Dermatologist Explains How to Repair Your Skin Barrier - Affordable Morning Skincare Routine

Does your skin feel dry, tight, flaky, or uncomfortable? Whether you over-exfoliated your skin or went a little overboard with your retinoid, sometimes your skin barrier needs a little TLC. As a dermatologist, I see this happen all the time! That's why I put together this easy and affordable morning skincare routine to help repair your skin barrier.
Watch more skincare routines here: bit.ly/3CES4ws
SHOP:
Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum*: go.shopmy.us/p-813414
Purito Dermide Relief Barrier*: go.shopmy.us/p-813417
Bellflower
Avocado Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++*: go.shopmy.us/p-813421
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / drsamanthaellis
Website: www.mybeautymd.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:25 About Your Skin Barrier
03:08 Cleansing
03:52 Serum
06:37 Moisturizer
08:25 Sunscreen
10:06 Subscribe!
DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my KZbin channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[@EmorettaRobinson]

I'd definitely like to see a night time affordable skin barrier routine. And I've heard of just washing your face with water in the morning. But my first thought was "What about the products that were applied at night?" I thought they had to be washed off before applying whatever products that you were going to apply in the morning. So thank you for addressing that. It was very helpful.

[@jeaneliza23]

Yes, I wonder about this. It is not just the products from the night before but dead skin cells, perspiration etc. I normally wash with just water in the morning but I use a micro-fibre washcloth. This I believe has a gentle but thorough cleansing effect as discussed by Nadine Baggott on her channel. Otherwise I would not be happy to just use water alone (like splashing my face in the shower).

[@changeeyecolor3891]

Yes, please do continue this series...

[@blschafer4310]

I tried this 'just water' thing, and my face had such a grimy coating of moisturizer I had to wash it about 4 times with cleanser.

[@JessicaSmithPhD]

I use a baby washcloth and warm water to gently wipe my skin in the morning. I think the texture of the washcloth removes the products from the night before and any grime. I replace the wash cloth at least once per week, usually more frequently.

[@Emmie1]

@@blschafer4310 I've tried it a couple times and broke out each time. I really wanted it to work cuz I'd save money on cleanser and it did help make my face more hydrated in the mornings (my main concern during cold, dry winter months). But I've worked too hard to get rid of my acne to go back to pizza face again. I think my acne-prone skin just sucks at shedding or is super sticky or whatever and really needs help to get rid of all the gunk that accumulates on my face or else it freaks out.

[@emmamcconnell6160]

You have the most soothing, captivating voice! I love listening to you. I would definitely love to see a nighttime version of this!

[@daniela18560]

A nighttime skin barrier video would be amazing! Thank you

[@changeeyecolor3891]

I really appreciate you posting.

[@chasing-mental-clarity]

Hi Dr. Sam! Just wanted to give a shoutout and show some love for your videos! At first, I was a bit skeptical (aren't we all when it comes to skincare?) but I quickly realized you really know your stuff. I love how you acknowledge that not everyone needs skincare products and focus on the importance of intentional use and ingredients. Your analogies are also super helpful in understanding skin concepts. As someone with a packed schedule and not enough time to visit a dermatologist, your content has been a lifesaver. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and effort you put into your videos. Keep up the great work. Cheers to happier and healthier skin! ☺️

[@mrs.k7381]

I just purchased the aveeno calm and restore oat gel moisturizer and I’m really excited to try it out.

[@riotgrrrlcrochet]

Thank you so much for all of this information. My skin barrier is so damaged right now and I had no idea what that meant before I found you, and I was continuing my routine causing more and more damage. I just got these products and it's the first thing I've put on my face that didn't burn and sting. You saved me a long wait to see a dermatologist and also saved me so much money. You have no idea how grateful I am for you right now! I feel like I need to send you a check or a gift basket or something!

[@lucydeboxer2565]

At 68 my skin is so sensitive I think water causes redness! Aveeno's new Calm + Restore Balm at nighttime feels wonderful.

[@SB_41]

The whole Aveeno Calm + Restore line is fantastic! CeraVe PM is a nice moisturizer for AM IMO.

[@kimrrosen]

I got the Purito Dermide Barrier moisturizer on your rec and like it a lot!! But a fellow dry-skinned K beauty skinfluencer recommended the Abib Jericho Rose cream and OH MY GOD. It's truly on another level. For dry skin people, HIGHLY recommend. And if you want the whole enchilada, put the Aveeno Calm + Restore skin recovery balm on OVER the Abib at night and wake up looking like the glowiest baby.

