Frequently Asked Questions
What do barrier-repair creams do?
Barrier-repair creams restore the skin’s protective lipid layer using emollients and occlusives that prevent moisture loss and reduce irritation, says Corey Hartman, MDA board-certified dermatologist in Alabama. Consider your skin barrier as the gateway to your skin’s health. When you’re dealing with any type of irritation or inflammation – including acne or eczema – your skin barrier is most likely to be compromised.
Do barrier-repair creams really work?
Yes, according to the dermatologists we spoke to, but like anything, keep expectations realistic. “A good barrier cream can certainly help restore hydration and replenish some lipids that are important for normal barrier function, but the key is consistency,” says Jenna Queller, MDA board-certified dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida. She says your skin barrier isn’t a light switch that goes from “broken” to “fixed” overnight. “If you remove the trigger and give the skin the right environment to heal itself, most mild barrier disruptions improve very quickly,” she says. A barrier-repair cream can help with this, but often requires further investigation with a dermatologist to find out what it is that is triggering a compromised skin barrier.
How are barrier-repair creams different from regular moisturizers?
Despite both being creams, barrier-repair cream and your everyday moisturizer work slightly differently. “Barrier-repair creams are typically thicker and specifically formulated to add moisture and maintain the health of the skin barrier,” says Dr. Hartman. “Whereas a regular moisturizer usually adds moisture to the skin.” Think of barrier-repair cream like a nourishing bandage that repairs any cracks in your skin’s foundation to maintain a healthy skin barrier and keep it functioning properly.
How can I tell if my skin barrier is damaged?
Symptoms include persistent redness, stinging when applying the product, flaking, stiffness and increased sensitivity. Whenever your skin does not look fresh, hydrated and supple, chances are that your skin barrier has been compromised. If you experience cracked, very dry, inflamed, itchy, flaky and/or uncomfortable skin all around, you should start using a barrier-repair cream and consult your dermatologist.
What do dermatologists recommend for a damaged skin barrier?
According to Dr. Engelman, the most effective treatments for the damaged skin barrier focus on restoring the skin’s natural lipid matrix. The ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol in your skin act like mortar holding skin cells together. “Using a barrier-repair cream containing ceramides helps strengthen these lipids, improve moisture retention, and reduce irritation and redness. And pairing it with a gentle, nonstripping cleanser gives the barrier space to heal,” she says. Supporting hydration with humectants like hyaluronic acid and panthenol can also help draw water into the skin without creating additional tension. Use sunscreen during the day to protect your skin.
How often should I use barrier-repair cream?
If you’re struggling with dry, flaky or irritated skin, our experts recommend adding a barrier cream to your skin care routine twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. That said, because barrier creams are richer and thicker than your daily moisturizer, they can sometimes feel a little heavy for daytime wear. In this case, it is perfectly fine to apply it once a day before sleeping. You will still experience benefits from once daily application.
Should everyone use barrier-repair creams?
“Not everyone needs to use a barrier-repair cream, but I think most people would benefit from using one, especially in the winter months when skin loses moisture due to environmental factors like cold, dry air, and wind,” says Dr. Hartman. “Protecting the skin barrier and keeping it intact and healthy can help protect the skin from harsh environmental conditions.” Nava Greenfield, MDa board-certified dermatologist Schweiger Dermatology GroupAdds that, in addition to seasonal needs, it’s a good idea for people with dry and eczema-prone skin to keep a barrier-repair cream on hand year-round in case they flare up.
How we rated the Barrier-Repair Cream
We tested the barrier cream on a variety of skin types, including eczema-prone, oily, very dry and reactive. The best ones had powerful humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and they also did a great job at calming redness with niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal, and others. The best barrier-repair products left light coats of moisture on our skin that weren’t too greasy or heavy, and they did a great job of repairing rough texture, leaving our skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
- Alicia Zalka, MDBoard-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University
- Corey L. Hartman, MDBoard-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology
- Nava Greenfield, MDBoard-certified dermatologist Schweiger Dermatology Group
- David Kim, MDat the dermatologist New York Dermatology Group
- Dendy Engelman, MDBoard-Certified Dermatologist in NYC
- Jenna Queller, MDBoard-Certified Dermatologist in Boca Raton, Florida