How a Hydration Face Wash Supports Your Skin Barrier and Locks in Moisture

Skin hydration begins with cleansing, and not just any cleanser will do. A hydrating face wash protects the skin barrier, while a harsh cleanser strips natural oils and damages the skin barrier.

If washing your skin leaves it dry and irritated, it’s time to upgrade to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that promotes skin barrier repair and sets the stage for the rest of your skincare routine. Skin barrier health is essential for radiant, healthy, younger-looking skin.

Today’s article will explore how to repair the skin barrier, starting with the facial cleanser you choose. Keep reading to learn more about:

• What is the skin barrier?
• A damaged skin barrier vs. a healthy one, and why it matters
• What is a hydrating face wash?
• How a gentle hydrating face wash prevents dryness

• The best hydrating face wash ingredients

• How to repair skin barrier naturally with a skincare routine from NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare

Why the Skin Barrier Matters

The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the skin, which regulates water loss and retention. It’s composed of a lipid structure that’s naturally moisturizing and retains water in, preventing evaporation.

The skin barrier works closely with the skin microbiome, which includes all the microorganisms that live on the skin, providing essential protection and aiding in barrier function, as well as the overall health and radiance of the skin. The microbiome is like a beneficial skin barrier film.

A damaged or broken skin barrier leads to increased water loss. Water is essential for skin health and function, so water loss can lead to poor skin health and damaged skin barrier symptoms.

Damaged skin barrier signs may include:

• Dry, dehydrated skin
• Poor skin healing
• Rashes and skin infections

• Increased signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots

Before jumping to skin barrier creams, skin barrier lotions, and other skin barrier products, assess your cleanser. Are you using a hydrating face wash?

What is a Hydration Face Wash?

A hydration face wash is the foundation of skin barrier repair products. It cleanses the skin, dissolves and washes away dirt, excess oil, makeup, buildup, and pollution, while supporting the skin’s natural pH balance. Compared to harsh or non-hydrating face washes, a hydrating face wash boosts hydration and supports the skin’s barrier.

Benefits of a hydrating face wash include:

• Plumps the skin
• Improves skin texture
• Supports repair of skin barrier damage

• Reduces redness, irritation, and sensitivity
  

• Prepares the skin for the rest of the skincare routine
• May include gentle exfoliants  

How Gentle Cleansers Prevent Dryness

Most facial cleansers you’ll find at the supermarket are harsh cleansers that disrupt the skin microbiome, damage the skin barrier, and strip natural oils. The ingredients may also be the incompatible with the skin’s pH level. You might be using a harsh cleanser if your skin feels:

• Dry and dehydrated
• Irritated 

• Uncomfortably tight

• Red and sensitive
• Increased fine lines

In contrast, a gentle cleanser is just that: gentle. It works for all skin types, using gentle cleansing ingredients alongside active skincare ingredients to nourish and protect the skin. It has a natural, acidic pH, compatible with the skin microbiome and helps protect the skin’s natural oils and barrier. Protecting the skin barrier with a gentle cleanser means skin that’s more hydrated and healthier.

Best Ingredients for Moisture Retention

Each NassifMD® Skincare product is specifically formulated with multiple active skincare ingredients, and our cleansers are no exception. You’ll find gentle cleansing formulas that are also hydrating and nourishing. Some of our cleansers also have gentle exfoliants, providing a two-in-one cleansing and exfoliating effect.

Beneficial synergistic ingredients in NassifMD® cleansers include:

• Antioxidants - Antioxidants are plant extracts and specific nutrients that quench free radicals and protect skin cells and the skin barrier from damage. Examples include matcha, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse, and aloe vera, a soothing and cooling ingredient. 
• Betaine - Betaine is a mild foaming cleansing agent derived from coconut. It has a high water-binding ability, helping to keep skin moisture while cleansing. 
• Squalene - Squalene is a gentle emollient derived from plant sugar with the identical structure as the natural squalene in the skin (found in sebum, the skin’s natural oil). As an emollient, it softens, calms, and soothes the skin, preventing moisture loss and reducing inflammation. 
• Jojoba - Jojoba is a natural emollient ingredient that softens and conditions the skin, making it an excellent addition to skin cleansers. 
• Gentle exfoliants - Gentle exfoliants remove dead skin cells and impurities on the surface of the skin without disrupting the skin barrier. Examples include phytic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), glycolic acid, and seeds from the Ecuadorian ivory palm. You may need to adjust the exfoliators and frequency of use according to your skin type. 
• Allantoin - Allantoin is an extract from the comfrey plant, known for its skin-healing properties. In a hydrating face wash, it soothes and protects the skin.

Tips for a Hydrating Skincare Routine

Always start your hydrating skincare routine with a gentle face cleanser, with or without an exfoliator. Here are the cleansers we recommend from NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare with multiple active, hydrating ingredients for skin barrier health:

• NassifMD® Pure Hydration Facial Cleanser is a gentle cleanser having matcha, coconut betaine, and squalene. It’s perfect for every day (twice daily) use and for all skin types.
• NassifMD® Dawn to Dusk AM + PM is a gentle cleanser and exfoliator having Ecuadorian ivory palm seeds, phytic acid, betaine, and jojoba ester. This gel-to-foam cleanser exfoliates without stripping the skin, making it suitable for use twice daily for most skin types.
• NassifMD® Purifying Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a non-drying cleanser plus exfoliator featuring glycolic acid, betaine, allantoin, aloe, and willow bark extract to plump, hydrate, and improve skin texture.

After cleansing and toning, follow with a hydrating skin barrier serum with hyaluronic acid, such as NassifMD® Hydro-Screen Serum, NassifMD® Hydro-Gel Serum, NassifMD® Dermaflect Smart Day Therapy Serum, or a combination. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating ingredient that you’ll find throughout the NassifMD® Skincare line. It supports and repairs the skin barrier, soothes sensitive skin, reduces fine lines, plumps, hydrates, and balances the skin. A hydrating serum further prepares the skin for the rest of your routine.

Radiant and hydrated skin relies on a robust skin microbiome and healthy skin barrier. Protecting and repairing a damaged skin barrier begins with a gentle, hydrating cleanser, the first step in your hydrating skincare routine. Try a NassifMD® Skincare cleanser; you’ll feel and see the difference!

References

1. Verdier-Sévrain, S., & Bonté, F. (2007). Skin hydration: a review on its molecular mechanisms. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 6(2), 75–82.
2. Harris-Tryon, T. A., & Grice, E. A. (2022). Microbiota and maintenance of skin barrier function. Science (New York, N.Y.), 376(6596), 940–945.
3. Kim, S. K., & Karadeniz, F. (2012). Biological importance and applications of squalene and squalane. Advances in food and nutrition research, 65, 2223–233.