[@millytorres9777]

Thank you Dr Sam! 😊

[@drc4168]

I live in Ireland but if I lived in the US I'd travel great lengths to be your patient/client!! Love your relaxed and articulate presentation too Dr! And the content is top notch! Aveeno has been a real find for me, as I struggle with moisturisers, almost all eventually break me out!

[@maddisonbrown3020]

Love your videos and advice! Would love to hear your recommendations for exfoliating with rosacea

[@SmokinGunWorx]

Great video. Short and to the point. Very knowledgeable and useful information.

[@annewills378]

Thank you for this video. It came just in time as my daughter is really struggling with this issue.

[@leeaskew]

I love that purito cream, it really does repair the skin

[@jacquelinelove4841]

I’d love to see a skin barrier night routine video. Also, how do we know our skin barrier is damaged? Thank you!

[@AishaJabeen-zt7ec]

Just purchased all the products you said to use can’t wait to try love your video❤

[@AWhite-wo9pz]

KraveBeauty's Great Barrier Relief, La Roche-Posay's Cicaplast Baume B5, and Missha's Artemisia Calming Essence are my holy grail products for sensitised skin and a damaged skin barrier 💚

[@changeeyecolor3891]

This was fascinating !!!

[@danjelatoro303]

@@changeeyecolor3891 how do you layer them? I have cicaplast too but because its so thick i dont know how to use it?

[@alyssavanblanckenberg1342]

@@danjelatoro303 Work from thinnest to thickest. So first serums and then moisturizers. You can use the cicaplast over a moisturizer to really lock the moisture in, or use it as a moisturizer on it’s own.

[@Elaine-ed1lm]

Would love more drugstore brands of sunscreen and moisturizers

[@agelessamy2335]

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baumé B5 has been a good rescue cream for when my skin barrier is compromised. It’s gentle and protects my irritated skin until it heals.

[@lind5180]

So glad I found you ❤️

[@changeeyecolor3891]

This was amazing !

[@AishaJabeen-zt7ec]

You explained it good how cells be in skin Tysm ❤

[@nicolesnutrition2620]

Thank you for filming this video Dr Ellis! I was wondering about vitamin C in the morning if mild irritation is occurring

[@eirene1102]

Love this! I really struggle with dry skin and acne and I’ve recently started using the Stratia Liquid Gold as a moisturizing serum and I can’t believe the difference it’s made in my skin. It’s clearer and more hydrated and overall healthier! Highly recommend. And it’s a small indie brand made in CA!

[@changeeyecolor3891]

Learning a lot from this video.

[@nightlily3855]

Stratia LG is my HG!

[@trinibui]

Thank you!

[@evelynquintana6352]

Hi- Can you do an affordable skin repair for Oily Rosacea Skin. ? Very hard to find a routine when you have oily and rosacea. Thanks for you help.

[@catherine159]

Yes i'll definitely try that sunscreen! Thanks!!! I love that it has centella and niacinamide (wich I know I tolerate) but I have sensitive skin so I was afraid of the fragrance and other plant oil in other centella/niacinamide sunscreen combos. Also mineral sunscreens are hard on my skin because they're impossible to remove lol. Thanks!!

[@memorydandaroy1618]

Don’t know if you done a hand only video But would love that. My hands crack and bleed. It sucks sorry. My hand barrier is bad. GREAT video Dr. Ellis. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[@lisadearing5960]

I struggled to find a good sunscreen for my face. My aesthetician gave me 4-5 different samples of Elta MD. I picked one that is tinted and goes on so silky! I’ve been using it for a few years now and I love it!

[@lisa9916]

Thx for another great and informative video! Question what face mask would you recommend to leave on for a bit then wash off to really help hydrate the skin and help w/ texture and fine lines? (Especially this time of the year when the air is dryer) I have more sensitive acne prone skin. Thx!😊

[@lilyannlyons7058]

Thank you for you videos. Can you do clean products routine for morning and night.

[@longlostcowgirl2010]

LR-P came out with an updated version of the Toleriane ultra creme and it is amazing in the morning under sunscreen right now. Thanks for the content! Have you done a video on sensitized or dehydrated skin barrier care yet?

[@meganmccraney6251]

Hello Dr. Ellis, I am struggling so much with my skin being dry and flakey. It's also sensitive. I get redness in my cheeks. I don't know what to do anymore. Any product suggestions? Love all of your videos. Very informative!!

[@emmamcconnell6160]

Could you do a stylevanna skincare favorites video? They have such vast resources and ive loved almost everything k-beauty ive tried, especially spf wise

[@Stegaro1807]

What about for oily dehydrated skin, and also I did microneedling and my skin looks worse 😢 damaged and ugly 😢😢😢

[@susanmcf1]

Good timing! I needed this!

