Great Barrier Grief

Can You Revive A Broken Skin Barrier?

Last year there were almost half a million searches for the term ‘skin barrier’ on Google, over 200,000 TikToks and more than 400,000 Instagram posts on the topic. So what exactly is our skin barrier, and why have we become so obsessed with it?

‘The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin,’ explains consultant dermatologist and founder of skincare brand, Klira, Dr Emma Craythorne. ‘It’s made up of predominantly dead skin cells that are held together in a bricks and mortar structure, where they’re the bricks and the mortar is a mixture of free fatty acids, lipids and cholesterol. It’s a waterproof barrier that prevents external irritants from getting in.’

The problem comes when the skin barrier is compromised. That can happen for all sorts of reasons, including genetic predisposition, stress and age – as we get older, our body produces fewer of the lipids required by the barrier, and the lack of oestrogen in postmenopausal women exacerbates this. But all too often it’s self-inflicted.

We’re still living with the legacy of lockdown, when we saw a huge focus on skincare and an explosion in the number of social media accounts talking about products, leading many consumers to think that they can diagnose and treat skin issues themselves.

Brand Spotlight: Rodial

Rodial is a renowned skincare brand celebrated for its innovative, high-performance products that deliver visible results. Combining cutting-edge technology with powerful ingredients, Rodial’s product range includes targeted treatments for various skin concerns, from anti-ageing and hydration to brightening and firming.

The C&TH Aesthetic Guide 2025

You can find the full Aesthetic Guide in our May/June 2025 issue, on newsstands now.

Ask The Expert: How To Use Retinol (The Right Way)

We ask Fatma Shaheen, founder of Skin Design London, to demystify beauty’s biggest buzzword: retinol.

Recap: what is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A clinically proven to improve skin texture, clarity and firmness. It encourages cellular turnover and rejuvenation. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, breakouts, uneven texture and dullness, revealing fresher, firmer, more radiant skin.

Can retinol help with acne?

Retinol is exceptional for acne-prone skin. It reduces breakouts by unclogging pores, regulating oil and softening post-inflammatory pigmentation.

How can we reduce irritation when using retinol?

Respect the skin barrier. Don’t focus on percentages, look at the quality of retinol.

How much and how often should we use it?

You can use retinol daily depending on the formulation. It’s important to note that frequency is more important than volume; think consistency over intensity. I would recommend using it daily or three to five times a week, starting with fewer days and working up over time.

What’s the difference between a retinol cream and a retinol serum?

Serums are more concentrated, often targeting renewal and resurfacing, while creams tend to offer sustained, buffered delivery with moisture. We designed ours to work in harmony: the serum for precision, the crème for daily use.

Join today and enjoy digital editions of all our publications (worth £39), exclusive discounts and offers from our advertising partners, plus...

Automatic entry into all of our competitions for an entire year.

£2.50 per month (billed annually)

What’s Trending?

Non-Invasive Skin Treatments That Actually Work

From at-home tools to tough-love facial massage, non-invasive measures may require some patience, but the results are enduring.

Can A Fitness Watch Really Reverse Ageing?

The world of wearable tech has exploded in recent years. Say hello to Whoop 5.0: the futuristic watch that promises to help people live longer.

Inside Kate Middleton’s Morning Routine

From a simple beauty regime to a quiet moment of reflection, here's how the Princess of Wales starts her day.

Win A Monk Ice Bath Worth £5,995

Create your own private wellness experience with Monk – the world’s first smart ice bath and cold water therapy app. We’ve teamed up with Monk to offer you the chance to win an ice bath, worth £5,995.