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Fashion Times
Fashion Times
Lifestyle
Morgan Schimminger

The Best Skin Barrier Creams That Repair Complexions While Protecting Against Future Damage

The missing step in your skin care routine. (Credit: Courtesy of Rhode)

Everyone has a skin care routine. Whether it's simply to wash your face and go or finding enough time to fit in 10 to 12 intricate steps. No matter which side of the spectrum you land on, there's probably one product you're missing. A formula specifically designed to serve as a shield, keeping things where they need to be and preventing the bad stuff from getting in. We're talking about skin barrier creams.

What do skin barrier creams do?

We all have a skin barrier comprised of a layer of skin cells whose duty is to protect our complexion from all of the damaging environmental aggressors out there. If you're already suffering from rosacea, acne or any other irritation, your skin barrier could already be breeched. Skin barrier creams help reinforce said barrier by retaining and locking in moisture while blocking any additional harm.

What are the essential ingredients to look for?

Keep an eye out for emollients like ceramides since they simultaneously repair and help skin retain moisture. Humectants, including hyaluronic acid and glycerin, stop evaporation from stripping hydration. Dimethicone is another hero ingredient since it produces a layer to help keep moisture in while keeping allergens and toxins out.

What step should the creams be in skin care routines?

It's important to use skin barrier creams last so they cement that protective layer. That goes for both your daytime and nighttime skin care regimens.

Now that you know what they are, what they can do and what to look for, scroll down to discover the best skin barrier creams on the market.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer, $39 at Paula's Choice

This pick from Paula's Choice contains a specialized moisture complex that makes sure water gets to where it's need most. There's also a blend of five skin-identical ceramides that replenish skin's barrier while preventing water loss. Watermelon seed oil helps maintain hydration and even soothes complexions.

Kiehl’s

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, $48 at Macy's

Kiehl's offers a unique Advanced Barrier Technology that actually mimics skin's lipid structure. Thereby supporting the moisture barrier and reducing the appearance of redness caused by dryness. Add in colloidal oatmeal and beta-glucan and this cream relieves dryness up to 10 surface skin layers deep.

EltaMD

EltaMD Barrier Renewal Complex, $62 at Dermstore

Moisture isn't going anywhere when you use this complex. It has five unique ceramides to hydrate while increasing water retention. The formula improves skin tone as it soften lines and wrinkles, while enzymes and essential lipids strengthen and promote cell turnover for bright, smooth skin.

Dr. Jart+

Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, $49 at Sephora

This dermatologist-tested moisturizing cream features five ceramides and panthenol to support that all-important skin barrier. It absorbs in a flash and visibly boosts elasticity.

Tower 28 Beauty

Tower 28 Beauty SOS Recovery Cream, $36 at Tower 28 Beauty

If your skin is super sensitive, this cream should be your new go-to. The nongreasy formula contains both ceramides and hyaluronic acid to instantly hydrate and reinforce the skin barrier. It absorbs quickly and doesn't cause breakouts.

Rhode

Rhode Barrier Restore Cream, $32 at Rhode

Miraculously rich yet lightweight, Hailey Bieber's restoring cream comforts and soothes the all-important skin barrier. The brand's antioxidant peptide powerhouse helps to hydrate, smooth and soften over time.

First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Rescue Barrier Balm With Dimethicone, $18 at First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty's concentrated treatment relies on 1 percent dimethicone to protect that barrier. It supplies a full day of hydration to rescue irritated, cracked and chapped skin. Plus, it won't clog pores.

Skinfix

Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54 at Skinfix

There's a reason Skinfix's cream is a best-seller. It's powered by the patented B-L3 Complex to repair the beloved barrier resulting in a radiant complexion. Use regularly to visibly firm and plump.

DEINDE

DEINDE Barrier-Building Moisture Cream, $64 at DEINDE

Prefer a gel cream? Then this pick's got your name written all over it. The formula strengthens the skin barrier while building and retaining moisture to protect against daily environmental aggressors.

MANTLE

MANTLE The Barrier Cream, $68 at MANTLE

MANTLE pairs biomimetic ingredients with prebiotics to achieve skin restoration. Ceramides, cholesterol, hyaluronic acid, inulin and a trademarked mBarrier Complex strengthen, nourish and protect the skin barrier.

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