What is Barrier Cream & Why You Absolutely Need One!


Let’s face it; the outside world isn’t always the kindest on our skin. Whether it’s harsh wind, damaging sunlight, or harmful pollutants floating through the air, it often seems as though it’s a cruel world and there is nothing you can do about it. With so many irritating factors out there in the environment, it can feel like an elusive battle just to protect and care for your skin.

Now, while it may seem impossible, you absolutely can keep your skin looking fabulous while protecting it from the outside world. Much of this can be done from the cozy comforts of your home and how you prepare your skin prior to stepping outside. One effective topical product we absolutely recommend is called a skin barrier cream. Just what is barrier cream, and why should you consider including it in your routine? Let us tell you the ways.

What Exactly Is A Barrier Cream?

This is one of those products where the clue is in the name but doesn’t fully explain all the benefits. A barrier cream is a topical product that will create a protective barrier between your skin and harmful irritants in the environment.

This product is often recommended to individuals who have damaged or compromised skin due to an illness or injury, allergy-prone, hormone imbalance, sensitive or dry skin. Also beneficial for those who have been exposed to environmental toxins or harsh chemicals and need to take whatever measures possible to repair and protect their skin from further damage. For example, perhaps you don’t have severely damaged skin, but you do have dry skin. Even after applying layers of moisturizer, you still struggle with dry skin, which in turn can crack and become painful over time. Moisturizers only add moisture to the top layer of skin.

Barrier creams form a protective layer over the outer surface of your skin, essentially locking in moisture, but then goes a step further. Barrier creams restore the skin’s barrier function, relieving symptoms of severely dry skin, calming and soothing, creating the perfect environment to allow the skin to heal itself. Once restored your skin will feel healthier, smoother, more hydrated, and have a more supple appearance.

If you’ve ever dealt with extremely dry skin, you know what a challenge it can be to heal and restore it. Even small movements (especially joint areas) can cause the skin to crack open again reversing any improvements you had previously made. Barrier cream will definitely help alleviate t

The Different Uses of Barrier Cream

Barrier creams contain healing nutrients that are absorbed by the skin, while other blocking or barrier properties create an invisible layer on top that will continue to protect for hours, if not longer. This cream is especially effective at preventing ‘tewl’ (transepidermal water loss), the escape of moisture, so it is important not to use it if you’ll be sweating (working out at the gym or working outside). Also, if you do plan to exercise, do not apply it to your face as it will prevent you from sweating thereby inhibiting your body’s natural ability to cool itself off.

(Skin tip: when treating the face, make sure to know what is barrier cream and be sure to purchase it specifically formulated for the face).

Face Barrier Cream

Barrier creams are often recommended for dry skin of more susceptible areas of the body such as hands, knees, and elbows. However, if you experience dry or dehydrated skin on your face or perhaps suffer from skin issues such as rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, or if your skin is especially sensitive during the colder, dry winter months, you will want to consider a face barrier cream, meaning a formula specifically designed for the face. Skin barrier creams for the face are a more breathable consistency, won’t clog pores, most often contain beneficial nutrients, and are formulated to have a richer texture.

If you use peptides or anti-aging products, barrier cream will help them penetrate more effectively providing better results. When incorporating a face barrier cream into your daily regimen remember to apply it as the last step due to the fact no other products or ingredients will be absorbed after applying it.

So how do you make sure you’re buying a skincare product made for the face and not the rest of the body? It isn’t always as easy as picking out something that says “made for the face.” Sometimes you need to examine the ingredient list on a label. For starters, stay away from 100% petroleum products. This does not allow your skin to breathe and will eventually lead to some pretty nasty breakouts.

Ideally, you’ll want to find a barrier cream that is instead made from nourishing plant oils, replenishing ceramides, restorative glycerine, vitamin F (an omega 6 fatty acid, especially beneficial for those who also suffer from inflammatory skin issues), and other natural ingredients. After all, if you’re going to use an occlusive product (one that locks in) on your face for an extended period of time (If you are wondering what is barrier creams, so FYI it remain active for up to 48 hours or until gently exfoliated off) make sure it’s designed to use on your face.

Learn More About Your Own Skin

Your skin is as unique as you are. What’s going on with your skin isn’t happening to anyone else in the exact same way. Just as, the products your friends use don’t necessarily work for your skin the same way. That is why you need a personalized approach to skincare.

Whether your personal journey is to improve the moisture level of your skin, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, or treat stubborn pigment, our team of skin health experts at The Skin Center By CPS is here to help.

We will assess the condition of your skin, review your current skincare routine, and work with you to find the right solution that best addresses your concerns and enhances your skin’s natural beauty. Schedule a complimentary skin health consultation and begin your journey to better skin today! We look forward to your call at The Skin Center By CPS.