Barrier cream, also known as a skin protectant, is applied to the skin of incontinent or bedridden patients to prevent skin breakdown and subsequent bed sores and rashes. It is most commonly applied to the sacrum, but other pressure points and wet areas like the heels and elbows can also benefit. 

These creams come in a wide variety of flavors and formulations. Some go on thick and stay that way, while others glide on and off.

Who Is Advised to Use Barrier Cream?

Adults and children can use a barrier cream to repair damaged skin and restore its natural protective barrier against moisture loss. 

Adding this step to your skincare routine can improve your dermatological health, regardless of dry skin. If you have a lifestyle with a lot of sun exposure, apply it as a response to wounds or cuts or just wish to take preventative precautions to protect your skin. 

The elderly, and those with vaginal discomfort and urge incontinence, can benefit more than others from using incontinence barrier cream. Barrier cream is ideal for these individuals because of its healing properties and its applicability to sensitive parts of the body.

How Do You Apply a Barrier Cream?

If you suffer from pressure sores or skin ailments like eczema or psoriasis, you should purchase a barrier cream. This type of cream offers a thick and effective top layer for the skin overnight, fighting the symptoms and the underlying cause of these conditions.

It’s recommended to apply a thick layer of barrier cream liberally around an hour before bed so that it has time to fully absorb into the skin and prevent any moisture loss as you sleep. Just remember to use hand sanitizer before putting up a barrier cream. 

Applying a barrier cream as the final step in your skincare routine will ensure that it works well as a sealant for all your other efforts.

Barrier Cream Advantages for Pressure Sores 

Incorporating a barrier cream into your routine will likely result in the following benefits, some of which you may already be reaping if you are already using one of these products:

  • Hydration and reduction of transepidermal water loss

The epidermis is infused with emollients and water, and then the occlusive film seals in all those hydrating ingredients, allowing barrier creams to keep the skin supple and hydrated. When applied to the skin, occlusives create a barrier that prevents moisture loss while preserving the efficacy of subsequent treatments.

One phenomenon known as transepidermal water loss occurs when your skin’s protective barrier is broken down or otherwise impaired, as is frequently the case with people with sensitive or dry skin. The water in your skin evaporates into the air around you, leaving your epidermis parched and in need of hydration.

Healthy and strong skin can stop this from developing entirely on its own. Meanwhile, some skin kinds (remember, sensitive and dry skin) typically require little assistance. As a result, individuals who have these skin types are frequently recommended to apply thick creams to lock in moisture.

  • Keep The Microbiota and The Moisture Barrier Safe

Your skin is home to various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and flora. Together, they make up your skin’s microbiome. Due to its vulnerability, it might be affected by environmental factors. Those with dry and damaged skin typically have particular imbalances in the microbiome of their skin. You must take care of the biome to restore the barrier’s health to its optimal level.

Additionally, the microbiome promotes the healing of wounds, reduces the body’s exposure to allergens, prevents oxidative damage, and maintains the skin’s plumpness and hydration.

Therefore, barrier creams with odor eliminators that contain biome-friendly chemicals, such as prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, can encourage the growth of your microbiome. It helps your skin to retain moisture and remain protected.

  • External Aggressor Protection

A thick salve can provide an extra barrier against the elements, shielding you from pollution and other particles, temperature extremes, and windburn. When the skin’s protective barrier is compromised by low humidity and low temperature, the result is red, dry, and scaly skin. Always keep a hand sanitizer for outside home usage. 

Antioxidants can also be added to the cream to combat the free radical damage caused by environmental contaminants. You can select creams that include added actives like vitamin E, niacinamide, and vitamin K, or you can opt for one that is prepared with natural plant oils that have antioxidant characteristics, like jojoba and argan oils.

The two essential minerals in barrier creams are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two examples of mineral sunscreen chemicals that lay on the skin and scatter and deflect UV rays, preventing them from reaching the skin.

Here’s the main point.

You may want to improve your cream game if you have pressure sores or dry and sensitive skin. Perhaps you need a barrier cream, a catchall word for skin care products that form a protective barrier over the skin. Investing in yourself is not something you should ever feel bad about doing. Finding reasonably priced, high-quality goods is a must. Here at AvaCare Medical, we pride ourselves on providing our customers with a large selection of high-quality, competitively-priced medical products like chux pads, adult diapers with tabs, nitrile gloves, and many more daily living aids. Consult us at 1.877.813.7799 now.