Many people chase glowing skin without truly understanding what it means to have healthy, radiant skin. The secret to long-term skin health lies in maintaining a strong skin barrier and a balanced microbiome. Medical Dermal Aesthetician and owner of Skin Restoration Aesthetic clinic, Shaz Motaung, explains why these factors are crucial and how to achieve a lasting glow.
- Many people want glowing skin, but what does having a true glow mean?
Glowing skin isn’t about looking shiny or temporarily dewy, it’s about having skin that is smooth, well-hydrated, strong and even-toned. Many people try to achieve a glow by overloading their skin with exfoliants, highlighters or oils, but if the skin barrier is compromised, the skin will look irritated rather than radiant. A real glow comes from within, and it starts with a healthy skin barrier and microbiome.
- What are the skin barrier and microbiome and why are they so important?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin. It is responsible for locking in moisture and protecting against environmental damage, irritants and bacteria. The microbiome on the other hand is a collection of beneficial bacteria that maintain the skin’s natural balance and defence mechanisms. When these two are healthy, the skin remains hydrated, resilient and naturally radiant. However, when they are compromised, issues like dryness, breakouts and sensitivity occur making the skin appear dull and unhealthy.
- What are the biggest mistakes people make that damage their skin barrier and microbiome?
One of the biggest mistakes is over-exfoliation, using too many active ingredients at once or scrubbing the skin aggressively. Harsh cleansers, alcohol-based toners and skipping sunscreen also weaken the barrier. Additionally, many people use antibacterial skincare products excessively like tea tree, benzoyl peroxide etc., which can disrupt the microbiome by killing the good bacteria that protect the skin. This results in Increased sensitivity, inflammation and a loss of that natural, healthy glow.
- How can someone repair and strengthen their skin barrier for long-term skin health?
The key is to simplify your routine and focus on barrier-repairing ingredients. Start with a gentle pH-balanced cleanser, avoid over-exfoliating and incorporate ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and fatty acids to restore the skin’s protective layer. Probiotics and prebiotics can also help rebalance the microbiome. And most importantly, always wear sunscreen—UV damage weakens the barrier, leading to premature ageing and hyperpigmentation.
- What’s your best advice for someone who wants to achieve glowing skin naturally?
Stop chasing quick fixes and start prioritising skin health. A true glow doesn’t come from constantly switching products or following every skincare trend, it comes from consistency. Cleanse gently, hydrate deeply, protect with SPF and nourish your skin with the right ingredients. When your skin barrier and microbiome are in balance, your skin will naturally glow without needing excessive treatments or products.
For more information, visit www.skin-restoration.com or skin_restoration on IG
