beyoncé, Emily Ratajkowski and Victoria Beckham agree: against the great cold, in the winter routine, barrier creams are essential. Ideal for the coldest days, these emulsions restore the lipid barrier of the face put to the test by low temperatures. In fact, they not only restructure but reinforce, creating a real shield on the epidermis.
Barrier cream for the face, what is the skin barrier?
But let’s start from the beginning: «The skin barrier is made up of the outermost layer of cells in the epidermisthe so-called stratum corneum, e acts as a protective shield which keeps essential hydration in and irritants out, playing a key role in maintaining skin health,” he explains Sabrina Casadio, Kiehl’s National Trainer.
The skin barrier, continues the expert, is like a brick wall: lipids, made up of ceramics, fatty acids and nutrients, a mix that takes the name of Natural Moisturizing Factorthey are the cement that holds the epidermal cells together and compact, i.e. the bricks.
Emily Rataykowski (@emrata Instagram)
However, some external factors damage the barrier: wind and low temperatures, sudden changes in temperature, sun. Added to these are also «personal stress, an incorrect daily routine, for example too aggressive, and any health conditions. All this makes the skin barrier more vulnerable to the permeability of external aggressors suffering a continuous loss of hydration and nutrients, because it lacks protection. This results in a increased dryness, often accompanied by redness, itching and discomfort».
How do barrier creams work?
In these cases, barrier creams are therefore essential. These act by creating one shield that protects from external agents and prevents dehydration, thus also stimulating the healing process of scars and possible redness.
«Despite what one might think, barrier creams they are rapidly absorbed and give immediate relief to the skin. At the base, in fact, there are formulas such asAdvanced Barrier Technology that mimic the lipid structure of healthy skin, creating an invisible barrier which infuses the active ingredients deeply, effectively sealing in essential hydration and nourishment».
Barrier cream or “classic” face cream?
So what are the differences between a barrier cream and a classic face? “The traditional formulations they keep the skin hydrated up to even twenty four hours, thanks to their ingredients, but act on the epidermis, i.e. on the outer layer of the skin. Barrier ones instead they perform their function more deeply, precisely because they restore the hydrolipidic mantle. Furthermore, they are versatile formulas that can be used both daily or as a spot treatment, according to the specific needs of the skin”.
Because of this, usually the ingredients of the barrier are more “intense”: occlusives, so as not to be insoluble in contact with water, and humectants to increase the epidermal capacity to retain more water. For their intense action, therefore, the barrier creams «are ideal for dry to very dry, damaged or sensitized, red or itchy skin».
How and when to use them?
Given the particular function, barrier creams are suitable throughout the year, even in cases of eczema, contact allergies or atopic dermatitis: «Apply at the end of the routine after cleanser, toner, serum and sunscreen. Being many like gloves, after applying them, no other product can be absorbed by the skin» concludes Sabrina Casadio.
iO Woman © REPRODUCTION RESERVED