Dermatologists often emphasise the importance of adapting your skincare routine with the seasons. As we head into the warmer spring months, you might think that means swapping out heavy moisturisers for lighter options – which is partly true – but it’s still worth keeping the best barrier repair creams close to hand. Why? Because a damaged skin barrier isn’t just a winter issue.
“The skin barrier is critical to our skin health and our overall wellbeing,” says Alicia Zalka, MD, a consultant dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. “The skin surface is our interface with the outside world, and the skin barrier helps keep the ‘good stuff’ in and repels the ‘bad stuff’ from gaining access.” In short: barrier repair products act as a nourishing, protective layer.
So, when you’re dealing with breakouts, dehydration, rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, transepidermal water loss, or any other skin concern, there’s a strong chance you’re in need of skin barrier repair. The best way to rebalance your complexion is with a barrier cream. “Anyone who notices their skin change in appearance, especially in drier climates, can benefit from a barrier repair cream,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a consultant dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology.
After consulting dermatologists and spending over a month testing the most popular options, we’ve rounded up the best barrier repair creams for all skin types to help keep your skin healthy, happy and glowing.
1. Best Barrier Repair Cream Overall: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Original video from Mary Honkus testing Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Original image from Mary Honkus testing Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Original image from Mary Honkus testing Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
When I asked fellow beauty writers for their favourite barrier repair cream, almost everyone named this pick from Kiehl’s (this is also one of my go-tos). Honestly, it’s unsurprising considering its gentle formulation and weightless texture. Where many barrier creams can feel heavy, this one features a unique balm-to-cream texture that immediately sinks into skin. GLAMOUR US contributor Jamie Wilson appreciates this aspect because it doesn’t leave behind any trace of greasiness nor does it sit on top of dry patches. In fact, when she uses this for two or three nights, her dry spots completely disappear.
The calming mix of colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan (a skin-repairing molecule that smooths rough skin), and glycerin is extremely gentle and more than suitable for sensitive skin too. I religiously applied this after getting a chemical peel and my complexion was back to normal – and more radiant than before—in a matter of days. This isn’t just great for treatment aftercare, though. GLAMOUR US contributor Ariel Wodarcyk, who has dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin, says this immediately soothes her complexion whether she’s experiencing a flare-up due to the weather or everyday stressors, like pollution or stress. “It’s extremely nourishing and gentle, so if I’m experiencing a bout of irritation this will help calm it,” she says.
- What we love: Lightweight; absorbs instantly; also addresses fine lines and wrinkles
- What could be improved: The tube key used to get every last drop is sold separately
2. Best Barrier Cream for Body: CeraVe Healing Ointment
Original video by Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle
While slathering CeraVe’s healing ointment on your face will provide you with some much-needed relief when your skin is dry and chapped, Alicia Zalka, MD, a consultant dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, says this multitasker can be used to “nurture any skin that’s stressed, injured, or just needs soothing.” That means if your thighs are chafing in the summer, a dot of this on the affected area will ease the pain; those with severely chapped lips can apply this as a protective barrier; and she even recommends putting it on paper cuts for quicker healing.