We’ve got the products and ingredients you need to soothe and restore.

The moisture barrier has become a hot topic of discussion in the skin care world, and for good reason.

A rise in popularity of elaborate routines, exfoliating treatments and an ignited desire to try new ingredients means that many of us have put our skin through the ringer on a quest to have a smooth, glowing complexion. Let’s admit it, we’ve all tried an acid treatment that’s active ingredient percentage is tip-toeing the line of acceptability.

If you’ve noticed that your skin is more sensitive lately, you may have a damaged moisture barrier thanks to the last few years’ intense skin care trends.

Don’t get down! Thankfully, it’s possible to repair your skin’s ability to protect itself with some extra TLC. All you need to get your skin back on track is a simplified routine with the right soothing ingredients. Below, we’re outlining a 5 step routine for repairing the skin barrier that’s perfect for damaged, irritated, or sensitive skin types.

Cleanse

Good Light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

With sensitized skin, we want to minimize any chance for irritation, so a soothing but effective one-step cleanser is ideal during this repairing process. This vegan and cruelty-free cleanser is free of harsh additives but thorough enough to remove makeup, toxins and other impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight. The probiotics in this formula help support a healthy skin microbiome while the glycerin and hyaluronic acid hydrate as seaweed removes dirt and other irritants. With a gentle gel-to-foam texture, this cleanser will leave you with clean, happy skin.

Toner

Unpa Lacto Cica Soothing Toner

When it comes to repairing the skin, we want a toner that hydrates and nourishes rather than looking for aggressive exfoliators. This ultra-gentle formula has five types of probiotics to create a protective barrier on the skin that helps to shield from irritating pollutants while locking in moisture. Gently press it into your face with your fingertips for hydrated, softened skin.

Mask

Dr Althea Oasis Soothing Mask

Once a week, follow your toner with a reparative mask that lets your skin relax. Featuring Rose of Jericho, a plant known for surviving harsh conditions in the desert, this vegan, alcohol-, fragrance- and paraben-free mask works to trap water in the skin, while Ceramide NP improves barrier function and cica soothes and heals. Keep it in the fridge prior to application for a cooling treat that calms redness and will have you feeling totally blissed out.

Serum

Benton Deep Green Tea Serum

Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, green tea is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to soothing and protecting the skin. Clinically tested for sensitive skin and featuring over 53% of green tea extracts, this serum treats irritation and redness with a cooling effect, while hyaluronic acid and panthenol boost hydration for a healthy, plump complexion.

Moisturizer

Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

For the final hydrating step, reach for this hero healer. With a minimal ingredient list, this low-pH cream includes Centella asiatica-derived madecassoside to repair and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, along with naturally derived sunflower seed oil and shea butter to nourish and protect. It’s also free from fragrance, parabens and artificial color, so you can feel safe applying it to even the most sensitive skin.