After all, which lady doesn’t want to look youthful and your skin is the only barrier between your body and the outside environment. With that in mind, it stands to good reason that when this barrier is weakened, it becomes unbalanced and irritated then things start to go wrong. Keep on reading for the ultimate lowdown on hot ingredients, which will boost your skin’s radiance and luminosity.

When the protective barrier between the outside world and your insides is compromised and external irritants can enter the skin more easily. Skin does not function as efficiently as it should, leading to water loss from the skin, dryness, flakiness, tight-feeling skin, redness and generalised sensitivity and dullness.

Is there a solution to this desperately sad situation of a weakened unsupported skin barrier? Why, of course! Our team at Glowtime are always on the lookout for problem solving tips and ingredients to share with the people of Mauritius, helping them get one step closer to wonderfully healthy, glowy skin.

Centella Asiatica

Those who are into Ayurvedic medicine will know this plant, famous for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Some will know this natural herb as Gotu Kola or Cica and can vouch for its healing, soothing and calming properties.

Try one of our favourite barrier boosters A’Pieu Madecassoside Cica Balm. It soothes and calms irritated skin instantly whilst promoting repair and healing.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3, is the star ingredient when it comes to fading dark, brown spots. However, its skin marvelling properties go beyond brightening and lightening the skin. Niacinamide boosts barrier functioning by stimulating the productions of enzymes which are responsible for manufacturing fatty acids and key proteins within the skin. A healthy skin barrier function enables the skin to maintain and retain moisture. Skin is well hydrated, smooth and protected.

Try Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Steam Cream which is high in Niacinamide for calming down skin. Skin will feel supported and well balanced and the results will speak for themselves!

Ceramides

Ceramides are the most valuable player when it comes to skin barrier. We naturally produce ceramides in our skin but age, stress, pollution, sun damage (the list goes on!) can diminish our ceramide levels leaving us sorry-looking skin.

Skin cells are like the bricks of a house and ceramides are like the mortar that holds the bricks together. If ceramide levels are low, the skin barrier is weakened, and skin cannot function as effectively as a barrier anymore, losing moisture and valuable components.

Ceramides are perfect for those with dehydrated dry skin, hyperpigmentation, eczema and general loss of youthful glow.

The Plant Base Quesera Ceramide is packed to the brim with beneficial ceramides. Skin barrier is stronger and as a result, healthier, brightened with vitality and health. Or kick back with Tony Moly’s Master Lab Mask Sheet Ceramide, a sheet mask soaked in a rich essence of ceramides for an instant shot of ceramide care.

Pantherol

Panthenol, sometimes called Provitamin B5, is well known for its ability to strengthen skin barrier function by retaining water inside skin rather than letting it evaporate into the air. Skin elasticity and texture is improved, and skin is plumper and softer.

Panthenol has been proven to soothe, reduce inflammation and accelerate skin healing and repair.

We’re also partial to Aromatica’s Lively Super Barrier Cica Panthenol Serum which is a luxurious treat for rough, irritated skin in need of dire attention.

Squalane

Squalane, derived from olives penetrates deeply into the skin protecting the skin barrier and regenerating skin cells. It acts as a lubricant givingthe skin’s surface a smooth, glossy appearance. Squalene combats free radical damage whilst boosting blood circulation. Oxygen and fresh nutrients are constantly being pumped to the skin whilst waste products are pumped away, bringing rejuvenation and radiance to your complexion.

Try Etude House’s Soon Jung 10 Free Emulsion which is rich in squalene, panthenol and centella asiatica for the ultimate skin barrier protector. It is free from 10 harmful irritants such as fragrance, colours, parabens and sulphates and is ideal for skin with high irritancy.

At Glowtime we bring the best of Korean Beauty to Mauritius. These stellar ingredients are found in many of our carefully curated products and are especially suited to sensitive, irritable skin. As we approach winter in Mauritius, you will find that at least one of these 5 key ingredients are all you need to get back on track to healthier, radiant skin.

Until next time!

Angela