Just like some people’s skin is more sensitive than others, some people’s acid mantles are more sensitive than others. In fact, you might have a sensitive acid mantle even while you don’t think you have specifically sensitive skin.

Making sure you have healthy skin barrier function is one of the most important and beneficial things you can do for your skin.

WHAT IS THE ACID MANTLE?

The acid mantle is your skin’s moisture barrier that keeps moisture in while keeping harmful things out.

It’s composed mostly of fatty acids which create a protective slightly acidic layer on the surface of the skin that prevents bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from penetrating while also keeping moisture from evaporating.

The problem is that unlike sensitive skin which can show sensitivities right away in the form of redness or dryness, a sensitive skin barrier may not show up immediately.

Oftentimes a sensitive or damaged skin barrier is a long term problem that many people begin to think is just the way their skin is. This can take the form of acne, dullness, slow healing, clogged pores or just an overall congested appearance.

Unfortunately, a lot of the steps people take to improve the appearance of skin can in fact contribute to damaging an already compromised moisture barrier.

The following are 14 factors that can damage your moisture barrier and the solutions that can fix it. If you struggle with problem skin healing moisture barrier could be a simple solution to your skin problems.

WASHING WITH BAR SOAP

Problem: Bar soap is typically highly alkaline, usually a 7 or more on the pH scale.

Besides the alkalinity, bar soap is also a very strong surfactant or detergent so it’s very effective at stripping a lot of the fat from the surface of the skin. The fat or oil is where the acid mantle lives and stripping it significantly compromises the skin barrier.

Solution: Switch to a gentle pH balanced bar soap specifically formulation for skin  which has a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 that perfectly matches the skin’s preferred pH zone.

STRIPPING LIQUID CLEANSERS

Problem: Besides bar soaps, liquid cleansers can also wreak havoc on your acid mantle.

Even if you are using a cleanser specially formulated for problem skin or acne prone skin, it may still be much too alkaline to support healthy barrier function.

This was my exact experience with Vichy Normaderm. Switching to a gentler cleanser solved a lot of my skin problems like the overall congestion and dullness I was dealing with.

CLEANSING TOO OFTEN

Problem: For some people cleansing even twice a day can be too taxing on their acid mantle.

Solution: If you’ve tried other barrier repair fixes and aren’t seeing results, try only using cleanser at night. In the morning just splash water on your face.

PLAIN OLD TAP WATER

Problem: As if skin care wasn’t complicated enough already now water could be standing between you and good skin.

The pH of water is naturally more alkaline than that of skin. Water ranges from 6.5 to 7 whereas skin is happiest between 4.5 and 5.5. For some people applying water too often can disrupt the acid mantle.

Solution: The oil cleansing method is a good option if you’ve exhausted other potential causes of your skin issues.

It’s usually said that the best oil to start with is mineral oil as it’s non-comedogenic and generally not reactive.

Try pore strips to get rid of blackheads on your nose.

Pore strips like Bioré Original Deep Cleansing Pore Strips adhere to the nose skin, and as they dry, the adhesive attaches to oil, sebum, and dead skin cells, which are removed when the strip is taken off, They can be irritating, though, so proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin or rosacea. If you’re prone to blackheads on the nose,  also suggests regularly using a cleanser or serum with salicylic acid on this area and getting a professional facial with manual extractions.

Use a medicated cleanser to nix blackheads on your back and body.

For blackheads on the back, “I recommend using a benzoyl peroxide face or body wash in the shower daily”Let it sit on skin for a minute or two before washing off.” She recommends trying a formula that contains 5% benzoyl peroxide to start, then moving to a higher percentage if your skin can tolerate it without irritation. If benzoyl peroxide is too drying, apply a salicylic acid wash instead, suggests.

Another option: Before bed, spread a thin coat of a retinoid gel or cream on the area, starting with every other night to prevent irritation. If you can’t reach your back, get someone to help you apply the cream or try a back lotion applicator. For more stubborn blackheads, visit a dermatologist: suggests a Jessner peel, which contains a mix of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to deeply exfoliate skin and treat acne.

Be gentle with blackheads on your cheeks.

If you have blackheads on your cheeks, “remember that this skin will be a bit drier and perhaps more sensitive to retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or salicylic acid than other spotsYou can use these ingredients, but in smaller quantities so the skin doesn’t dry out or get irritated.

Be wary of DIY blackhead removal hacks.

A PSA from our dermatologist pros: Though much talked-about on the internet, toothpaste is not an effective blackhead treatment— it’s too harsh and drying on skin.

Call your dermatologist for deep blackheads.

“For those super deep blackheads, you should see a dermatologist or esthetician, as they have special tools that can safely extract the gunk trapped in your pores,” “Do not attempt to remove these yourself, as this can cause trauma and scarring of your skin.”

How can I prevent blackheads from forming?

While you can’t get rid of blackheads permanently (sorry!), you can maintain a consistent skincare routine incorporating the tips above to prevent future pimples from popping up. Always remove your makeup at night and wash your face twice daily. Make sure to address any underlying hormonal issues if possible, and eliminate any thick, occlusive creams, makeup, or hair products if you think they may be an underlying cause.

Don’t skip moisturizing completely, though, as it’s important for all skin types— just make sure to choose a formula that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, like Good Housekeeping Seal star Neutrogena Oil-Free Facial Moisturizer, to prevent pore clogging.