• Home
  • About
    • About Fii
    • The kit
  • Disclaimer
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • Work with me
  • Modelling

Fiixii

July 24, 2019 beauty•kbeauty•recommendations•skincare

3 Kbeauty Creams to Repair Your Skin’s Barrier

Hello from the side of Damaged Skin Barriers. It’s actually a lot more common than you’d think, and there are tons of different ways that your skin’s barrier can be under stress. It’s not always visible (unlike mine), in the sense that you can see peeling or flaking skin (gross, I know, but hey), and it’s not a problem that is exclusively for sensitive skin. It can happen for a multitude of reasons, at any time of year, so it’a good idea to know how to spot the signs, and what to do if (when, really) it strikes.

What is the skin’s barrier?

Also referred to as a ‘moisture barrier’, ‘permeability barrier’, or ‘lipid barrier’, it is the outermost layer of the surface of your skin.

It is made up of skin cells and lipids (fats), and has a couple of really important jobs. One is to ensure that things don’t evaporate from the deeper skin layers, such as essential water and electrolytes, another is to create antimicrobial peptides and proteins to act as a shield against harmful microorganisms. It also helps to keep the skin’s immunity and keeps things like inflammation in check. The skin is one of your biggest organs, after all, so looking after your skin’s barrier is kind of important.

How can I tell if my skin’s barrier is damaged?

Some skin conditions are inherited, such as rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis – so if you suffer from these, you’ve likely had them a while and know the signs of flareups. If you don’t however, then spotting the signs of a barrier that is impaired might be a bit harder.

I will stress, that for any sudden changes in your skin you should go and see a dermatologist. Seeking a professionals opinion is much more beneficial than spending a lot of money on skincare that can exacerbate problems.


  • Signs of a damaged skin barrier
  • What caused the damage?

Signs your skin barrier needs attention:

  • Redness
  • Flakiness or peeling of the skin
  • Dryness (your skin isn’t producing enough oil)
  • Dehydration (not enough water)
  • Tightness (dehydration from not enough water)
  • Increased or sudden sensitivity
  • Skin get irritated easily
  • Itchiness
  • Rough skin to the touch
  • Stinging or burning when products are applied
  • Skin looks looser/thinner (crepey); more pronounced fine lines
  • Increase in breakouts

There are some really common mistakes you could be making in your skincare routine that can damage your skin’s barrier, such as:

  • exfoliating too often
  • using products in a cleansing routine that are drying and harsh – ie bar soaps and super foamy cleansers.
  • alcohol-based toners
  • not using sun screen!!!!!
  • very frequent / daily use of acids in a skincare routine
  • high concentrations of essential oils
  • washing your face with water that is too hot (there’s a reason every skincare product says ‘rinse with luke-warm water’
  • synthetic fragrances used in skincare products
  • not using moisturiser!!
  • home skin devices – dermarollers
  • having chemical peels too often


There are also some things that are not necessarily within your control that may be contributing to the damage of your skin’s barrier:

  • topical prescription acne medication
  • prescription retinoids
  • medication with dryness as a listed side effect
  • allergic reactions to products
  • genetics
  • aging (the vulnerability of the skin’s barrier increases after 45)
  • living in dry climates – either seasonally, or year round
  • pollution!
  • air conditioners
  • long flights, generally more than 5 hours – aeroplane air is recycled and very dry
  • stress – be it emotional, physical, or environmental

And finally, lifestyle choices like drinking alcohol, smoking, failure to properly hydrate (seriously, you NEED TO DRINK WATER), and diet can damage the skin’s barrier, too.


I’m really lucky with my skin, I rarely get breakouts, and although I do have some texture issues and redness here and there, for the most part my skin is pretty good.

Until it isn’t. See, I was also blessed with eczema from pretty much the minute I exited my mum’s womb, despite doctors repeatedly telling me I would grow out of it soon / by the time I was a teen / once I finished school / finished uni / was in a less stressful period of time (aka not University Finals), and I get the most random flare-ups from random triggers and it’s all around Not A Fun Time.

I have been dealing with four really stubborn patches on my cheek, the bridge of my nose (underneath where my glasses sit), on my left eye’s eyelid, and under my left eye. Sidenote: yes I have seen a dermatologist, but there are limitations to the length of time you can use topical steroid creams. It has been a point of serious discomfort, frustration, and embarrassment for the best part of 4 months now. Nothing I tried seem to work.

