If you’ve ever experienced sudden dryness, redness, or unexpected breakouts despite a meticulous skincare routine, it could be a red flag that your skin barrier is compromised. It may, in fact, be that despite your best intentions, your scrupulous skincare regime has been stripping your skin of its microbiome – the invisible ecosystem of beneficial bacteria living on your skin. This, then, can weaken your skin’s first line of defence, making it hyper-sensitive and imbalanced.

It may be that, despite your best intentions, your scrupulous skincare regime has been stripping your skin of its microbiome – the invisible ecosystem of beneficial bacteria living on your skin.



Modern skincare, with its acids, exfoliants, and harsh cleansers, often strips away not just dirt and make-up but also the essential lipids and good bacteria that keep your skin balanced. This disruption weakens the barrier - the outermost layer of your skin - leading to irritation, dehydration, and heightened sensitivity. The result? A complexion that feels tight; looks dull; and is more susceptible to inflammation. A strong skin barrier is your ultimate defence against environmental aggressors, pollution and moisture loss.
So, how can you build in skincare to your routine that strengthens it? Start by looking for barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and postbiotics, which help replenish and nourish the skin’s natural defences. Prebiotics, found in formulas enriched with fermented ingredients, also feed the good bacteria, keeping your microbiome thriving.