Skin Barrier Repair: The Simple Routine That Stops Burning and Irritation

Skincare
Written By Alison Dempsey
If your skin suddenly burns when you apply moisturizer, feels tight, or starts peeling, your skin barrier is likely damaged.

I’m a board-certified dermatologist, and barrier disruption is one of the most common reasons skin becomes sensitive, reactive, and unable to tolerate normal skincare.

Below is the exact simplified routine I recommend to calm inflammation, restore the barrier, and stop stinging as quickly as possible.

If your moisturizer is already burning, start with my guide on why moisturizer stings and what to do instead.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Simplest Barrier Repair Routine

  1. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser
  2. Apply a fragrance-free barrier moisturizer
  3. Add an occlusive layer at night if needed
  4. Stop all active ingredients temporarily

Step 1: Use a Truly Gentle Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for damaged skin barrier repair

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is my go-to when skin is burning or peeling. It cleans without stripping the barrier further.

Check price on Amazon

Step 2: Apply a Barrier-Safe Moisturizer

Avene Tolerance moisturizer for sensitive damaged skin barrier La Roche-Posay Double Repair moisturizer for barrier repair Vanicream Facial Moisturizer for acne-prone sensitive skin barrier

Step 3: Add Extra Barrier Protection at Night

Avene Cicalfate barrier repair cream La Roche-Posay Cicaplast balm for skin barrier repair CeraVe Healing Ointment occlusive for damaged skin barrier

These create a protective seal that allows the skin barrier to recover faster.

What NOT to Use During Barrier Repair

  • Exfoliating acids
  • Retinoids
  • Vitamin C
  • Fragrance or essential oils
  • Scrubs or harsh cleansing tools

Symptom Guide: Click What Matches Your Skin

My skin burns when I apply anything

Strip the routine down to cleanser + one moisturizer + occlusive at night. Avoid all actives and anything fragranced until the burning stops.

My skin is peeling or flaking

Add an occlusive at night (like healing ointment) over moisturizer to seal in water. Avoid hot water and over-cleansing.

My skin is red and inflamed

Redness usually means inflammation. Keep products minimal, avoid scrubs and acids, and choose a bland barrier-supporting moisturizer.

I think I caused this from over-exfoliating

Pause all acids/retinoids. If you restart, reintroduce one active at a time, slowly. If you’re not sure what’s in your products, simplify first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does barrier repair take? +
It depends on severity, what triggered it, and whether there’s an underlying condition (like eczema or rosacea). Mild cases often improve within 1–2 weeks with a simplified routine.
Should I stop tretinoin during barrier repair? +
In many cases, yes. Pausing temporarily allows the barrier to recover faster. Once symptoms resolve, you can restart slowly (often with a sandwich method).
When can I restart actives? +
Once burning, redness, and peeling resolve, reintroduce one active at a time, slowly. If irritation returns, pull back again.