If you want healthy, happy skin (who doesn’t), you need to look after your skin barrier. It acts as your skin’s personal bodyguard, protecting you from environmental stressors like heat, wind, dust, and pollution, and shielding against transepidermal water loss, locking in moisture and hydration.
While a damaged skin barrier can happen to anyone, the path to recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. Every skin type, whether dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, needs a unique approach to bounce back to health.
So, we’re breaking down how to recognize the signs of barrier damage and suggest targeted products to repair it, tailored to your specific skin type.
How do I know my skin barrier is damaged?
A damaged skin barrier can manifest in several ways, but common signs include increased sensitivity and irritation to skincare products, with your skin feeling dry, tight, and rough in texture. You may see that fine lines appear more noticeable due to dehydration, or experience peeling, itchy skin, especially around the nose and mouth. Your skin may also overcompensate with oil to make up for the dryness. Other signs include persistent redness and inflammation, with breakouts or wounds taking longer than usual to heal.
If you’re wondering why your skin barrier is damaged in the first place, you may have been using too many active ingredients in one go, like AHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. You also could have been over-exfoliating with too many acids or physical scrubs. Environmental stressors can also contribute, and a general lack of hydration or moisture to the skin.
How can I improve my skin barrier in general?
If your skin barrier is damaged, focusing on repairing and strengthening it is key. Simplify your skincare routine and stick to gentle, nourishing formulas with barrier-repairing ingredients, like ceramides, panthenol, squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Make sure to avoid harsh exfoliants and keep using your SPF everyday (as long as it’s gentle and isn’t exacerbating the problem).
So, let's get into it: how do you enhance your skin barrier, based on your skin type?
How to improve your skin barrier for oily and combination skin types
If you have a damaged skin barrier with an oily or combination skin type, your skin may start producing too much oil to overcompensate, so you want lighter textures that won’t clog pores or feel too heavy on the skin.
The Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence features powerful nutrients in the golden ratio of 3:1:1 to promote a healthy skin barrier. It stars a 3 ceramide complex to lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors, like dust, heat and pollution. Our essence toner also contains fatty acids to keep the skin hydrated and soothed, alongside reducing dryness and inflammation.
You can also find panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, in the formula, which acts as both a humectant (which attracts and retains moisture) and an emollient (which softens and soothes). Plus, there’s the probiotic galactomyces ferment filtrate, an ingredient derived from yeast that moisturizes, soothes, boosts skin elasticity, and enhances the absorption of other effective ingredients. There’s also another probiotic in the formula called bifida ferment filtrate, which gently but effectively breaks down dead skin cells, while improving skin texture and tone.
Why you can trust the Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Results are seriously important to us - we want our products to really improve your skin, and our clinical trials prove it.
One clinical trial was to test skin moisture improvement. Testers applied the product to their face twice a day (morning and evening) for 2 weeks.
We can reveal that:
- There was a 34% improvement in the skin’s moisture levels after 2 weeks use.
- 50% agreed that their skin moisture had improved.
- 45% were satisfied that their skin was smoother and that the product was easily absorbed.
- 40% agreed that there was an improvement in their overall skin texture.
Our next clinical trial was to test skin barrier improvement. Testers again applied the product to their face twice a day (morning and evening) for 2 weeks.
We found that:
- There was a 21% improvement in the skin barrier after 2 weeks use.
- 60% of testers agreed that their skin barrier had become stronger.
- 50% were very satisfied with the moistness of their skin.
- 45% were satisfied with their skin’s smoothness and texture.
For both clinical trials, 100% of testers experienced no reactions.
How to improve your skin barrier for sensitive skin types
Specifically created for sensitive skin, the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum is the best retinol serum for beginners or if you want to be extra careful with your skin.
With a gentle but potent formula, this resurfacing retinol serum stars 0.08% micro-encapsulated retinol to increase cell turnover and collagen production, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and increase skin firmness. It’s blended with 1% plant-derived bakuchiol (a non-irritating retinol alternative), which enhances collagen production as well as refining skin texture and unblocking pores.
Of course we’ve added our star ingredient of fermented black rice, which is rich in antioxidants to shield the skin from free radicals, as well as provide deep skin moisturization. There’s also skin-strengthening ceramides in the mix, which work to reduce any irritation, as well as nourishing sunflower seed oil and soothing adenosine.
