“Related in components, they’re intently associated however not essentially equivalent,” says board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, M.D., founding father of SKINFIVE. So whereas they do usually comprise moisturizing properties, you wouldn’t need to use a barrier cream the identical means as a moisturizer (extra on that later). Positive, some manufacturers will identify their fatty acid-rich moisturizers “barrier lotions,” however simply know that the 2 aren’t so interchangeable.
“Barrier lotions are normally thicker than common moisturizers and normally type a skinny layer on prime of the pores and skin as an alternative of melting and disappearing into the pores and skin when utilized,” says Rodney. “If you’re trying to hydrate dry and itchy pores and skin, you need to use a moisturizer. If you’re in search of an added layer of pores and skin safety towards wind or harsh climate over already moisturized pores and skin, you should utilize a barrier cream.”
Consider it this fashion: Barrier lotions don’t precisely hydrate your pores and skin, however they do maintain hydration locked inside. Shamban agrees: “They do greater than introduce moisture; they have protectants and actives to work on reducing irritation, combating redness, lowering itch, repairing and strengthening intracellular constructing blocks of the stratum corneum layers,” she says.
