Show Notes
Our skin barrier is the foundation for great skin health. However, it's so easy to damage or compromise it with overly complicated routines, product overuse and ingredient misuse. This episode is all about understanding, fixing, maintaining and protecting your skin barrier.
Consultant dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid explain the key mistakes we all make from overusing exfoliating acids and misusing retinoids to choosing the wrong cleansers and moisturisers.
They also share practical, science-backed tips and dermatologist-recommended products to help restore barrier function and keep skin comfortable long-term.
This episode covers:
What the skin barrier actually is (and why it’s not “just dead skin”)
Why cold weather, wind, heating and lifestyle stress damage the skin barrier
How over-exfoliation and product overload can cause irritation
The link between barrier damage and acne, rosacea, eczema and sensitivity
Signs your skin barrier is compromised (tightness, stinging, redness, flaking)
Why less is often more when repairing the skin barrier
How cleansers can either protect or strip the skin
The importance of moisturising at the right time
How humectants, emollients and occlusives work together
How to safely recover from retinoid-induced irritation
Post-procedure skin barrier repair tips
Products mentioned:
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Avène Tolerance Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
SkinCeuticals Epidermal Repair
This episode includes a paid partnership with Avène. We only collaborate with brands we genuinely rate and would recommend in clinic regardless of sponsorship. All views shared are our own and based on clinical experience and published evidence.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making changes to your skincare or treatment plan.
Have any questions? Send them over to [email protected]
Find us on Instagram @AfterHoursSkinClinic
_____
Producer: Ella Blaxill
Series Editor: Eve Streeter
Music by Simon Elms.
This is a Raconteur Studios Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from After Hours Skin Clinic
Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid separate scientific fact from marketing fiction to reveal the top 5 lifestyle and environmental factors actively breaking down your skin's collagen scaffolding.
Is social media helping your skin or making it worse? Consultant Dermatologists Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid expose how algorithms, fake experts, and viral trends are wrecking skin barriers.
Is your monthly gel manicure damaging your skin and triggering hidden face allergies?
From Jennifer Aniston’s peptide confessions to unregulated online vials sold for £5, teenagers asking for acne fixes, and DIY under-the-skin injections, peptides are e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid pull back the curtain on the worrying, unregulated world of injectable "longevity" peptides and separate real pharmaceutical science from social media hype.
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel like an overwhelming minefield of misinformation, fearmongering, and conflicting advice. This week on the After Hours Skin Clinic, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid unpack the latest clinical evidence to bring expectant mothers complete peace of mind.