[@kellyleung6874]

Loved the video. Thank you ☺️ How long should we wait before applying the different products?

[@timelessbeautiesbyjacqueline]

Thank you for covering this topic timely for me as I am just getting through a bad skin breakout on my eyelids, Very dry stinging and itchy. I have only been applying Squalene oil which has helped. Would this routine help the eye area too or any other suggestions? Txs

[@michisalwayshungry4269]

Krave beauty's great barrier relief is top tier.

[@lizabetx483]

I use Cerave Foaming Facial cleanser in the evening and Cerave Hydrating Facial cleanser on mornings. I have oily, sensitive skin and water alone on mornings will not work to remove the overnight oil buildup. I follow up with the Cerave Hydrating Toner before using the Cerave AM moisturizer.

[@bluecherrysakura]

I recommend the wellage real hyaluronic blue ampoule for people who live in the tropics like me. It's got high amounts of glycerin and panthenol to hydrate that skin. Plus beta glucan. This serum minimises the flakiness I have from tretinoin dehydration. I wish I wish there's something high in polyglutamic acid product that isn't the inkey list. The best I found is from Isntree, aloe emulsion. Looks like a high amount of it but I wonder if there's more.

[@galato4234]

Please do this routine with OTC moisturizers. Thanks.

[@galato4234]

Thanks for this routine. What do you think about LRP Toleriane night moisturizer for a mature & acne prone skin? Thanks

[@christinaw2518]

I like to use a probiotics cream gentle face wash every AM during the winter months. Tatcha the dewy skin cream as an AM moisturizer when I am restoring my skin barrier. It is thicker than my typical moisturizer (a little goes a long way) and has lots of healing ingredients like ceramides! Also, I use the Balance Me Tri- Molecule Hydraulic Acid serum in the AM before I use my moisturizer for a little added hydration. 💜

[@MISGummiBears]

What's the company's name for the face cleanser? I'm looking for one that won't agravate my sensitized skin

[@mariabarajas1112]

Hello; I love your channel ❤ what do you think when on the ingredients list of skin care , is Sodium Hidroxide!! I’m a hair Stylist 💇🏻‍♀️ and we use it for Relaxers

[@alvasjogren3562]

Hi! You seem to have much knowledge och experience about skin! Could you maybe do a video about the acne treatment Epiduo? What to think about while using it and so on? How to achieve the best results?☺️

[@lethlie]

Truly appreciate your channel! I for sure know my skin barrier is compromised after moving up to 0.1% tretinoin 😅 I’m an oily gal but I lean heavily on the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 to get me through. Other sensitive skin moisturizers like Vanicream will sting but the LPR Cicaplast is a godsend

[@changeeyecolor3891]

Loved it, I learned a lot.

[@md.rakibul2609]

If you have very oily skin due to sun damage, potato juice surely help after one use.

[@YourrsTruleeYC]

Your comment is so relatable for me right now! I'm a tretinoin beginner still on 0.025% atm. Thanks for the tips, heading to the shops now to buy LPR Cicaplast.💕

[@emmamcconnell6160]

Can you do a version of this… with actives? Barrier support and hydration but with a retinoid and azelaic acid, etc.

[@jessmcc8234]

Please do a video on perioral dermatitis 🙏🙏🙏

[@whitneybrown4067]

This is Gonna b so Helpful🔥🔥🔥👍….

[@cixiy9780]

Have you tried stratia skin’s Liquid Gold (their barrier repair) and other products? I would love to see you break it down

[@user-pf9qm6vl4h]

Plz a vid. On close comedons

[@allysonbergman1303]

I found a new cleaner, Cetaphil restoreaderm, it's worked well for my super sensitive rosacea skin, doesn't strip but effectively gets rid of the days grime. Recommend.

[@galato4234]

I would like to know what are your thoughts about Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide eye cream. thank you for your comment.

[@r.nawelle2619]

Hello 🥰does thé dermide barrière cream from purito IS ok for acné prône skin using retinoids?

[@marionallen2222]

Oh my skin is hurting so bad! So red and irritated and dry!!! I hope this Aveeno serum helps I just bought that and the new The Ordinary moisturizer Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides it’s so rich and creamy oh my goodness!!!! Love love love it at night!!!! 🍀🍀🍀

[@hernandezradrian]

What is your recommendation for dry axiles? I been suffering from that for over a year and won’t be able to use tight shirts anymore seems like the slightest touch or friction disrupt my skin barrier

[@pushkin4894]

How do we incorporate into skincare routine slugging (skin barrieir repair) and Retinoids, ie. tretinoin.

