The skin barrier (A.K.A. the moisture barrier) is our body’s built-in armor. It keeps the good stuff in, by preventing moisture loss to keep our skin hydrated and healthy, and keeps the bad stuff out, by protecting against free radicals, toxins and infections. Signs of a damaged skin barrier include sudden or increased sensitivity (the gentlest products or even water stings), persistent redness, dry, scaly and/or itchy skin, stubborn breakouts, especially in places you don’t usually breakout and even a skin infection.