Compromised barrier is more prevalent than ever before. Are you prepared to help your clients recover from it? The environment, overuse of harsh skincare ingredients, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and aggressive treatments all contribute to compromised barrier, but with the right techniques, you may help clients restore and repair the skin’s barrier.
As I noted in the “10 Ingredients to resuscitate compromised barrier,” the skin barrier is our first line of defense, protecting against toxins, bacteria, infection, UV damage, and trans-epidermal water loss. Thus, it is vitally important the barrier functions at peak performance.
But once it’s compromised how do you restore the skin’s barrier function? In addition to the right mix of high-quality ingredients, there are certain techniques that may be used in the treatment room to begin to repair compromised barrier.
Before you start
Working with compromised barriers starts by addressing the underlying issues that may be causing or exacerbating the issue. Use the client consultation to explore and uncover any potential contributing factors. You might start with questions such as:
- When did you notice the change in your skin?
- Do you experience more irritation at certain times?
- Have you recently changed your diet?
- Are you on any medications or have you had any changes in your health?
In the treatment room
When working with compromised barriers, a simple regimen focused on healing, strengthening and hydrating the skin is recommended. Depending on the client and their skin, both corrective facials and peels geared for sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin or those with impaired barrier function may be used.
As with any treatment, start with a good cleanse. With the facial, you may incorporate a second cleanse with Gentle Jojoba Beads. To start the exfoliation process, whether performing a peel or facial, an enzyme with amino acids like the Bromelain Enzyme will soften skin and digest surface cells, while supporting skin strengthening.
If performing a facial, the enzyme may be blended with a soothing, protein-enriched mask like Milk Mask to hydrate, nourish and calm the skin. A second mask application may be applied to further bolster hydration and repair. We recommend a combination of the new 50+ AHP Booster and the Mandelic Arginine Peel to rejuvenate while delivering antioxidant support and cellular repair.
Strengthening the skin is imperative. For this, turn to ingredients like retinaldehyde, L-mandelic acid, organic stem cells, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. These will hydrate, rebuild, and stimulate cellular renewal, and always finish with a good mineral UV protection like the Daytime Defense.
If performing a peel, following the enzyme application, you’ll want to further prep the skin prior to the peel application. A solution that minimizes post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) like the Melanin Suppressant Solution along with an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial formula like the Cell Conditioner, will boost skin strength. For the peel application, pro-youth rejuvenators like the Mandelic Arginine Peel and Hibiscus Peel will provide non-irritating cell rejuvenation while healing and hydrating. This may be followed by a retinol and peptide peel formula like the Vitamin A+ Peptide Peel to further stimulate cell renewal, improve hydration and elasticity, and rebuild the skin.
Finish with a daytime protection cream if it’s daylight or an omega 6 formula if it’s after sundown.
Prescribing home care
Consistency and simplicity will be key at home. Each skin type will require a specific home care plan. For instance, if the client has extremely dry, irritated or inflamed skin, you might try the following:
Morning regimen:
- Soothing Cream Cleanse with the Soothing Gel Cleanse
- Pure Hydration with the Hydra Soothe Spritz for hydration
- Daytime Defense for protection
Evening regimen:
Keep in mind, every skin is different and a customized approach is always recommended. Your treatment plan starts with the client intake. Their health history and past skincare regimen will shape what you do in the treatment room and prescribe for home care.