So, I sat on the internet and did some research into how to repair my skin’s barrier. What ingredients should I look out for, and can I find any that are affordable near me.

Need to repair your skin’s barrier? Try these


CosRX – Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream

Get yourself some ceramide action if your skin’s barrier is looking a little weak. Ceramides are lipids (fats), and are what over 50% of your skin is made up of, they hold the skin cells together. So you’re basically adding back to what you have lost when you incorporate products with them as ingredients into your routine.

This cosRX Honey Ceramide Full Moisture Cream combines the ceramides with honey – a natural antibacterial with anti-inflammatory properties – in a lightweight textured cream that aims to hydrate and calm the skin. It has minimal ingredients so can be used for all skin types, and has a pH of 6.

I can personally attest to how well this works. It has done wonders for the patches of eczema I suffer from, especially in smoothing out the broken skin and removing the tight, itchy feeling. I use it as a daytime moisturiser after my morning skincare, and it lasts throughout the day.


Etude House Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Another great ingredient to look out for to restore your skin’s barrier is madecassoside. It’s a derivative of Centella asiatica and it helps to repair skin damage.

The Soon Jung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream contains madecassoside, as well as Panthenol, a close relative of vitamin B5 that helps with hydration. Its formula is minimal, and uses 93% natural ingredients to make sure that it really helps soothe and hydrate the skin. Sunflower seed oil and shea butter round out the skin smoothing arsenal, and it’s a low pH to boot.

I used to be pretty against skincare from Etude House. They seemed to use pretty abrasive ingredients, and almost everything was fragranced which I just knew would irritate my skin. The Soon Jung line was a wonderful release, though, and really changed my opinion of the direction of Etude House’s skincare. Minimal ingredients, low pH products, no fragrances, and a decent range of items for a full routine.

I really like this 2x Barrier intensive cream. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky after application, and it does really hydrate. This whole range was created to target highly reactive, sensitive skin – so it’s perfect if you’re looking to repair your skin’s barrier. Don’t be put off by the thickness of the cream, it sinks in really well, and after massaging and patting into the skin (seriously, if you’re not patting/tapping in your skincare after application you’re missing A Trick) it gets to work immediately, cooling and soothing. The finish is film free, and hardly noticeable.


A’pieu Madecassoside Cream

A’peiu is one of those brands that I really love for skincare, and they produce some really underrated and underhyped products. This Madecassoside Cream is one of them, in my opinion. It’s hardly spoken about in the Kbeauty world, but it’s wonderful.

Containing 40% Centella asiatica leaf water and 0.1% madecassoside, it soothes irritated skin and repair damage to the skin’s barrier. It also contains niancinamide to brighten, adenosine and lactic acid smooth and plump, while witch hazel and pathenol work together to keep skin hydrated and soft.

This cream can feel a little bit thicker than the others, but it is really hydrating and sinks into the skin well. It has a very rich, almost mid-weight lotion formulation, but doesn’t leave sticky residue once it’s absorbed. It does exactly what it says on the tin (tube), it soothes, it heals and repairs. I use it in the evening as it is a thicker product, but it’s great to seal all the moisture into my skin, and get to work building those skin cells back up and repairing everything I need it to while I sleep.

Want a reminder? Pin for later!

3 #kbeauty creams to repair damaged skin barrier - fiixii



I will reiterate that if you have any skin concerns that have developed quickly and you’re not sure how to treat them or what the cause is, please please please go and see a dermatologist. Please.

Also, it is useful to remember that creams are not miracle products (there are very, very few products that I would grace with that title), and should not be seen as a quick fix – BUT creams or moisturising agents are something that I would consider essential in any skincare routine. You gotta get that hydration!


