What's In My Jar

Barrier Repair Playbook

Restore a damaged skin barrier and lock in lasting hydration.

This playbook is for you if you have:

  • Over-exfoliated or over-treated skin
  • Dry, tight, or flaky patches
  • Products that used to work now sting

Keep in mind:

  • Stop all actives until barrier heals
  • This is a recovery phase – keep it simple
  • Healing takes 2-4 weeks minimum

Daily Routine Skeleton

Morning (AM)

1
Cleanse

Water only or cream cleanser

daily

2
Hydrate Optional

Hyaluronic acid on damp skin

daily

3
Moisturize

Ceramide-rich moisturizer

daily

4
SPF

Gentle mineral sunscreen

daily

Evening (PM)

1
Cleanse

Oil cleanse if needed, then cream cleanser

daily

2
Hydrate

Hydrating toner or serum

daily

3
Moisturize

Rich night cream

daily

4
Seal Optional

Petrolatum or healing ointment

nightly

Tip: Start simple. You don't need every step right away. Master the basics (cleanse, moisturize, SPF) before adding treatment steps.

Top Actives for This Goal

These ingredients have the strongest evidence for this skin goal. You don't need all of them – pick 1-2 to start.

Ceramides

Also called: ceramide NP, ceramide AP, ceramide EOP

Essential lipids that repair the skin barrier.

barrier repairmoisture retentionsensitivity
Usage: Daily, AM and PM
Low irritation
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Hyaluronic Acid

Also called: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, HA

Draws and holds moisture in damaged skin.

hydrationplumpingmoisture retention
Effective: 0.1–2%
Usage: Daily, apply to damp skin
Low irritation
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Glycerin

Also called: glycerin, glycerol

Humectant that supports hydration.

hydrationmoisture retention
Usage: Daily, in moisturizers and serums
Low irritation
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Centella Asiatica (Cica)

Also called: centella asiatica, cica, madecassoside, asiaticoside

Promotes healing and reduces inflammation.

soothingbarrier repairredness
Usage: Daily, especially when irritated
Low irritation
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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Also called: niacinamide, nicotinamide, vitamin B3

Supports ceramide production at low concentrations.

pore appearancebarrier supportuneven toneoil control
Effective: 2–10%
Usage: Daily, AM or PM
Low irritation
Find products Learn more

Reading Path

0/5 completed

Read these articles in order for a complete understanding. Mark them as read to track your progress.

how to choose a good moisturizer

What makes an effective moisturizer

7 min read Read article

glycerin

The humble hydration hero

4 min read Read article

hyaluronic acid dry sensitive

Using HA correctly for dry skin

5 min read Read article

is petrolatum in skincare bad

Why petrolatum helps healing

5 min read Read article

winter skin care navigating the chilly season with healthy skin

Seasonal barrier protection

6 min read Read article

Ready to Take Action?

Use our tools to build your personalized routine and find the right products.

Build a routineDecode ingredientsFind ceramide products

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Sun Protection

Master daily SPF habits and protect your skin from UV damage.

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