I Had to Go to Seoul to Learn How to Fix My Irritated Skin Barrier for Summer—These 10 Products Are Now My Staples
I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
My skin has been temperamental this year, to say the least. First, the coldest winter to strike NYC in decades caused my epidermis to revolt, with patches of eczema, random breakouts, and general irritation that rendered my usual skincare fixes ineffective. Appointments with my dermatologist and favorite facialists were helpful—but for months I still couldn’t find a product regimen that banished the recurring inflammation and returned my skin to its usual calm, glowy state. At least, until I went to Seoul and explored the wonderful world of Korean pharmacy skincare. In Seoul, I picked up a few repairing products featuring ingredients I simply hadn’t thought of trying.
With several glorious weeks of summer left to go, I’m happy to report that my skin is finally calming down. Those tiny, pesky breakouts are minimal, my prescription eczema cream is back in storage, and redness and irritation are a thing of the past. Here’s everything I’m using to help repair my stressed skin barrier and restore my complexion during the summer.
Always Azelaic
As board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD, previously explained to Marie Claire, azelaic acid “addresses the underlying inflammation pathways that drive both acne and hyperpigmentation, rather than simply treating the surface appearance." If you haven’t tried the buzzy ingredient yet, I highly recommend you start ASAP.
Since Seoul is where I first picked up an azelaic acid serum, it only makes sense that K-beauty formulas are top-tier in the category. This serum also has hydrating and brightening benefits, making it a multi-functional addition to your skincare routine.
When it comes to highly effective formulations, you can never go wrong with Paula’s Choice. This 10% formula is the highest you can get without a prescription, but it’s still gentle enough to use twice a day (which is the rate most dermatologists will recommend).
Perfectly PDRN
Arguably the most talked-about K-beauty ingredient of the last few years, PDRN (a.k.a. salmon DNA) gets to work calming your skin barrier the way that few other active ingredients can. In my experience, this has been a game changer for achieving smoother skin, especially when I have breakouts that are still healing.
If glass skin is what you’re after, then turn to the OG formula that has been at the center of the PDRN craze since day one. It’s safe to use for any skin type, and the added aloe leaf juice is especially soothing for red, angry skin.
I picked up a tube of this PDRN cream in Seoul, but almost immediately after I got back to NYC, it became available to shop in the States. The 1200 ppm formula also contains soothing, brightening niacinamide, plus hydrating panthenol and hyaluronic acid for a super supple complexion.
Say More, Ceramides
If you want nourished skin without the weight of a heavy moisturizer, ceramides will be your new best friend. They help to boost your skin’s repairing capabilities, soothe existing irritation, and lock in hydration for an extra glowy complexion.
A five-ceramide blend mingles with nourishing lipids to deliver the type of soothing and repairing benefits I’d usually expect from a rich night cream. Whenever my skin has been feeling particularly spicy, I apply this after my antioxidant serum in the morning and by the afternoon, my skin is calm and irritation-free.
Pretty much everyone knows that the Cetaphil cleanser is the GOAT of gentle formulations, but this ceramide serum is quickly becoming my favorite hydrating and barrier-repairing product. Plus, at less than $20, it’s further proof that good skincare doesn’t have to break the bank.
Let It Breathe
Because my skin is on the drier side, I was always wary of swapping my heavier moisturizer for a lightweight option in the summer. Apparently, my skin had other ideas. Since making the switch to lightweight moisturizer, my breakouts have almost entirely faded away.
I love this underrated brand for its straightforward, elegant formulas and stellar price point. Now I can say that I’m equally obsessed with this creamy yet breathable moisturizer. My skin absolutely adores this.
Just because a moisturizer is lightweight doesn’t mean that it can’t pack a serious skin-benefit punch. Encapsulated probiotics work throughout the day to calm irritation and control excess oil so you stay glowy, never greasy.
Make It Mineral
In the United States, we only have two types of sunscreen filters (although another one, BEMT, is on the way!), and between chemical or mineral SPF, the latter is the one you want to reach for when your skin is feeling irritated. Luckily, these formulations have come so far in the last year, with more elegant, comfortable options to choose from.
I triple-checked the label after trying this formula to make sure that it was actually a zinc and titanium dioxide formula. It applies super sheer, is gentle enough that even post-procedure skin—which is the most vulnerable to UV damage and irritation—can use it without issue.
Yet another mineral formula that I had to swipe on multiple times to believe, the finish is so invisible after you rub it in. My skin is left feeling plump and supple, which is never the feeling I get after the last step of my routine (which is always, always, always SPF).
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