Why you can trust the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
We put this product through its paces in our clinical trials, and we discovered some impressive results, if we do say so ourselves:
- There was a 12% improvement in wrinkles after 2 weeks use, and a 9% improvement in skin elasticity after 2 weeks use.
- There was a 40% immediate, temporary improvement in the appearance of pores after one use.
- 60% agreed that it felt fresh, without stickiness, and 60% also saw a difference in their pores.
- 55% agreed that their skin elasticity had improved and that the look of their wrinkles had improved.
- 55% agreed that their skin was glowing afterwards.
- 50% felt that their rough skin texture had become soft and smooth.
And to top it off, 55% would happily recommend the product to others.
How to improve your skin barrier for dry skin types
If you’re looking for the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin, you’ve found it with our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream. Silky soft and lightweight with a butter-like consistency, it provides immediate, all-day hydration and a stronger, more resilient skin barrier.
Suitable for all skin types (but will especially benefit dry or sensitive skin), it’s packed with visible ceramide capsules, which contain a 5 ceramide complex and lipids to deeply moisturize and build a stronger skin barrier. The capsules are formed in a structure that’s similar to the skin, ensuring easy absorption, long-lasting moisture, and powerful skin protection from external irritants.
And there’s more. This skin barrier cream also includes upcycled black rice jigemi extract and fermented black rice to give the skin antioxidant protection, as well as helping to soothe, brighten, and improve skin texture. Plus, the addition of allantoin and vitamin E work together to calm, boost elasticity, and prevent water loss that can lead to dryness or irritation.
The result? A deeply-moisturized complexion that’s plump, soft and radiant, with a glowing, non-greasy finish; and more importantly, a healthy skin barrier. For the best results, apply morning and evening after your Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence for long-lasting hydration.
Why you can trust the Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
We put the formula to the test in two clinical trials - one to test skin moisture improvement, and one to test skin barrier improvement.
And the results for this Korean moisturizer speak for themselves:
- There was a 37% improvement in the skin’s moisture after 2 weeks use, and a 23% improvement in the skin barrier after 2 weeks use.
- 70% were very satisfied with their overall skin texture.
- 60% of testers strongly agreed that their skin moisture had improved.
- 60% agreed that their skin barrier was stronger after using the product.
- 55% were very satisfied with their skin’s smoothness.
There you have it - the statistics don’t lie! Try your tailored skincare product to improve your skin barrier and skin health (or all three for a dedicated skincare routine), as well as avoiding harsh ingredients, and staying consistent with hydration and sun protection. Your skin barrier needs time to heal and thrive, so patience is key to start seeing results.
How To Repair Your Damaged Skin Barrier, Based on Skin Type
If you want healthy, happy skin (who doesn’t), you need to look after your skin barrier. It acts as your skin’s personal bodyguard, protecting you from environmental stressors like heat, wind, dust, and pollution, and shielding against transepidermal water loss, locking in moisture and hydration.
While a damaged skin barrier can happen to anyone, the path to recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. Every skin type, whether dry, oily, combination, or sensitive, needs a unique approach to bounce back to health.
So, we’re breaking down how to recognize the signs of barrier damage and suggest targeted products to repair it, tailored to your specific skin type.
How do I know my skin barrier is damaged?
A damaged skin barrier can manifest in several ways, but common signs include increased sensitivity and irritation to skincare products, with your skin feeling dry, tight, and rough in texture. You may see that fine lines appear more noticeable due to dehydration, or experience peeling, itchy skin, especially around the nose and mouth. Your skin may also overcompensate with oil to make up for the dryness. Other signs include persistent redness and inflammation, with breakouts or wounds taking longer than usual to heal.
If you’re wondering why your skin barrier is damaged in the first place, you may have been using too many active ingredients in one go, like AHAs, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide. You also could have been over-exfoliating with too many acids or physical scrubs. Environmental stressors can also contribute, and a general lack of hydration or moisture to the skin.
How can I improve my skin barrier in general?
If your skin barrier is damaged, focusing on repairing and strengthening it is key. Simplify your skincare routine and stick to gentle, nourishing formulas with barrier-repairing ingredients, like ceramides, panthenol, squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. Make sure to avoid harsh exfoliants and keep using your SPF everyday (as long as it’s gentle and isn’t exacerbating the problem).