Let me know if you have tried these creams and what you think of them! If you’ve tried all three, which is your favourite? (It’s probably the cosRX for me, but the a’pieu is a close second.) Or, if you have any other suggestions leave them down below!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Joyce says

    July 25, 2019 at 12:01 am

    I need to check these out !! X

    Reply
    • fii says

      July 26, 2019 at 7:43 pm

      I hope they work for you 😀

      Reply
  2. Bambi says

    August 2, 2019 at 9:20 pm

    I haven’t tried any of them but COSRX Balancium Ceramide Cream is my favourite for skin barrier 🙂

    Reply
    • fii says

      August 2, 2019 at 11:24 pm

      Ohh that was on my list to try too! cosRX has some great ceramide products 🙂

      Reply
  3. Maryam says

    February 7, 2020 at 7:20 pm

    Thanks for your nice reviews…

    Reply
    • fii says

      February 8, 2020 at 12:38 am

      No problem! Thank you for reading 🙂

      Reply
Previous Korean Beauty (K-beauty) for beginners
Next 26 things I’ve learned

You mights also like

beauty

The Orange Lip

READ THE POST
beauty

the cushion compact

READ THE POST
beauty

September Fashion and Beauty Haul! (dropdead, primark,...

READ THE POST
beauty

Makeup Revolution: Lips & Girl Panic Reviews/Swatc...

READ THE POST

fiixii

Seoul - fashion & skincare
f2 Visa
freelance model (published)
한국어로 괜찮아요 contact/ 촬영 문의: DM or email

Fii 🐶 style inspo & kbeauty
#협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin ty #협찬 Using the right sunscreen for your skin type is *drum roll* actually very important -- and I'm not just talking about SPF levels for different skin tones. 

Choosing the right sunscreen helps to avoid irritation, breakouts, and makes you more likely to apply it regularly, which gives your skin the best chance at avoiding things like melanoma (skin cancer) and premature aging. 

Determining your skin type >>
For me, finding my skin type was super easy. S E N S I T I V E. I'm horrifically eczema prone (have a whole series on my blog about this), and lean towards a routine that is simple but hydrating, staying away from too many actives. It's the reason I take forever to put up skincare reviews, because I have to check for reactions, or develop contact dermatitis from different ingredients. 

BUT - that's not all. See, I lean towards Sensitive-dry, which is why my skin care, and my sun care, focuses more on hydrating products. 

What determines your skin type? How much oil (sebum) your skin produces daily. 

Dry >> 
Does your skin feel tight? Less elastic?  Does it become rough or flaky easily? Dehydrated? Not a lot of shine in your T-zone? Then your skin type is probably dry. 

Oily >>
Do you get really shiny during the day? (Especially in your t-zone) Do you suffer from (manageable*) breakouts, blackheads and/or whiteheads? Then your skin type is probably oily. 

Normal >> 
Is your skin neither oily throughout the day, and doesn't feel dry, or tight, or often irritated? Your pores aren't too noticeable, and you rarely have breakouts? Then your skin is probably normal! Lucky you :) 

Combination >>
Are you oily in your t-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and dry or normal skin on your cheeks? Then you have combination skin <3. It's a little harder to care for, because you're often trying to battle with contrasting products 
(my tip: you're gonna want a sunscreen that's suitable for 'all skin types' ;))

So, now you know more about skin types, scroll through for my picks for each, and my current favourite sun screen <3 

Let me know your skin type AND your current sun screen in the comments below, and don't forget to #applysunscreenaddprotection <3
벛꽃 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

📍 @seoulism_official 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#벛꽃🌸 #seoulkorea #seoultravel #서울벚꽃 #잠실 #visitseoul
#협찬 Q: what’s the most important skincare s #협찬  Q: what’s the most important skincare step?
Fii’s answer: SUNSCREEN!!!!!!!!!!!! 

This is a question i get asked quite a bit, and my answer has been the same for ages. The step in my skincare I absolutely never skip is: sunscreen. 

So I’m really excited to be taking part in @wishtrend ‘s #ASAPchallenge: #applysunscreenaddprotection 😊 This challenge is to help build the habit of applying sunscreen DAILY for 5 weeks. It takes 28 days to form a habit.. so let’s do this together ^^ 

There are some great perks for wishtrend users for taking part with me too! For everyone who posts content during this challenge, you get 1,000 wishtrend points and 3 promo codes to pick up your favourite wishtrend products 😊 And!! we get to protect our skin from sun damage and early signs of aging 😚

what do you say? 
Also what’s your ‘never skip’ skincare step? 

