If there is one question team glow get asked it’s ‘what is a moisture barrier + how can I keep it healthy?’

Your skin moisture barrier, which is sometimes called ‘the skin barrier’ or ‘lipid barrier’, is the outermost layer of skin. Its job is to protect and hydrate the skin by locking in moisture. It's made up of a lipid layer that includes ceramides and fatty acids, and tough skin cells called corneocytes.

In short, your skin moisture barrier keeps the good things in, such as water + the bad things out, like pollution or bacteria.

WHY SHOULD I SKIN MOISTURE BARRIER

Maintaining your skin moisture barrier is JUST as important as treating it, if it becomes damaged. We liken this to going to the gym but for your skin. If you go to the gym daily, it keeps your body + mind strong + healthy, you should be doing the same for your skin.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY MOISTURE BARRIER IS DAMGED?

One of the first symptoms of a damaged skin moisture barrier is skin dehydration. A healthy + strong barrier locks in hydration, if it becomes damaged, the cell walls become weakened and are unable to hold in hydration. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to temperatures and skincare products, sore flaky skin, new unexpected breakouts, redness – essentially your skin having a mini meltdown and nothing seems to help.

HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY MOISTURE BARRIER?

Using products with ingredients that are going to support the skin moisture barrier is a good place to start.  Look for things with ceramides, fatty acids & lipids- these are naturally occurring in the skin and are part of what keeps that moisture barrier strong and healthy.

OUR TOP PICKS

BARRIER BUILDER HEALTHY SKIN MASK  

We recommend incorporating a barrier boosting face mask into your skincare routine to maintain skin health + enhance other barrier products you may be using.

Our ultra_soothing & cooling face mask hydrates, nourishes & rebuilds, for strong skin that’s healthy + protected.  Powered by an advanced cocktail of essential ceramides which can restore fat content and help prevent water loss + amino acids to help boost resilience & improve skin’s wellbeing. 

In a creamy, soft texture that leaves a cooling veil of hydration on the skin, it instantly calms, helps protect your skin’s natural moisture barrier & restores balance. 

BARRIER BUILDER SERUM

Our barrier builder is a soothing serum to strengthen, protect + give skin a moisture barrier boost, you can incorporate into your routine AM + PM before your moisturiser.  Formulated with