“Skin barrier care” is the process of understanding and caring for my skin.

Lately, whenever I look in the mirror, I can really feel that my skin isn't what it used to be. My face feels tight after washing it, dries out quickly even after applying cosmetics, and while it doesn't produce much oil, breakouts seem to be breaking out more easily. In the past, I could use just any product and it would be fine, but now it’s scary because even the slightest change triggers an immediate reaction. That is why I’ve been interested in “skin barrier care” lately.

If you search online, everyone talks about ceramides, panthenol, and mild cleansers, but honestly, what's harder than that is maintaining a consistent routine. I'm busy getting ready for work in the mornings, and in the evenings, I'm so tired that I just wash up quickly and go to bed, so my routine often falls apart. Still, these days I'm deliberately avoiding harsh exfoliants or cleansers and focusing on applying soothing creams.

I feel that managing the skin barrier isn't just a matter of the skin itself. I've noticed that my skin reacts immediately when I don't get enough sleep, am stressed, or have irregular meal times. I used to be able to cover it up with makeup, but now even that doesn't work well. So these days, with the mindset of "letting my skin breathe," I am trying to apply less product and avoid irritation.

It’s not perfect yet, but my skin stings less than before and the redness has decreased. Rather than blaming my age, I’ve realized that “skin barrier management” is about understanding and taking care of my skin.