Best Barrier Cream for Skin Protection
After-work creams containing emollients are the most effective barrier creams for skin protection, as they have demonstrated benefit in reducing the incidence and prevalence of contact dermatitis in controlled clinical trials. 1
Types of Barrier Creams and Their Effectiveness
Most Effective Options:
- Emollient-based after-work creams show superior effectiveness compared to traditional barrier creams alone 1
- Creams containing humectants (urea and glycerol) demonstrate better skin barrier strengthening properties than simple paraffin-based creams 2
- Hydrogel-based barrier/repair creams have shown better skin improvement than petroleum-based creams in clinical studies 3
Common Barrier Cream Ingredients:
- Dimethicone - forms a moisture barrier that prevents and helps treat chapped or cracked skin 4
- Zinc oxide - provides skin protection as a physical barrier 5
- Petrolatum - offers an impermeable barrier against hydrophilic molecules but may be less effective than newer formulations 6, 3
Application Recommendations
Proper Application Technique:
- Clean and gently dry the affected area before applying any treatments 7
- If using with a topical corticosteroid, apply the medication first to ensure maximum absorption 7
- Allow the medication to absorb for a few minutes, then apply the barrier cream to help restore skin barrier function 7
- Use lukewarm water for hand washing to avoid skin irritation, as higher water temperatures (>40°C) can disrupt the stratum corneum 1
Dosing and Frequency:
- Apply barrier creams at a nominal thickness of 0.1 mm for optimal protection 8
- Reapply every six hours for continued effectiveness 8
- Make barrier creams readily available in the workplace to encourage regular use 1
Important Considerations and Limitations
Limitations of Barrier Creams:
- Barrier creams by themselves have questionable value in protecting against contact with irritants (Quality of evidence I) 1
- Their use should not be overpromoted as this may create a false sense of security 1
- Effectiveness varies widely based on formulation and ingredients 9
Complementary Approaches:
- Avoidance of allergens and irritants remains the cornerstone of contact dermatitis management 1
- Replacement of soaps and detergents with emollients is beneficial even if they are not the direct cause of dermatitis 1
- Educational programs may help in secondary prevention and outcomes for chronic occupational contact dermatitis 1
Special Considerations for Healthcare Workers
- Alcohol-based hand rubs containing emollients are better tolerated than washing hands with non-antimicrobial soaps or antimicrobial soaps 1
- Routinely washing hands with soap and water immediately after using an alcohol hand rub may lead to dermatitis and should be avoided 1
- Regular use of hand lotions and creams (e.g., twice a day) can help prevent and treat irritant contact dermatitis caused by hand-hygiene products 1
By following these evidence-based recommendations, you can optimize skin protection while minimizing the risk of developing irritant or allergic contact dermatitis.