☁️ ☀️ ☁️ ☀️ 
#wishtrend #koreansunscreen #sunscreen #spf #nurilounge #선케어 #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
월요팅 💪🏻 감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 월요팅 💪🏻 

감사합니당 @jssa0_1 📷 

⛅️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore #seoulfashionweek #styleinspiration #y2kaesthetic #softaesthetic #서울패션위크 #스타일 #여자스트릿패션 #외국인모델
lol but ghostly 

감사합니다 @_inho.w 

☁️ ⛅️ 
#서울패션위크 #외국인모델 #촬영문의dm #seoulfashionweek #whatfiiwore #styleinspo
when will my prince return from war 🙃🥲

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 
#한복스냅 #한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복촬영 #외국인모델 #seoultravel #seoulkorea #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #공가는여우 #패션위크 #촬영문의dm #촬영모델 #whatfiiwore #princesscore #princessaesthetic
hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if y hands up if you like cafes! 🙌🏻 hands up if you like cafes with cute mascots 🙌🏻🤭🤭🤭 

then i have a cafe recommendation for you~~ 

this cute (deceptively large) place is @for_tourists_dotori_garden by Anguk station, and i had a great afternoon enjoying the atmosphere with great company and great baked goods and i’m not at all noting the aesthetics for my own future cafe 🤭

꿀팁 - if you search 분좋카 on instagram then you’ll find a bunch of very aesthetic cafes around seoul that all have a great atmosphere (분•위기 좋•은 카•페 = 분좋카) ❤️❤️ 

📌 dotori garden // 도토리가든 
🗺️ 서울 종로구 계동길 19-8 1층

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ ⛅️ 
#2023GlobalSeoulMate #2023GSM #VisitSeoul #SeoulYouniverse #Seoul #Korea #SeoulTourismOrganization #2023글로벌서울메이트 #서울관광재단 #서울 #분좋카 #분좋카추천 #seoulcafe #서울카페
changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bea changing room mirror selfies and a tiny headed bear. 🐻 

(yay for no winter coat weather) 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#패션룩 #whatfiiwore #패션코디 #패션모델 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #룩북모델 #룩스타 #룩스타스램 #옷스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타그램daily #패션블로거 #촬영문의 #데일리룩 #데일리룩코디 #외국인모델 #stylehunters #stylefiles #ig_korea #fashionkorea #stylebloggers
{ #ad #협찬 #gifted } Vegan skincare is on the r { #ad #협찬 #gifted }
Vegan skincare is on the rise, and I received these beautiful Vegan Lip Butters from @melixirskincare_kr ❤️
Melixir is vegan, sustainable, and cruelty free, that has a range of products that are great for sensitive skin like mine :) 

I’m absolutely loving the easy wearability of “04 Dewy Rose”, and the agave infused formula is great for my lips (guess who doesn’t drink enough water…). 

“05 Red Velvet” is a buildable red, that isn’t too harsh or bright for those days you want a little colour, but don’t want to faff about with lip liners ❤️

📌 you can find melixir products at Amazon (worldwide), or if you’re in Korea, Olive Young and Melixir’s website ❤️

What’s your favourite lip product these days? 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

#melixir_veganskincare #melixir #멜릭서 #veganskincare #veganlipbutter #crueltyfreeskincare #veganproducts #스킨케어 #skincarereview #beautyreview #koreanskincare #kbeautyreview #kbeautyroutine #kbeautyblogger
👸 👑 (hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec f 👸 👑 

(hanbok from @palace.fox - my #1 rec for hanbok rental ❤️) 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#한복대여 #한복드레스 #한복스타그램 #한복스냅 #whatfiiwore #hanbokkorea #hanbokdress #hanbokrental #palacefox #데일리원피스 #경복궁한복대여 #visitseoul #스타일 #여성한복 #visitkorea #princessaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirlstyle #궁가는여우
we went blonde 💅👸 ☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ # we went blonde 💅👸 

☁️ ☁️ ⛅️ 

#whatfiiwore
#협찬 #광고 skincare for glowing skin when yo #협찬 #광고  skincare for glowing skin when you don’t have time for extensive routines? i’m loving the @klairs.global fundamental line :) 

named because it’s formulated to take care of your skin’s fundamental needs, this is a great line to reach for when you’re busy, or just need something simple to satisfy your skin. 

cream: 
the fundamental water gel cream is super light weight for easy absorption into the skin. it’s packed with green tea for vitamin e, antioxidants and calming, which with the way my eczema has been recently i def need.

mist: 
the fundamental ampule mist os a great product to have to top up when your skin is feeling dry, or as layered with 7 skins. it’s got so many nutrients to make your skin feel refreshed and hydrated. 