So, let's get into it: how do you enhance your skin barrier, based on your skin type?
How to improve your skin barrier for oily and combination skin types
If you have a damaged skin barrier with an oily or combination skin type, your skin may start producing too much oil to overcompensate, so you want lighter textures that won’t clog pores or feel too heavy on the skin.
The Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence features powerful nutrients in the golden ratio of 3:1:1 to promote a healthy skin barrier. It stars a 3 ceramide complex to lock in moisture and protect against environmental aggressors, like dust, heat and pollution. Our essence toner also contains fatty acids to keep the skin hydrated and soothed, alongside reducing dryness and inflammation.
You can also find panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, in the formula, which acts as both a humectant (which attracts and retains moisture) and an emollient (which softens and soothes). Plus, there’s the probiotic galactomyces ferment filtrate, an ingredient derived from yeast that moisturizes, soothes, boosts skin elasticity, and enhances the absorption of other effective ingredients. There’s also another probiotic in the formula called bifida ferment filtrate, which gently but effectively breaks down dead skin cells, while improving skin texture and tone.
Why you can trust the Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence
Results are seriously important to us - we want our products to really improve your skin, and our clinical trials prove it.
One clinical trial was to test skin moisture improvement. Testers applied the product to their face twice a day (morning and evening) for 2 weeks.
We can reveal that:
Our next clinical trial was to test skin barrier improvement. Testers again applied the product to their face twice a day (morning and evening) for 2 weeks.
We found that:
For both clinical trials, 100% of testers experienced no reactions.
How to improve your skin barrier for sensitive skin types
Specifically created for sensitive skin, the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum is the best retinol serum for beginners or if you want to be extra careful with your skin.
With a gentle but potent formula, this resurfacing retinol serum stars 0.08% micro-encapsulated retinol to increase cell turnover and collagen production, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and increase skin firmness. It’s blended with 1% plant-derived bakuchiol (a non-irritating retinol alternative), which enhances collagen production as well as refining skin texture and unblocking pores.
Of course we’ve added our star ingredient of fermented black rice, which is rich in antioxidants to shield the skin from free radicals, as well as provide deep skin moisturization. There’s also skin-strengthening ceramides in the mix, which work to reduce any irritation, as well as nourishing sunflower seed oil and soothing adenosine.
Why you can trust the Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum
We put this product through its paces in our clinical trials, and we discovered some impressive results, if we do say so ourselves:
And to top it off, 55% would happily recommend the product to others.
How to improve your skin barrier for dry skin types
If you’re looking for the best Korean moisturizer for dry skin, you’ve found it with our Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream. Silky soft and lightweight with a butter-like consistency, it provides immediate, all-day hydration and a stronger, more resilient skin barrier.
Suitable for all skin types (but will especially benefit dry or sensitive skin), it’s packed with visible ceramide capsules, which contain a 5 ceramide complex and lipids to deeply moisturize and build a stronger skin barrier. The capsules are formed in a structure that’s similar to the skin, ensuring easy absorption, long-lasting moisture, and powerful skin protection from external irritants.
And there’s more. This skin barrier cream also includes upcycled black rice jigemi extract and fermented black rice to give the skin antioxidant protection, as well as helping to soothe, brighten, and improve skin texture. Plus, the addition of allantoin and vitamin E work together to calm, boost elasticity, and prevent water loss that can lead to dryness or irritation.
The result? A deeply-moisturized complexion that’s plump, soft and radiant, with a glowing, non-greasy finish; and more importantly, a healthy skin barrier. For the best results, apply morning and evening after your Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence for long-lasting hydration.
Why you can trust the Black Rice 5 Ceramide Barrier Moisturizing Cream
We put the formula to the test in two clinical trials - one to test skin moisture improvement, and one to test skin barrier improvement.
And the results for this Korean moisturizer speak for themselves:
There you have it - the statistics don’t lie! Try your tailored skincare product to improve your skin barrier and skin health (or all three for a dedicated skincare routine), as well as avoiding harsh ingredients, and staying consistent with hydration and sun protection. Your skin barrier needs time to heal and thrive, so patience is key to start seeing results.