Understanding the Skin Barrier
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If you have never heard of the skin barrier you're not alone — most men have not given it much thought. It’s a thin outer layer made up of corneocytes (your skin’s dead cells) held together by natural fats, forming a kind of brick-and-mortar wall. That wall locks in moisture and keeps out irritants like pollution, bacteria, and harsh weather. It’s the reason your face feels smooth and calm some days, or dry and irritated on others.
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If you have never heard of the skin barrier you're not alone — most men have not given it much thought. It’s a thin outer layer made up of corneocytes (your skin’s dead cells) held together by natural fats, forming a kind of brick-and-mortar wall. That wall locks in moisture and keeps out irritants like pollution, bacteria, and harsh weather. It’s the reason your face feels smooth and calm some days, or dry and irritated on others.
This "wall" locks in moisture and keeps out irritants like pollution, bacteria, and harsh weather. When it’s healthy, your skin stays balanced and low-maintenance. When it’s damaged, you get flakiness, redness, and sensitivity that’s hard to shake. If you’ve been layering on product after product but still dealing with stubborn redness or dryness that won’t go away, there’s a good chance your skin barrier is compromised — and no amount of moisturiser will help until it’s repaired.
Barrier restoration is about using products that help your skin support itself. Think hydrating, soothing ingredients like glycerin, niacinamide, and fatty acid-rich oils. You’ll find them in formulas like L’EAU BRUT, BEACH GRASS, and the Healthy Ageing Night Set — designed to nourish without stripping and give your skin a chance to reset.
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WTF is a Barrier Building Ingredient?
When your skin barrier is compromised, it doesn’t need actives — it needs support. Specifically ingredients that assist in holding onto moisture, reducing inflammation, and rebuilding natural defenses. These are known as barrier-supporting ingredients — things like glycerin, niacinamide, fatty acids and oils, and soothing plant extracts.
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Here are some of the top ingredients to look out for — and some Narcyss products you'll find them in:
Glycerin: A humectant that draws water into the skin and locks it in.
Found in: L’EAU BRUT, BEACH GRASS, ACID HOUSE, AMPM, LE FIX, SUEDE L’ÉCLAT, UPPER HAND
Niacinamide: Strengthens the barrier, soothes irritation, calms skin and improves texture.
Found in: BEACH GRASS
Fatty Acids & Plant Oils: Replenish the skin’s lipid layer and help seal in moisture.
Found in: BEACH GRASS, UPPER HAND, ACID HOUSE, AMPM
Sodium Hyaluronate: A form of hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps.
Found in: LE FIX, ACID HOUSE, SUEDE L’ÉCLAT, THE EYE CREAM Adaptogens: Like Schisandra, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola help the skin recover from stress and inflammation.
Found in: BEACH GRASS, L’EAU BRUT, SUEDE L’ÉCLAT, THE EYE CREAM
These ingredients work best when used consistently — not just when your skin is acting up. Consider this your guide to reading the ingredient list on any product.
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Slugging: for Advanced Restoration
One trend that’s gained traction in skincare circles is slugging—a technique where you apply a thick occlusive like Vaseline, Cicaplast, or even diaper cream... yes for baby butts, you heard us right, as the final step in your nighttime routine.
This layer helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss (a fancy word for evaporation) by sealing in all the moisture beneath. For a deep dive, check out this video from Instagram’s favorite dermatologist, Dr. Shereene Idriss.
Note: Occlusives should only be used at night and on clean skin, as they can trap dirt and bacteria. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, slugging might not be for you—especially with petroleum-based products (vaseline). But for a dry or compromised barrier, especially in the winter, it can be a game changer.
