Skin barrier function is everything. Dry, flaky, red and problematic Skin is asking for help!

We insult our skin regularly by over cleansing, over exfoliating and using products that are not pH appropriate. Once the skin's acid mantle, beneficial bacteria and protective layer of skin cells are disrupted, the skin is easily sensitized. Once compromised, the skin is harder to treat and a chronic cycle of sensitized (or what most people refer to as "sensitive" skin) begins.
So, how do we repair the skin's barrier function?
-Remove the products that are messing with your skin. Obvious, right? Fragrance, essential oils and some extracts can disrupt the skin's acid mantle, to name a few.
-Cleanse your face properly. You'd be surprised how many women still want to use foaming, fragrance laden cleansers that do nothing but strip the skin. How you cleanse your face matters, a lot. A thorough cleansing with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser at the end of the day is enough. A lukewarm rinse in the morning will suffice, unless you have very oily or acne prone skin. Double cleanse to remove makeup, no excuses.
-Over exfoliating is terrible for your skin. Stop it! We prefer an creamy, enzyme based exfoliate (like pineapple, papaya) because enzymes are gentler than exfoliating acids. Please do not use an exfoliating "scrub"on your face. Ever. If you are exfoliating 2-3 times a week, it's too much!
-Compromised skin needs help. So you found the one thing that doesn't cause a reaction, now what? There are a lot of products on the market to support and strengthen skin barrier function. Take advantage of them for long term benefits.