Recently, I faced one of the worst skin problems I’ve ever experienced, and it was so severe that I had to take a break from my usual skincare videos. Instead, I decided to focus on repairing my skin and sharing that journey with you. It took me about four or five days to start seeing improvement, but it was a challenging process. My skin hadn’t been this bad in a long time, and I learned a lot from the experience, including some mistakes I made along the way, new tips I discovered, and the products that truly helped me during this difficult time.
When your skin barrier becomes damaged, it’s crucial to understand what might have caused the issue. In my case, I recently moved back to Korea from Europe, and my body struggled to adjust to the new environment. On top of that, I was so eager to try and share new Korean skincare products that I ended up overwhelming my skin with too many at once. Some of these products contained strong ingredients like Vitamin C and retinol, which my skin simply couldn’t handle. As a result, I experienced a week of severe burning and sensitivity, with my skin feeling like it was on fire.
One of the most important steps in repairing a damaged skin barrier is to stop using all your usual skincare products immediately. I know it might sound counterintuitive, but even the gentlest cleansers, toners, masks, serums, and sunscreens can exacerbate the problem when your skin is in such a vulnerable state. I made the mistake of using a mild cleanser a few times, which only made my skin worse. So, I had to go back to basics: no products at all, focusing solely on hydration and regeneration.
When your skin barrier is compromised, your skin can feel extremely dry and tight from the inside, and moisturizing becomes the top priority. I relied heavily on moisturizers and regenerating creams, applying them frequently throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated. I also avoided cleansing with anything other than lukewarm water, as even that could be too much for my sensitive skin.
During this time, there were four key products that really helped me. First, I discovered a cream mist and moisturizer from a brand I’ve grown to love. The mist provided instant hydration without needing to touch my skin, which was essential since even the slightest contact could cause irritation. The moisturizer from the same line became my go-to, offering deep hydration and a soothing effect.
The second product was a thicker cream from another brand, which I’ve used during similar skin crises in the past. Its rich, hydrating texture acted like a protective barrier, keeping my skin from drying out too quickly. Although it might seem too heavy for oily skin types, it worked wonders for me by preventing moisture loss.
Third, I want to mention some ointments that played a role in my recovery. I picked up a panthenol ointment and a steroid ointment from a pharmacy. The steroid ointment was prescribed by a doctor and I used it very sparingly, only when the pain and burning were unbearable. The panthenol ointment, a popular product in Korea, is known for its regenerating properties. While I didn’t feel comfortable applying it all over my face, I used it around my eyes, where the skin was particularly damaged.
There are a few crucial lessons I’ve learned from this experience that I want to share with you. First, skincare alone can’t solve everything. Just like when you’re recovering from a cold or inflammation, your overall health plays a huge role in how your skin heals. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, eating well, and managing stress are all essential for supporting your skin’s recovery. You should also keep your body warm and avoid dry environments to help your immune system do its job.
Second, it’s important to focus on what’s most crucial during the healing process. I know it’s tempting to worry about things like sun exposure or the possibility of breaking out because you’re not cleansing as thoroughly as usual. But when your skin barrier is damaged, your priority should be on repair and regeneration. Put everything else aside and give your skin the time it needs to heal.
Lastly, if your skin issue isn’t improving or if you’re unsure about what’s causing it, don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Sometimes, professional help is necessary to get to the root of the problem and find the right treatment.
Now that my skin has recovered, I’m excited to get back to creating content and engaging with all of you. I’ve taken note of the ideas and suggestions you’ve shared in the comments, and I’m eager to start working on them. If you have any more questions about this experience or ideas for future videos, please leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to respond and keep you updated on my journey.
Thank you so much for your patience and support during this time. I’m truly grateful, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
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