What is a barrier cream and why you need one

BARRIER CREAMS vs. MOISTURIZERS: What is the difference?

Cold weather, dry indoor heating, harsh winds, long hot steamy showers, exfolaitions…

These can all work together to cause itchy, red, flaking skin. When this happens, your skin is sending you a signal: Its barrier has been irritated, depleted and is in trouble.

A troubled barrier is a real problem. It can lead to accelerated aging (line/wrinkles, damaged skin, “ragged” or red and irritated, etc.)

So, you pile on the creams and oils…yet nothing seems to really work.

This is when you need to really baby your skin.

No active exfoliation, no retinols or other potentially aggravating treatments.

Give it a rest for at least 48 hours.

During this time use a calming serum (like this very calming Azulene serum) and a barrier cream.

NeoGenesis has an excellent Barrier Renewal Cream - very light and great under makeup!

WHAT IS A BARRIER CREAM?

And how is it different than moisturizers?

More than just a moisturizer, it contains additional humectants and will act as a protective barrier against environmental aggressors.

It will also be a breathable sealant, unlike more heavy substances like petroleum or jellies that provide a barrier, but at the cost of a light breathable, buildable layer.

Moisturizers are helpful, but often contain water and other substances that can evaporate and leave your skin unprotected, unlike a barrier cream or lotion.

HOW TO USE A BARRIER CREAM

Layering a barrier cream is easy.

Just apply in this way:

1.       Clean skin

2.       Apply serums/treatment products

3.       Apply sunscreen (daytime) or

4.       Apply barrier cream (day/night)

This final layer will not only help seal in the serums and products you have used under it, but it will literally act as a shield to help provide protection from harsh elements that will cause aging (weather, extreme heat/cold and other elements).

*When you need extra calming, use a serum like Azulene Relief Solution Ampoule. This is formulated to help quickly calm sensitized skin (after retinols, exfoliations, microneedling, lasers, scrubs, etc.)

It works very quickly is very soothing!

I like the Dual Barrier Lotion by Dr. Esthe for both body and face. Very lightweight!

Super calming to irritated skin. This is my go-to serum when my skin is irritated. Apply barrier cream/lotion over it.