Our Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream for face and body is part of our Skin Protectant platform, a drug category identified by the FDA meant to protect injured or exposed skin from harmful or annoying stimuli while helping to provide relief to the skin. Containing 1% Colloidal Oatmeal, our Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream addresses dryness, eczema flare-ups, and atopic dermatitis. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dryness, intense itching (pruritus), and red patches that stems from a variety of causes including genetics, allergies, hormonal changes, pollution, dry climate, and impaired immune system. There are often triggers such as stress that can lead to flare-ups in this skin condition.

Atopic skin, which falls under the category of eczema, tends to have a dysfunctional skin barrier and disorganized layers of skin cells allowing for penetration of allergens and irritants that lead to redness and inflammation. This disrupted barrier also leads to transepidermal water loss and dryness. Oftentimes there is a reduction in the secretion of lamellar bodies that create the lipid barrier in the skin comprised of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Atopic skin tends to have an elevated skin pH that is more favorable for pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus to proliferate. Individuals struggling with eczema tend to have a greater presence of Staphylococcus aureus on those skin sites compared to healthy skin. Finally, there is an immune response with atopic skin cells releasing inflammatory cytokines and histamine.

Eczema flare-ups can be addressed with the use of a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone but steroid use should be limited since they atrophy and thin the skin over time. A more long-term solution to prevent, protect, and temporarily relieve symptoms of eczema and atopic dermatitis is the use of a colloidal oatmeal containing skin protectant product. Within the skin protectant active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) listed, Colloidal Oatmeal is the only API when used at a minimum of 0.007% to temporarily protect and help relieve minor irritation and itching due to eczema. Our Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream contains 1% Colloidal Oatmeal USP as well as a skin replenishing multi-ceramide blend, allantoin, and adenosine to support the compromised skin barrier.

The protective properties of colloidal oatmeal are due to its high concentration of starches and beta-glucan that form a protective film on the skin with high water holding capacity. This in turn locks in moisture and shields the skin from pollutants or irritants that further dehydrate or cause inflammation. The various phenolic compounds in colloidal oatmeal act as antioxidants to fight free radicals and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby soothing dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. Colloidal oatmeal also acts as an efficient skin buffer counteracting elevated skin pH which improves stratum corneum barrier function and integrity. The many mechanisms of action provide direct dermatological benefits especially for those suffering with atopic dermatitis or eczema.

Our Barrier Therapy Cream also contains a multi-ceramide blend to replenish depleted ceramide levels in the skin. Ceramides are the primary lipid in the multilamellar barrier which consists of 40-50% ceramides, 25% cholesterol, 10-15% fatty acids, and other components. These crucial lipids retain water present within the epidermis and help hold skin cells together, keeping out external aggressors and allergens while supporting the skin barrier function. Impaired ceramide synthesis can mean reduced skin processes including proliferation and differentiation of skin cells and the formation of the skin barrier. Applying ceramides topically through skincare products can help replenish the natural lipids lost from exposure to harsh environmental factors, aggressive skincare products, and the natural aging process. Our multi-ceramide blend is part of our bioactive lipid complex, a skin physiological lipid complex of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol optimized at the right ratio for improved moisture balance. Paired with a refatting agent it restores the moisture homeostasis of the skin.

We also formulated our Barrier Therapy Cream with allantoin and adenosine. Allantoin is a soothing ingredient that also aids in skin smoothness by improving the turnover of superficial skin cells. This is beneficial to eczema skin because the skin cells struggle with proper cohesion and the stratum corneum can appear thicker and more coarse. Adenosine is naturally found in the body and part of ATP which is responsible for providing energy to the cells. Adenosine helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin smoothness while restoring the skin barrier.

Our Barrier Therapy Cream was clinically tested for 24 hour hydration. We created this product for head-to-toe application because eczema isn’t isolated to one section of the body. We always advise patch testing prior to full skin application. For specific spots like eyelids, please check with your Dermatologist. It is safe for sensitive skin, allergy tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic tested, and perfect for atopic and eczema prone skin. It also received the Eczema Seal of Acceptance.

DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.