Barrier Repair Routine: What to Use Morning and Night

A good barrier repair routine is short: cleanse gently, hydrate, support the barrier with a serum, and seal it in with a moisturiser. Add SPF in the morning. Keep it to four or five steps and skip strong actives until your skin feels calm again.

If your skin feels tight, stings when you apply products or looks red and dull, it may be a sign of a stressed barrier. Our guides on the signs of a compromised skin barrier and how to repair a damaged skin barrier cover the why. This guide is the practical part: what to use, and in what order.

What is a barrier repair routine?

It is a stripped-back routine that cleanses without over-washing, adds water-binding hydration, and uses barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, prebiotics and nourishing plant butters. The goal is to give skin fewer things to react to while it recovers.

Morning routine

1. Cleanse gently. If your skin feels dry, a splash of water is enough. Otherwise, use Calm Foam Wash, a low-lather foam with calendula and chamomile.
2. Hydrate. Mist on Barrier Mist, a weightless prebiotic mist with hyaluronic acid.
3. Support. Apply Barrier Biome Serum, a gel serum with prebiotics and hyaluronic acid that supports the skin's protective barrier.
4. Protect. Finish with Daily Defense SPF50 Stick, a mineral sunscreen. Daily sun protection matters even more when your barrier is compromised.

Night routine

1. Cleanse. If you wore sunscreen or make-up, start with Silky Oil Cleanser, then follow with Calm Foam Wash if you want a second cleanse.
2. Hydrate and support. Repeat Barrier Mist and Barrier Biome Serum.
3. Seal it in. Use Ceramide Barrier Night Cream, a rich cream with ceramides, shea and cocoa butter for skin that feels dry, tight or easily unsettled. If your skin is dry and mature, Firming Night Cream is a richer alternative.

Can I use acids or retinol during a barrier repair routine?

It is best to pause strong exfoliating acids and retinoids while your skin is irritated, then bring them back slowly. Exosomes + Niacinamide Serum is a gentle option for later in your routine, but it contains lactic acid, so introduce it gradually once your skin feels settled.

How long does a barrier repair routine take to work?

Give it a few weeks of consistent use. Our guide on how long it takes to repair a compromised skin barrier explains what to expect. If irritation is severe or does not improve, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps should a barrier repair routine have?

Four to five is plenty: cleanse, hydrate, serum, moisturiser, and SPF in the morning.

Is this routine suitable for sensitive skin?

The products above are built around gentle, soothing formulas, and several are fragrance free. As with any new product, patch test first.

Can I use these products if I have mature skin?

Yes. A barrier-first approach suits mature skin well, because it builds comfort and hydration before you add anything more active.

You can browse every product in this routine in our Barrier Repair collection.