We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
10 best skin barrier creams to combat inflammation and redness
Gone OTT with acids? Here's how to restore your skin barrier
We're all guilty of focusing so much on the goal of glowing, silky-smooth skin that we overlook what our skin actually needs. If you've been going in too hard with exfoliating acids and noticed your skin is looking distressed and feeling sensitive, the good news is you can help restore it to its former glory. Yep, it's time to invest in a moisturiser to help support your skin barrier.
You may be familiar with the important role your skin barrier plays in achieving an even and healthy complexion, but if damaged, it can also be responsible for itchiness, breakouts and unwanted inflammation. Not good.
A barrier cream is jam-packed with all the good stuff, to help replenish your barrier, without causing any more damage.
Sounds ideal, right? We've asked the experts everything you need to know on how to keep your skin barrier in tip-top shape – and what to look for in a barrier-supporting cream.
What weakens the skin barrier?
While there are products that can fix the issue (hallelujah), it's important to understand why the problem has occurred, so you're not stuck in a toxic skincare cycle. Over to medical doctor and founder of the Adonia Medical Clinic, Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, to explain: "Several factors can cause the skin barrier to weaken, including over-exfoliation, using harsh products, environmental factors such as pollution, exposure to extreme temperatures – like excessively hot showers – and genetics."
Some are obviously outside of our control (hi, genetics), but if you think you've over-sensitised your skin, dropping harsh acids from your routine immediately is a must.
How do you know if your skin barrier is damaged?
The good thing about your skin is that it always tells you if something's up. If you've damaged its defences, there are a few common signs to look out for. "Your skin barrier may be damaged if you notice signs of dryness, flakiness, redness, or irritation," says Dr Ejikeme. This can often appear looking rash-like, or even a fresh eruption of breakouts. Lucky us.
How can you fix your skin barrier?
As we mentioned earlier, the good news is that you can (most of the time) rectify the issue easily. Dr Ejikeme advises using the below simple steps to help get skin back on track:
- Switch up your skincare routine: "You should focus on using gentle skincare products, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and incorporating a moisturiser with skin barrier-strengthening ingredients,".
- Introduce replenishing ingredients into your regime: "Some of the best ingredients for strengthening the skin barrier include ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids like linoleic acid,".
Sounds simple, right?
Sticking to this routine is essential, as Dr Ejikeme says strengthening the skin barrier can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. This makes consistency *super* important.
What's the best moisturiser for a damaged skin barrier?
Ready for healthier skin? We've rounded up the best barrier creams to help nourish and support your skin's natural barrier. Here are our top picks...
This velvety balm has been specifically designed to support the skin's barrier after invasive treatments such as micro-needling or chemical peels, to help revive and support delicate skin.
It combines the strengthening powers of niacinamide and ceramides, as well as top hydrator squalane, to instantly calm irritation and leave skin feeling quenched.
This gel-like texture manages to be both lightweight on skin and deeply hydrating, thanks to the blend of ceramides, glycerin and squalane.
It immediately gets to work to help calm inflamed skin and relieve dryness and tightness.
This comforting pot aims to provide long-lasting relief from irritation and help eliminate any uncomfortable tightness or redness.
It's packed with ceramides and peptides to provide your skin with all the building blocks it needs to get that barrier back up and running.
While a lot of the creams on this list will be heavy in texture – as it usually comes with the territory when it comes to hydration – this jelly-like option breaks the mould, to help relieve dryness for those with combination or oily skin.
It doesn't leave skin looking overly dewy or feeling sticky, but still contains all the crucial ceramides you need to help nurture that skin barrier.
Kiehl's Kiehl's Ultra Facial Barrier Cream
Turns out, oatmeal isn't just for breakfast. This guy is formulated with colloidal oatmeal to help support your barrier function.
Oats have become quite the 'it' ingredient in skincare as of late. They'll creep up in products aiming to nourish, due to their soothing and hydrating powers, as well as being great at protecting the surface of your skin. Good job, oats.
Rosacea-prone skin, this one's for you. This cream gets to work at calming any flare ups as you sleep, so you can wake up to chilled out skin.
It features northern truffle (I know, fancy, right?), as well as prebiotic sugars to support your skins microbiome. Essentially, it's the equivalent of ASMR for your skin. Aaand relax.
Having reactive skin is a constant battle. This plush cream aims to keep flare ups to a minimum with its cocktail of rich omegas and calming chamomile.
Its non-greasy finish will be a hit with those who are prone to oiliness, while the cream itself gets to work at relieving any discomfort or irritation.
La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm 40ml
This tube should be a staple in everyone's skincare kit. Whether the bitter weather has skin feeling red and sensitised, or a new product has set you off, this restorative cream will act like a soothing bandaid for skin that's freaking out.
The balm contains cicaplast (a hydrating skin protectant) that's designed to help treat wounded skin. Be gone, pesky rash.
I've been through countless tubs of this dreamy cream. Filled to the brim with vitamin B and oat husk, this gets soaked up by thirsty skin immediately, leaving it looking more plumped and supple in an instant.
The texture literally feels like a cloud, and once applied, skin feels cooler and more cushiony, which also makes it the perfect base for makeup.
While Tatcha has become famous for their Dewy Skin Cream, this overnight option packs more of a hydrating punch, making it a perfect match for those on the drier side.
The formula features Japanese indigo extract – known for its pro skin-calming skills – and our favourite, ceramides, to repair skin as you slumber. Did we mention it's fragrance too? *adds to basket*
Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Here's why your skin needs a niacinamide serum
Why editors swear by Medik8 for glowy, clear skin
5 best retinol alternatives for sensitive skin
FaceGym's new tool seriously snatched my face
