In my mid-late 30s, one of my favorite additions to my skin-care routine in the past few years has been a barrier cream. I notice my skin craves the extra support, beyond what a traditional moisturizer offers. There are hundreds of barrier creams on the market these days, but not all are created equal. Some focus more on support; others emphasize repair. NassifMD Skin Barrier Protection Cream does both. Here’s what I love about this multitasking barrier cream.
The Benefits of This Barrier Cream
First, the texture. I want a rich barrier cream loaded with humectants and emollients, but zero greasy residue. This one fits the bill with its cream-balm texture that absorbs nicely (and quickly) into my skin. It’s loaded with skin-loving botanicals like anti-inflammatory centella asiatica (great for irritated skin), moisturizing sunflower seed oil, niacinamide, panthenol and ophiopogon japonicus root extract. This ingredient is rich in saccharides, which keep the skin hydrated and help prevent it from losing moisture. Together, the ingredients calm and soothe the skin, while reducing redness and irritation, and strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier to maintain that youthful bounce.
“This fast-acting healing formula was initially developed for my patients to use post-procedure, and it became an instant hit,” says founder and plastic surgeon Paul Nassif, MD. “While it seems like a simple balm, what it can do for your skin is extremely important by holding in skin’s natural moisture while creating a protective, instantly calming layer.”
In instrumental testing, the product optimized the skin’s moisture barrier to help prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). In consumer perception study, 93 percent of people agreed their skin felt softer and moisturized; 86 percent agreed their dull, dry skin looked brighter.
How to Use It
After cleansing and applying serum, apply the barrier cream to your face—you can also use it on your neck and décolleté. Use it twice a day—morning and night. You can also apply it more often if your skin is feeling extra dry or stressed out, or if you had an in-office procedure like a laser or peel that leaves skin vulnerable.