[@mamus.]

What about those like me that wake up with an shiny face (oily skin here). Is it okay to wash with just water too?

[@loveforeveryone5368]

Hey could you please tell me what do you think about fermented ingredients, are they safe for damaged skin barrier?❤

[@judithhershkowitz7093]

Would you please review skincare kits like Rodan+Fields, Proven, etc? They are pricy but seem easy because they remove the guess work involved with what products to use/buy. A potential purchaser can answer questions posed about their skin via an online quiz that supposedly helps determine your needs. It's a challenge to buy skincare based on other people's recommendations because everyone's skin is quite different. There's a lot of trial and error involved and when there's an error it's a money waster and a disappointment. Thanks for the great videos!

[@user-pf9qm6vl4h]

Hey you are my fav. Ome❤🥰

[@tanyatucker51]

I am trying to repair my skin barrier so I recently bought the Cerave am with spf30 and pm moisturizers to help me repair my skin. I have adult hormonal acne that just doesn’t seem to go away so I’m switching gears. I just don’t know when it will be okay to start adding in my actives again.

[@zainabkalsoom330]

Hy Dr ... Plzz recommend my acne pro oily skin barrier repair mosturiser

[@jilliansmith8080]

Would oat products be good for skin when starting tretinoin?

[@lauradiaz1888]

Can you do a product list?

[@3005511]

Hello Dr. Ellis, it’s me again from the other video. Is it a good idea to cleanse only with water one day, and then use a gentle cleanser the next? Like an every other day situation? Or perhaps two days with only water, and then one day with cleanser, back to two days with only water? I’m finding that 3 days or anything over that makes my skin feel tough and flaky and I get patches of skin buildup (I think that’s what it is). But you’re so right when you say less is best for sensitive, “disrupted” skin! I learned that the hard way 😂 I use Cerave gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. It seems to agree with me so far! Thank you for the informative video :)

[@wendyarch332]

What do you think of cocokind barrier restore serum?

[@caleb-kun]

I started washing my face again in the morning, because I liked the finish of my spf I get when I apply it over freshly cleansed, moisturized skin. Fast forward a few weeks and I remembered why I stopped washing twice a day in the first place lol. Listen to your skin

[@21972012145525]

So are you still washing it in the am or not lol...

[@keekeejenkins6162]

​@s21972012145525 I think Caleb is implying they are no longer washing in the AM (probably bc it dried their skin out and they have a horrible short term memory since they couldn't remember why they stopped the 1st time 😉)

[@Pekate2010]

Dr. Ellis, please make a morning and night tweens' routine video. Thank you!

[@Ali-ib7gs]

Hi! Would love to get your advice on pairing long term prescription skin care (eg, azaleic acid) with OTC skincare.

[@DrSamEllis]

Love it! I do it all the time. Always talk with your prescriber about how they want you to layer things and what frequency of use would work best for you.

[@wendyarch332]

How about skin barrier repair for dry sensitive with hyperpigmentation

[@cm302]

How do I balance between repairing my skin barrier & using actives to control my adult acne?😭 thank you!

[@Hellokitty021088]

I know I am late. But I had to answer. Because I know the struggle. I am an esthetician but I have struggled for years when it comes to my own skin. But I finally found the perfect balance. I hope this will help. I use a gentle cleaners, there is a lot of good ones. Few times a week I use benzoyl peroxide cleanser. I let it work while I brush my teeth. Nighttime I always double cleanse. I use a hydrating toner, then biffida complex from manyo, this is now my HG. I continue with differin. And then a heavy moisturizer like the one she's mentioning here, or geek and gorgeous happy barrier. Good luck ❤

[@Elnails323]

Is this sunscreen chemical or mineral? I can’t tell as I’m not familiar with all the ingredients. I have very sensitive eyes.

[@21972012145525]

If my skin is flaky and dry, how do I need to know if my barrier is disrupted OR if I just need to exfoliate. I can never tell!

[@ohlazyna]

Just encountered this lovely video after a visit to a doc due to contact dermatitis from overwashing after workout, which is genuinely from damaged skin barrier 😭 Will you consider a video about skincare routine for fungal-acne prone skin with affordable skincare products? Having this issue on my skin is scaring me so much from many good moisturizers bc they feed M. Fur fur!! 😢

[@keekeejenkins6162]

Dr Dray has a few fungal acne videos, look them up! :)

[@renee4883]

Would love an eczema focused video!

[@saramohamed2860]

Yeah I have eczema too a routine would be good.