eye cream
i’m always a bit hmm over eye creams that don’t have actives (like retinol or derivatives) but i’ve been reading about the benefits of using peptides for the under-eye area specifically and i’m not saying the results are magic, but i’ve seen an improvement when i’ve been using peptide formulated products in that area. so. jury is still out but i’m not mad. 
#the formula of this cream is also super thick and creamy so it feels really nourishing 😇🫶 

overall it’s been a great experience so far, and it’s definitely made me remember why i liked klairs products way back when i started blogging ❤️

products courtesy of @wishtrend via @nurilounge.official ❤️❤️

#skincare #kbeauty #kskincare #skincarereels #veganbeauty #veganskincare #dearklairs #스킨케어 #dearklairs #klairs #skincare #kbeauty #kbrand #nurilounge #mynurilounge
✨ fiicore ✨ the princess / abandoned castle ✨ fiicore ✨ 

the princess / abandoned castle vibes are strong here

⛅️ ☁️ clouds

#reels #reelstrend #reelstrends #coreaesthetic #princesscore #princesscoreaesthetic #softgirlaesthetic #softgirl
things i carry on the daily: 💼 @marhen.j kai things i carry on the daily: 

💼 @marhen.j  kai bag in urban black 
beauty products 
@romandyou waterfit cushion 
@keepintouch_makeup jelly lip plumper in bloody wine 
@espoir_makeup water splash cica tone up sun cream 

ipad cover is from @from.pick 

not pictured: work badge -,-, lip balm, assorted receipts 😅

🐰 🐰 🐰 🐰 
#stylereels #whatsinmybag #whatsinmybagtoday #marhenj #마르헨제이 #스타일링 #가방스타그램 #패션블로거 #패션블로그 #패션스타그램 #fashionstyle #fashionreels #fashionreelscreator #fashionstylereels
새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 🐰 happy lunar 새해 복 많이 바드세용~ 
🐰 
happy lunar new year from me and the floof and the personal growth we’ve been doing so far this month ☺️😊😌

🐰 🐰 🐰 
#corgisofinstagram #웰시코기 #웰코 #웰시코기그램 #corgistagram #corgisrule #corgigram #corgipost #코기러브
i don’t do these challenges but this was one cut i don’t do these challenges but this was one cute 

☁️ #reelschallenge
#kawaikutegomen #고멘챌린지 #릴스댄스 #릴스챌린지
pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ tell pov: you’re cafe hopping in seoul ❤️ 

tell me a place and a time and i’ll come to hang out ❤️🥰 

📍 cafe seongbukro/ @seongbukro 
it’s beautiful~~~ 

☁️ ☁️ ☁️ 
#cafetour #cafétour #seoulcafe #seoulcafehopping #whatfiiwore 
#서울카페 #서울카페추천 #카페릴스 #retroaesthetic
finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me fee finally got a silky wrap skirt and it makes me feel like i’m about to go to barre again 🩰 

skirt @dollsattitude 

☁️ ⛅️ ☁️ 

 #whatfiiwore #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #cottagecoreaeathetic #softgirlstyle #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #wearingtoday #ootdpost #outfitblog #outfitidea #todayiwore #mystylediary #mylooktoday #discoverunder7k #dollsattitude
2022 was uh… a year (if u saw me trying to pos 2022 was uh… a year 

(if u saw me trying to post this already, no u didn’t 😂😂🤡🤡🤡🤡) 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ ☁️ 
#2022년 #2023 #2022roundup
when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christm when ur as excited for coffee as u are for christmas and also music show broadcasts bc i am that girl now 😌😌😌😌😌 u only live once and all ✌️ 
merry holidays i hope ur day is merry and bright ⛄️ 

☁️ ⛅️ ⛅️ 🌧️ 

#크리스마스 #크리스마스코디 #whatfiiwore #성북동카페 #데일리코디 #데일리룩코디 #일상옷 #패션그램 #패션코디 #패션스램 #룩스타그램 #옷스타그램일상 #옷스타 #패션블로그 #패션블로거 #오오티디 #데일리룩 #옷스타그램 #stylehunters #fashionkorea #옷스타그램daily #whattowear #유튜버  #wearingtoday #ootdpost  #atinyselcaday #에이티니
Load More Follow on Instagram

Watch more

Join the List

Search

Copyright © fiixii 2023 Fiixii
  • About
  • Work with me!
  • Disclaimer
Theme by SheShoppes