E! Illustration/Getty ImagesAs the weather is getting cooler and you’re likely getting less sun exposure, it’s the ideal time to book a skin laser treatment! After your treatment, you’ll want to make sure to take the right precautions to protect your skin barrier for optimal results.
But what is a skin barrier anyway? Without getting too technical – your epidermis is the top layer of your skin and the first line of defense against bacteria, which can break down from over-exfoliating and harsh cleansers.
It may sound a little funny, but a laser intentionally damages the outer layer of your skin to promote rejuvenation after the fact. That’s where restorative skincare comes in!
Hero ingredients like hypochlorous acid, ceramides and hyaluronic acid are taking center stage RN, in products like rich creams, soothing cleansers, gentle sprays, and hydrating oils. Sounds pretty dreamy, right?
And even if you don’t have a laser or other skin treatment on the books, taking care of your skin barrier is always a good idea, especially as we head into fall and winter.
So, if you want to check out what all the hype is about, then shop these barrier boosting skincare finds that are totally worth the hype.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
A great cleanser can remove a day of makeup and dirt without stripping your skin of moisture, and that’s exactly what this CeraVe one does. It’s a super gentle option for all skin types that locks in moisture without disrupting your barrier.
Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Nourishing Serum
This serum is my longtime holy grail – I can’t even tell you how many bottles I’ve gone through over the years! It has a milky texture that I’m obsessed with, which penetrates into skin to leave you feeling and looking revived.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm
This barrier balm by First Aid Beauty will deliver immediate relief to irritated skin. Key ingredients include dimethicone to relieve compromised skin, colloidal oatmeal to improve skin renewal, plus glycerin to hydrate and smooth.
Shoppers Say: “This skin protectant has earned a permanent spot in my routine for how well it hydrates, soothes, and restores balance to my skin.”
Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray
You've probably heard all about the benefits of hypochlorous acid on your TikTok FYP, and the Tower 28 SOS spray is the one I've personally been loyal to for years! Hypochlorous acid has been a staple in medical settings for a long time, but it's become a standout skincare ingredient thanks to the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties it contains.
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Say oui to hydrating French skincare! This Avène cream is one of the French pharmacy products I fell in love with when I studied abroad there, and have kept in my medicine cabinet ever since. It’s a multi-purpose solution for restoring your skin from redness, dryness, scrapes, sun exposure, and of course as a post-treatment option.
BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil
Restore and nourish your skin barrier with BYOMA's hydrating oil. It’s made with a rich combo of botanical oils like jojoba, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and sunflower for effective nourishment and protection.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
A super mild, gentle cleanser is a must for taking care of your skin after a laser or procedure, like this one by Vanicream. During her pregnancy, Olivia Culpo loved this cleanser for taking care of her sensitive skin and preventing dryness.
Naturium Barrier Bounce Advanced Skin Hydrator
As the name would suggest, this skin hydrator from Naturium brings the bounce back to your skin. It's an oil-like serum that locks in moisture, even when you need to be super gentle.
Shoppers Say: “I love love love barrier bounce! I have very dry skin and this serum feels amazing on my skin.”
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Soothing Therapeutic Multi Purpose Cream
This is a beloved soothing cream that solves just about any skin issue. It acts as an ultra-protective and hydrating sealant, and fights back against cracked and chafed skin. It’s occlusive, so it doesn’t actually add moisture, but seals in existing moisture and would be the perfect last step in your skincare routine.
Medicube Salmon DNA PDRN Collagen Jelly Mask
Luminous, balanced skin is only an application of this celeb-loved mask away! After 3-4 hours of wear (it's perfect for a WFH day), it transforms from pink to transparent, letting you know all of the benefits have been absorbed into your skin.
“This feels so soft. You put this on your face before going to bed and it seeps into your skin throughout the night. When you wake up, you remove the mask and your skin is glowing,” Gia Giudice told E!
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum
A serum that actually works for under $10? Sign us up! This one by The Ordinary is a super effective hyaluronic acid serum that won’t leave your skin feeling sticky, just totally hydrated and balanced.
From Korean skincare gems to celeb-approved picks, we rounded up the best eye creams under $25.