What is a barrier cream?

Just like the function of healthy skin, a barrier cream forms a protective layer over the skin that augments the natural barrier function of the skin itself.

Barrier creams have many applications, not just in general skin care, for example, sometimes occupations that put the hands in contact with substances that could cause harm, need a good barrier cream to protect the skin from potential chemicals, impurities and caustic irritants.

More generalised use of barrier cream is for the protection of the skin against dryness and irritation, locking in the skins normal moisture and supporting the skins natural oils and sebum levels promoting healthy functioning skin.

One of the other important functions of barrier creams is in dealing with pressure that may lead to bed sores and pressure sores.

barrier cream protects delicate skin and supports the structure of the skin and its layers, strengthening and adding elasticity to otherwise vulnerable skin in areas of the body that need additional protection.

Is barrier cream good for Eczema?

Barrier creams can help with many skin conditions, alleviating pain and discomfort, whilst giving the skin essential support to regenerate and recover. Barrier cream can be useful for those suffering from eczema, however, it is always a good idea to check the specific manufacturer notes and recommendations before using a barrier cream for eczema or any other condition. Specific formulas of barrier cream will vary, and some may not be suitable, depending on what the barrier cream was designed to do.

Is barrier cream useful in winter?

Barrier cream is particularly useful in the winter months, as the weather gets colder and the skin is subject to changes of temperature, moisture levels and excessive dryness caused by windy conditions.

Barrier creams effectively lock in moisture, giving the skin a protective layer that repels water ingress and allows the skin to function despite what it may be subject to on the outside.

A good barrier cream will provide a long-lasting protection to the skin in adverse weather conditions, hence as stated above, there are many occupations where barrier creams really do come into their own for advanced skin protection in adverse conditions.

Barrier cream for urinary incontinence

For people who suffer from urinary incontinence, barrier cream forms an essential part of their skincare armoury.

Chronic exposure of the skin to urine can cause irritation and ultimately lead to skin breakdown and at the very least, very unpleasant skin irritation and soreness.

Barrier cream protects the delicate skin in these areas, keeping the harmful urine chemicals safely away from the skin, so that urine ingress into the skin tissue is eliminated.

This gives the skin protection, maintains a healthy PH balance and keeps the skin free from irritants whilst promoting healthy moisture levels in the skin.

Barrier Creams are widely used throughout the NHS and can be used to reduce the likelihood of developing conditions such as incontinence related dermatitis.

How do you use barrier cream?

Barrier cream is generally very easy to use and the majority of brands come with clear directions of how to use and where and when to apply.

One thing about barrier creams that is important to note, is that as they effectively lock in moisture, they should be the last step in any skin care routine.

This means applying after other elements of skin care, such as moisturiser or any other cream has already been applied. Applying any other cream on top of the barrier cream layer will render it ineffective as it will generally not be able to penetrate the barrier cream layer.

Barrier cream is usually applied in a thin layer and spread by hand over any area of the skin where the benefits are most needed, this may include the hands or face, but equally, any part of the skin where moisture and protection are required.

Regular use of barrier cream is a good idea and especially essential in the care of long-term continence care or supporting conditions such as eczema and to prevent incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD).

Take a look at our extensive range of barrier creams in our dedicated website continence care section here.