Dealing with red, delicate, irritated or sensitive skin? These are telltale signs your skin barrier could use some extra love. As your skin’s first line of defense, the skin barrier works hard to keep the good things in and the bad things out – but it’s more fragile than you might think. UV rays, product misuse, aggressive exfoliation, daily environmental assaults, or even genetics can all weaken your barrier.
When your skin feels compromised and reactive, it might be time to reach for a calming cream. Specifically formulated to support barrier repair, reduce irritation and restore balance, this product can be a game-changer for sensitive skin. Here’s everything you need to know about calming creams and why they deserve a place in your routine.
What does a calming cream do?
Calming creams can improve skin barrier repair and maintain skin’s integrity and appearance by acting as humectants, emollients and occlusives. These creams can draw moisture in and also lock it in, resulting in a smoother skin texture and appearance.
Beyond hydration, calming creams are also formulated with soothing ingredients that can help reduce redness and irritation while supporting your skin barrier. Maintaining a healthy barrier not only reduces inflammation but also helps prevent future sensitivity and long-term damage. By incorporating a high-quality calming cream into your routine, you're allowing your skin to heal and find balance.
When should I apply a calming cream?
Timing is key when it comes to getting the most out of your calming cream. For best results, apply it to both your morning and evening routines.
Morning: Use a calming cream after cleansing and toning and before applying sunscreen. This helps further protect your skin from daily environmental stressors like pollution and UV exposure.
Evening: Apply a generous layer after cleansing, toning, and any serums or spot treatments. The cream acts as a protective seal, locking in active ingredients and moisture while your skin undergoes its natural overnight repair process.
What ingredients should I look for?
When searching for a calming cream, look for formulations packed with ingredients that work to soothe, hydrate and repair. Here are some expert-recommended ingredients to prioritize:
Hyaluronic acid: A naturally occurring substance that can hold up to 1000x its weight in water, effectively binding moisture to skin’s surface layers.
Allantoin: This plant-derived ingredient is known for being soothing, calming and comforting. Its gentle properties make it ideal for sensitive skin.
Silver ear mushroom: Holds up to 500x its weight in water, delivering intense moisture, while also forming a protective hydration barrier to keep the skin nourished for extended periods. Its hydrating effects are cumulative, meaning the more you use it, the better the results.
Ceramides: Help restore the skin’s natural barrier function, improve hydration and prevent moisture loss. They also promote mild desquamation, leaving the skin smoother and more resilient over time.
Looking for a calming cream to try? Our experts recommend barrier fix daily hydrator, a clinical moisturizing treatment formulated to target irritation and strengthen sensitive skin’s barrier. This whipped formula pushes comforting hydration deep into the skin, protecting against inflammation and helping to restore barrier damage.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/allantoin
