Researches show that certain plant oils may help repair the skin barrier and also prevent your skin barrier from losing moisture. Many of these oils have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, too.
Some of the most effective plant oils to use on your skin include:
jojoba oil
coconut oil
almond oil
argan oil
borage oil
rosehip oil
sunflower oil
soybean oil
There are many ways you can use plant oils on your skin. You can apply creams and lotions that contain one or more of these oils as an ingredient. Or, you can pour a small amount of the oil into the palm of your hand and then massage it gently into your skin until it’s absorbed.
Look for formulations that include ceramides
Ceramides are waxy lipids found in especially high concentrations in the stratum corneum. They are crucial for the healthy functioning of your skin barrier.
Research from 2019 shows that products containing pseudo-ceramides may help improve the dryness, itchiness, and scaling caused by a poorly functioning barrier. Ceramide-rich moisturizers may also strengthen the structural integrity of your skin barrier.
Ceramide moisturizers may be especially helpful if you have acne. In acne-prone skin, the barrier is often impaired, and acne treatments can leave skin dry and reddened. Products containing ceramides may also help protect darker skin, which a 2014 review of studies has shown contain lower ceramide levels.
Here are few highly rated ceramide moisturizers, all of which you can find online:
Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream: Formulated with protective ceramides, oat flour, and oat oil extracts, this moisturizer can be used on your entire body to hydrate and protect your skin barrier.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Also ideal for your entire body, this fragrance-free moisturizer helps restore your skin barrier with three essential ceramides.
Majestic Pure Tea Tree Oil Face Cream: Containing 5 percent tea tree oil and infused with ceramides, this cream is a good option for acne-prone skin.
Try moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, or glycerin
Dry skin is a common problem, and moisturizers are the often-recommended solution.
An occlusive moisturizer aids the skin barrier by reducing the amount of water loss from your skin. These products leave a thin film on your skin that helps to hold in moisture. One of the most frequently recommended occlusive moisturizers is petrolatum, which experts say can block as much as 99 percent of water loss from your skin.
Like occlusive moisturizers, humectants can also improve barrier function. Humectants work by drawing water — either from the environment or from inside your body — and binding it in the skin barrier. Researchers recommend products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, honey, and urea.