[@jpzhang8290]

How to wash away the sunscreen at night?

[@noorzahwa441]

can I replace the serum with toner?

[@briannashuipis7491]

Is it ok to just rinse in the morning if you are using Vaseline at night for barrier repair?

[@user-xt6cr5dm6l]

How to skin barrier repair without clogging or opening more my pores In the cheeks or forehead? I’m using some glycerin products and don’t work seems like everything is opening more my pores 😆😩

[@mariacarlstrom362]

A timely subject for me! Increased my Vit-C from 15% to 20% and started my tretenoin. Big mistake! My 64 yo face did not like it!! I instinctively cut everything out except washing pm, moisturizer and sunscreen, and as it turns out was following what you recommended (cerave, calm and restore, elta md uv Daily or Babo Daily sheer fluid). For night time, I double cleanse (Naturium balm and Neutrogena hydro boost) and Tatcha Indigo Night Repair with a patting of Cera Ve Healing ointment in the flakey spots. Took about 2 weeks to get the back to normal. Big learning lesson. Thanks for this video!! Love your channel.

[@DrSamEllis]

What a stellar routine!! So happy you were able to get things back to baseline!

[@annetavila8645]

Can we get a video dedicated to cruelty free and vegan products/ brands ? Please 💞 Thank you !

[@laurasutton8230]

Would you use the same Skin Barrier products if you have sensitive, oily combination skin? If not, which products would you recommend?

[@stephaddiction]

How do i treat acne while fixing skin barrier?

[@kesh4338]

One product that has always worked for me - Cosrx Fit Cica Serum. Just always repairs my skin.

[@Mardolo]

I recently started the La Roche-Posay Adapalene, do you recommend staying away from derma planing while using it?

[@DrSamEllis]

Only if you’re having irritation!

[@Mardolo]

@@DrSamEllis Thank you so much!!

[@taylormeredith8013]

Should sunscreen be applied before or after moisturizer? Thanks!

[@allysonbergman1303]

Always SPF last 😊

[@KK40000]

I accidently used a salicylic acid cleanser and benxoyle peroxide everyday for 4 months

[@saiid1979]

Hi doctor i live in canada and i can't find purito here, can you give me another moisturizer to my damage skin barrier please

[@emmamcconnell6160]

Can you order from stylevana or yesstyle?

[@Alexellis738]

Where do you buy your headbands for washing your face? I’ve looked everywhere and the only place I can find it is Amazon

[@NatalieG427]

Look In Walmart too. They may have some with the Velcro.

[@Alexellis738]

@@NatalieG427 thank you!

[@DrSamEllis]

I get mine on Amazon 😀

[@blschafer4310]

I got some on Amazon and the first time I used it it made the back of my hairline bright red and felt burnt. Its been 2 months now and its still not healed. Be careful what you get from Amazon...the ones I got were awful.

[@ursulamullikin4723]

I would love to believe that I only need water in the morning but I don't, the moisturizer doesn't even go into the skin it stays on top of it no matter what I use so it needs to be washed off with something other than just water

[@vidz953]

Are peptides considered actives for skin care? Just wondering if I need to remove those as well.

[@DrSamEllis]

They are, but not with irritating potential so okay to keep in!

[@vidz953]

@@DrSamEllis ❤️ thank you!

[@DahHar117]

The Bellflower sunscreen has alcohol and is not mineral based. I guess I need a routine, not for gentle, but sensitive.

[@ChocolateBabe_]

Is it bad that aveeno serum makes my skin burn 😬 my skin was glowing and flowing but I over did it with a exfoliating toner and EVERYTHING burns

[@Alex-dj9qj]

That's a sign of damaged skin barrier! Stop exfoliating meanwhile and focus on strengthening your barrier. Aveeno is generally nice and gentle but if it really burns, a gentle cleanser and a riiich moisturiser should be helpful. I'd suggest not cleansing more than once per day until it fully heals (so ideally only in the evening to take sunscreen off). Been through that, it just sucks lol you have to push through and cut back on exfoliation/retinoids for maybe 2 weeks+

[@blschafer4310]

I put moisturizer on at night and its still laying on my face in the morning, never absorbs. No matter what I use.

[@ursulamullikin4723]

Same here why does it stay on top of the skin

[@blschafer4310]

@@ursulamullikin4723 Ya, Id sure like to know, too.

[@yamaahmady4745]

why the video was ALL RED!!!!!!

[@jazzthewayyoulikeit]

Dirty....just washing your face with water

[@misssunshine7650]

It’s sounds like a commercial.. is it sponsored?