Barrier Health

Left Un-Red CalmBack Cream by Dr. Idriss in green jar for soothing redness-prone skin

Left Un-Red CalmBack Cream

$58
Soothe, cushion, and calm the skin barrier down when redness hits.
Dr. Idriss Soft Wash Complete Daily Cleanser, a makeup-removing jelly wash
  • Bestseller

Soft Wash

$30
Complete Daily Cleanser
A close-up of Dr. Idriss The Depuffer Roll-On Serum in its teal green tube, with an "Allure Best of Beauty 2023 Award" badge displayed
  • TikTok Fave

The Depuffer

$38
Redness Reducing Roll-On Serum
Main shot of the lip duo featuring the lip peel and lip baste - winner of Beauty Product of the Year at the 2025 Glossy Beauty Awards
  • TikTok Fave

Barrier Baste Lip Basting Duo

$44$48
Exfoliating Lip Peel +  Treatment Lip Balm
Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Peel

Barrier Baste Lip Peel

$24
Hydrating Lip Treatment Serum
Dr. Idriss Barrier Baste Lip Baste

Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Skin Barrier-Restoring Lip Balm
Limited-edition Dessert Barrier Baste Lip Baste with peptides and shimmery pink glow
  • Limited Edition

Dessert Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Vanilla Buttercream Peptide Lip Balm
View Dessert Barrier Baste Lip Baste product details
main image of the Barrier Baste Vitamin Boosts lip bastes
  • Limited Edition

Barrier Baste Tinted Lip Set

$96
Antioxidant-rich tints, each powered by a unique vitamin boost
main image of Apricot Vitamin A Lip Baste
  • Limited Edition

Vitamin A Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Sheer Apricot-Tinted Lip Baste with Skin-Smoothing Vitamin A
main product image of Vitamin A / Apricot flavor Barrier Baste Lip Baste
  • Limited Edition

Vitamin B Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Sheer Berry-Tinted Lip Baste with Skin-Conditioning B12
Vitamin C Barrier Baste Lip Baste
  • Limited Edition

Vitamin C Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Sheer Cherry-Tinted Lip Baste with Antioxidant Vitamin C
Multi-Vitamin Barrier Baste Lip Baste
  • Limited Edition

Multi-Vitamin Barrier Baste Lip Baste

$24
Sheer Mango-Tinted Lip Baste with Multi-Vitamin Lip Barrier Support

Strengthen Your Skin Barrier for Healthier, More Resilient Skin

A healthy skin barrier is the foundation of clear, calm, and balanced skin. It protects against external irritants, prevents moisture loss, and supports your skin’s ability to heal and regenerate. The right skincare routine can help rebuild, nourish, and maintain this vital protective layer, leaving your skin stronger and more resilient.

What is a Skin Barrier and Why is It Important?

The skin barrier, also known as the moisture barrier or lipid barrier, is a thin outermost layer that protects your skin from external aggressors. It helps retain hydration, maintains smooth texture, and prevents sensitivity.

When the barrier is weakened, you may experience increased redness, flaking, irritation, or breakouts. Supporting this layer is key to restoring balance and long-term skin health.

Signs of a Damaged Skin Barrier

You might need barrier support if you notice:

  • Persistent dryness, no matter how much moisturizer you use.
  • Sensitivity to products that never caused issues before.
  • Increased redness or visible flaking.
  • Skin that feels tight, itchy, or reactive.

These are signs your skin is struggling to protect itself and needs gentle, replenishing care.

The Science of Barrier Repair and Support

Strengthening the skin barrier starts with hydration, nourishment, and replenishment. Look for ingredients like:

  • Ceramides to reinforce barrier structure
  • Fatty acids and lipids to restore moisture and prevent water loss
  • Panthenol to soothe and soften stressed skin
  • Antioxidants to help protect from future environmental damage

These barrier-focused ingredients help reduce sensitivity, improve hydration retention, and leave skin more resilient over time.

A Consistent Routine for Long-Term Barrier Health

Repairing the skin barrier doesn’t happen overnight, but with a gentle, intentional routine, your skin can regain strength and calm.

Cleanse with mild, non-stripping formulas, avoid over-exfoliation, and use products specifically formulated to repair and protect the barrier. Over time, you’ll notice a healthier texture, improved comfort, and better response to your entire skincare routine.

And don’t forget about your lips — the skin there is especially delicate and prone to barrier damage. Using targeted lip care helps maintain hydration and prevent flaking or irritation around the mouth.