaining and protecting your skin barrier.

Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain the key mistakes we all make from overusing exfoliating acids and misusing retinoids to choosing the wrong cleansers and moisturisers.

They also share practical, science-backed tips and dermatologist-recommended products to help restore barrier function and keep skin comfortable long-term.

This episode covers:

  • What the skin barrier actually is (and why it’s not “just dead skin”)
  • Why cold weather, wind, heating and lifestyle stress damage the skin barrier
  • How over-exfoliation and product overload can cause irritation
  • The link between barrier damage and acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitivity
  • Signs your skin barrier is compromised (tightness, stinging, redness, flaking)
  • Why less is often more when repairing the skin barrier
  • How cleansers can either protect or strip the skin
  • The importance of moisturising at the right time
  • How humectants, emollients and occlusives work together
  • How to safely recover from retinoid-induced irritation
  • Post-procedure skin barrier repair tips
  • Products mentioned:

    • Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
    • Avène Tolerance Cleanser
    • Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
    • SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair
    • This episode includes a paid partnership with Avène. We only collaborate with brands we genuinely rate and would recommend in clinic regardless of sponsorship. All views shared are our own and based on clinical experience and published evidence.

      Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your skincare or treatment plan.


      Have any questions? Send them over to [email protected] 

      Find us on Instagram @AfterHoursSkinClinic

      _____


      Producer: Ella Blaxill

      Series Editor: Eve Streeter

      Music by Simon Elms.


      This is a Raconteur Studios Production.

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      After Hours Skin ClinicBy Raconteur Studios

      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5
      • 5

      5

      2 ratings


      More shows like After Hours Skin Clinic

      View all
      The Emma Guns Show by Emma Gunavardhana

      The Emma Guns Show

      308 Listeners

      SheerLuxe Podcast by SheerLuxe

      SheerLuxe Podcast

      92 Listeners

      Age Better with Liz Earle by Liz Earle

      Age Better with Liz Earle

      246 Listeners

      Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

      Happy Place

      984 Listeners

      Outspoken Beauty by Nicola Bonn

      Outspoken Beauty

      88 Listeners

      The Wellness Scoop by The Wellness Scoop

      The Wellness Scoop

      1,339 Listeners

      How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

      How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

      1,173 Listeners

      Postcards From Midlife by Lorraine Candy & Trish Halpin

      Postcards From Midlife

      134 Listeners

      Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast by Women's Health UK

      Just As Well, The Women's Health Podcast

      24 Listeners

      The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan by Gabby Logan

      The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

      200 Listeners

      The Ins & Outs by Jojo Barr, Pollyanna Wilkinson

      The Ins & Outs

      106 Listeners

      Amanda Wakeley: StyleDNA by Hatch 108 Productions

      Amanda Wakeley: StyleDNA

      14 Listeners

      Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

      Begin Again with Davina McCall

      634 Listeners

      Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast by Dr Naomi Potter

      Is It Hot In Here? Midlife Podcast

      15 Listeners