CAN WE STOP
gatekeeping skin barrier health?
By Elle — 24, barrier-repair evangelist and recovering product hoarder
It took me years, two dermatologists, and one very bad glycolic acid experience to finally say it: taking care of your skin barrier isn't extra. It's essential. And yet, somehow, no one talks about it until things go wrong. Until you break out. Flake. Burn. Peel. (Been there.) So let’s talk about it. Because while everyone loves to show off their glow, no one wants to talk about how they got there. Spoiler: it probably wasn’t that new trending serum.
Step 1: Realizing "too much" isn’t the flex you thought it was
I used to think the more I did, the more I cared. Double cleanse. Exfoliate. Mask. Spot treat. Ice roll. Moisturize. Then do it again the next day. But somewhere between step 7 and step "wait, why is my skin stinging?" I realized something: my skin wasn’t reacting because it was picky. It was reacting because it was exhausted.
Step 2: Learning your skin is actually smart
Your skin knows what to do. It doesn’t need to be scrubbed within an inch of its life or slathered in ten conflicting actives. What it does need? A gentle cleanse. A solid layer of hydration. Maybe a barrier-repair cream that makes it feel like it's wrapped in a cashmere blanket. Simplicity is underrated, but it works.
Step 3: Finding your "glow era" starts with peace
Since switching to barrier-first skincare, my skin has completely changed. It’s calmer. Brighter. Less reactive. My morning mirror moment isn’t about checking for breakouts anymore — it’s about seeing how well my skin is doing. The right products (hi Cooling Jellies) didn’t just help. They healed.
We need to stop acting like skincare is a sport. Or a competition. Or a 10-step flex. Because a healthy barrier isn’t about perfection. It’s about protection. And the sooner we stop gatekeeping that, the glowierwe’ll all be.