Is your skin feeling tight, flaky, red, or reactive even though you’ve been using the “right” products? The truth is that over-the-counter skincare (even expensive products) can sometimes do more harm than good when it comes to your skin barrier. Without the proper guidance or personalised insights, you might be unknowingly applying products that strip, stress, or sensitise your skin – all while trying to help it.
Here at MiQuest, we believe better skin starts with a stronger barrier. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why some OTC products can break your down and what to do to repair it.
1. Harsh ingredients and overuse of actives
With just a quick scroll through social media, you’ll see acids, peels, and exfoliants everywhere. But just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s right for your skin. Many over-the-counter formulas include high concentrations of exfoliating acids without offering any guidance on when, how often, or with what other ingredients they should be used.
Without the right balance, this can lead to over-exfoliation, inflammation, and a compromised skin barrier. Even ingredients that are good for our skin, like azelaic acid and niacinamide, can be irritating when layered incorrectly or used in the wrong concentration.
2. Fragrance and sensitising additives
Fragrance in skincare may smell nice, but it’s one of the most common triggers for sensitivity, especially when your skin barrier is already under pressure. What’s worse is that even “natural” OTC skincare can be full of essential oils and botanicals that are known irritants.
If your skin feels tingly, itchy, or unusually warm after applying a product, that’s your barrier sounding the alarm.
3. Product layering without guidance
OTC products aren’t tailored to the specific needs of your skin, and when you’re combining multiple serums, creams, and actives on your own, your routine becomes a hopeful guess.
Too many people end up using different treatments all in one go without understanding how the react. The result can be redness, dryness, and often, worsened skin concerns than before.
4. Lack of personalisation
Your skin is unique, and using skincare designed for “normal” or “dry” or “oily” skin types just isn’t good enough anymore. OTC skincare doesn’t know you. It doesn’t know that your breakouts are hormonal, or your dull skin treatment needs to be paired with barrier support and not just another acid. That’s where personalisation makes all the difference — and where MiQuest comes in.
How to Protect (and Repair) Your Skin Barrier
The good news is your skin is resilient, and when given the right support, your skin barrier can repair and strengthen over time.
Here’s some tips to help:
- Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- Moisturise regularly with barrier-supporting ingredients
- Avoid harsh exfoliants or DIY skincare trends
- Use SPF daily
- Choose skincare that adapts to you
With MiQuest, your skin gets what it actually needs. We combine expert dermatology with medically certified AI to deliver personalised, prescription skincare that evolves with your skin. Whether you need a pigmentation treatment, help with acne or sensitivity, or long-term treatment for lacklustre skin, we’ve got your back.
Let us build a routine around your skin – start your MiQuest journey today! Your skin barrier will thank you.
AI-Empowered Dermatology, Personalised For You.
