Skin Barrier Disruptors in Summer (and How to Fight Back)

Long sunny days, beach trips, surf days…and stressed-out skin? While we’re enjoying the best of the summer season, our skin barrier is working hard to stay balanced and healthy. The good news? A few simple tweaks can help keep your skin happy all summer long.

Let’s break it down!

So, what is the skin barrier?

Your skin barrier is like your body’s natural shield. It’s made up of lipids, proteins, and cells that work together to lock in moisture and keep out irritants. When it’s strong, your skin feels smooth, soft, and resilient. When it’s disrupted? You can expect dryness, sensitivity, flakiness, and dullness.

The sneaky summer barrier breakers

Here’s what your barrier is up against during the sunnier months:

• Sun exposure: UV rays don’t just cause sunburns; they generate free radicals that can break down collagen and weaken the lipids that hold your skin cells together.

• Heat & sweat: Heat can increase water loss from the skin, and sweat can throw off your skin’s pH and lead to irritation.

• Chlorine & saltwater: Pool chemicals and salty ocean water strip away the natural oils that help keep skin soft and protected.

• Travel & changing environments: Different climates, cabin air, and disrupted routines can confuse your skin barrier and leave it feeling out of sorts.

• AC: That blast of cool air might feel refreshing, but it can be incredibly drying, sapping moisture from your skin throughout the day.

How to support your skin barrier this summer

The key to a happy skin barrier? Think gentle, hydrating, and protective. Here’s what we reach for:

• Antioxidants to fend off free radicals: Our Vitamin C Serum is packed with a potent blend of vitamin C, ferulic acid, and konjac root to help neutralize oxidative stress from all that sun and heat exposure.

• Peptides to restore + strengthen: The Corrective Peptide Serum is loaded with peptides, ceramides, and hydrating ingredients that help support elasticity and fortify your skin’s natural barrier.

• Hydration, hydration, hydration: Follow with our Face Cream, a lightweight moisturizer rich in antioxidants and nourishing oils that helps seal in hydration without feeling heavy or greasy (because no one wants that in the summer heat).

• Gentle cleansing: After a day of sunscreen, sweat, and adventure, our Jelly Cleanser offers a soothing, hydrating cleanse that removes impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

• SPF, always: Of course, no summer routine is complete without sunscreen. Protect that hard-working barrier with our line of clean, earth-friendly SPF!

Summer’s environmental stressors are real–but with the right routine, your skin barrier doesn’t have to suffer. By focusing on antioxidant protection, gentle hydration, and consistent SPF, you can keep your skin barrier strong, supported, and glowing all season long.

Explore our skin barrier-friendly favorites.