What a Healthy Skin Barrier Really Needs – And How Polynucleotides Support Repair
Ever feel like your skin just isn’t playing ball—dry patches, irritation, sudden sensitivity, or breakouts that just won’t settle? These are all signs your skin barrier might be waving the red flag.
The good news? Once you understand what the skin barrier does (and how to look after it), you can give it the TLC it needs—and even undo some of the damage.
Let’s dive into why a healthy skin barrier is so important, how it can be compromised, and why a polynucleotide treatment is fast becoming one of our favourite ways to support skin from the inside out.
What Is the Skin Barrier—and Why Is It So Important?
Your skin barrier is your body’s frontline defence. It’s the outermost layer of skin (known as the stratum corneum), and its job is to protect against harmful invaders like pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and environmental stress.
It also keeps all the good stuff in—like moisture, natural oils, and nutrients your skin needs to stay plump, radiant, and healthy.
When the skin barrier is healthy, it’s strong, supple, and resilient. When it’s compromised, everything from moisture loss to inflammation, redness, and breakouts can start creeping in.
Signs of a Compromised Skin Barrier
Think your skin might be trying to tell you something? Here are some common signs that your barrier is crying out for help:
- Persistent dryness or tightness
- Increased sensitivity or stinging when applying products
- Redness and irritation
- Flaky or rough texture
- Sudden breakouts or inflammation
- Skin that just doesn’t “bounce back”
If you nodded at one (or all) of the above, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to support the skin barrier—and we’ll get to those in a moment.
4 Ways to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
Before we get into advanced treatments, let’s start with the basics. These small changes can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.
1. Keep It Simple
Overloading your skincare routine with too many actives can do more harm than good. Strip it back to essentials: a gentle cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturiser, and SPF.
2. Avoid Over-Exfoliating
Exfoliants can brighten and smooth, but overuse can thin and weaken the barrier. Limit acids and scrubs to once or twice a week max—especially if you’re already feeling sensitive.
3. Use Barrier-Loving Ingredients
Look for products with ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, and panthenol. These help reinforce your natural defences and keep moisture locked in.
4. Hydrate Inside and Out
Your skin thrives on hydration. That means drinking plenty of water, using hyaluronic acid serums, and sealing it all in with a rich, comforting moisturiser. We recommend collagen-stimulating serums like Obagi Elastiderm or Obagi Rebalance cream.
How Polynucleotide Treatment Supports Skin Barrier Repair
Once your daily skincare is on point, regenerative injectables like polynucleotides can take skin recovery to the next level.
Unlike traditional fillers, a polynucleotide treatment doesn’t focus on adding volume. Instead, it works from within to support natural skin repair, collagen production, and regeneration—making it an ideal solution for compromised, sensitive, or ageing skin.
Here’s how it helps:
- Stimulates fibroblast activity, encouraging your skin to produce more collagen and elastin
- Improves hydration at a cellular level, supporting the lipid barrier and reducing trans epidermal water loss
- Calms inflammation, making it ideal for post-procedure recovery, rosacea-prone skin, or sensitivity flare-ups
- Promotes wound healing, which is especially beneficial for acne scarring, sun damage, or general barrier disruption
If your skin’s been through the wars—whether from over-exfoliation, harsh products, too much sun, or just life—polynucleotide injections can help hit the reset and support long-term repair.
Learn more about our polynucleotide treatment and how it can restore your skin’s resilience.
What to Expect From Polynucleotide Treatment
We’re often asked: “Will I peel? Is it painful? Will I look worse before I look better?” Great questions—here’s what you need to know.
During Treatment:
- We apply a numbing cream beforehand for comfort.
- Tiny amounts of polynucleotides are injected into targeted areas.
- The actual treatment usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
After Treatment:
- Mild redness or swelling is normal and should settle within 24–48 hours.
- No major downtime—most people return to their usual routine the next day.
- Full results build over several weeks as your skin regenerates and strengthens.
We typically recommend a course of 2–3 treatments spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance every 6–9 months depending on your skin goals and needs.
Why Skin Barrier Repair Is the New Skincare Goal
More people are waking up to the fact that healthy skin isn’t about covering up—it’s about healing and supporting what’s already there.
Whether you’re dealing with persistent skin issues or just want to future-proof your glow, focusing on skin barrier function is one of the most powerful things you can do. And with gentle, advanced treatments like polynucleotides, that repair work is finally within reach.
Final Thoughts
Think of your skin barrier as your personal armour. When it’s strong, it protects you, keeps you glowing, and makes everything else in your routine work harder. When it’s compromised? Nothing sits quite right.
That’s where treatments for damaged skin—like polynucleotide injectables—can really shine. They help restore what’s been lost, support regeneration from within, and give your skin the resilience it needs to bounce back, day after day.
Ready to get your glow back? Explore our polynucleotide treatments or speak to our team about creating a personalised plan for stronger, healthier skin.
