How to repair a damaged skin barrier (step-by-step)
Stinging moisturiser? Tight skin? Sudden breakouts? Here’s how to tell if your skin barrier is damaged – and how to repair it step by step.

BREAKOUT EXPERTS. BARRIER OBSESSED ☁️
BREAKOUT EXPERTS. BARRIER OBSESSED ☁️
BREAKOUT EXPERTS. BARRIER OBSESSED ☁️
Hypochlorus acid is THE it-girl of skincare at the moment – and the star in our new SOS recovery spray, Cloud Mist. And it's buzzed about for good reason. Read on to find out why you should include hypochlorous acid ASAP in your skincare routine – especially if you have acne, rosacea or easily irritated skin!
By Maria Ahlgren
Hypochlorous acid – also known as HOCI – is a gentle, non-exfoliating acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. In fact, HOCI is naturally produced by our white blood cells as part of the body's defense system to protect us against harmful bacteria and to aid wound healing.
In skincare – such as Cloud Mist – lab-made hypochlorous acid has a purifying, restoring and protective effect. Including hypochlorous acid into your skincare routine can lead to calmer and clearer skin, especially for those dealing with acne, rosacea, or increasedsensitivity. Its gentle yet effective properties make it a revolutionary ingredient in modern skincare!
For people with acne, hypochlorous acid is an effective yet gentle solution. HOCl works by neutralising harmful bacteria, particularly P. acnes, a leading cause of acne breakouts. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory action helps to reduce redness and swelling, speeds up the healing of existing blemishes and prevents future breakouts without irritating the skin.
Yes! HOCl's gentle nature makes it helpful for soothing inflammation and helping to minmise flare-ups. By reducing skin irritation and calming redness, HOCl can help manage rosacea symptoms over time.
There’s no strict upper limit, but for most people, using hypochlorous acid two to three times a day works well. We love using it after cleansing and throughout the day whenever the skin needs calming or refreshing.
Cloud Mist is ideal to keep in your gym bag, school bag, on your desk or in your carry-on when traveling.
No. The hypochlorous acid in Cloud Mist works selectively against unwanted microorganisms, such as acne-causing bacteria, without disrupting beneficial bacteria. In fact, it can help support the skin’s natural microbiome.
Hypochlorous acid fits into most skincare routines, with one exception. Because hypochlorous acid has an oxidizing effect, it should not be used at the same time as strong antioxidants such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Use them at different times of day and allow a few hours in between.
Yes. Hypochlorous acid is an extremely gentle ingredient that the body naturally produces. It is free from fragrance, alcohol and harsh actives, making it suitable for all skin types, all ages, and safe to use during pregnancy.
Fun fact
During the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, hypochlorous acid became a go-to disinfectant, clearing viruses and bacteria from surfaces and air through misting machines. It was used widely in hospitals, public spaces, and homes to help keep everyone safe.