Depending on how deep you go into the world of grooming and skincare, you may or may not be familiar with the phrase “skin barrier”. To put it simply, this invisible wall is your skin's first line of defense against the world. A barrier island of sorts that keeps things in balance. Located in the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, this layer is referred to by dermatologists as the “stratum corneum” or the “lipid layer”.

When it's doing its job—keeping pollution and bad bacteria out and moisture in—you don't really notice a thing. Your skin feels good and looks clear. But when this barrier is compromised (perhaps by exfoliating too much, going too long between washing, not wearing sunscreen, picking at skin, etc.), that's when you suffer from sensitivity, breakouts and irritation. In fact, nearly every skin issue can be improved by focusing on and strengthening your skin barrier. Which is why companies are now eager to tout their barrier-improving prowess.

According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified New York City-based dermatologist, a healthy functioning barrier will also keep skin from developing conditions like serious acne, eczema and rosacea. In order to keep redness, dry-ness and dullness at bay, you simply need products that will help maintain this hardworking yet, at times, delicate system. To help build up your barrier, she recommends products with ceramides (hydrating fatty acids that protect against environmental stressors), hyaluronic acid (amazing at retaining moisture), and peptides or growth factors (which stimulate the production of collagen and decrease inflammation). To help you out, we've got four proven products to kickstart your routine.