Barrier creams offer an easy, effective way to help defend skin from dryness, irritation and redness caused by everyday environmental stressors like wind and cold weather. If your skin barrier feels compromised or you want to get rid of dry and flaky skin, learning how to use barrier cream correctly can noticeably improve comfort, resilience and the look of your complexion. Below, explore what barrier creams do, why the barrier care matters and how to topical skin protectants into your routine using Peter Thomas Roth skincare. 

What Is Barrier Cream?

A barrier cream is a protective moisturizer formulated to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the natural evaporation of water from skin’s surface, and help shield skin from external aggressors that can cause dryness, flakiness, redness and irritation. These creams create a breathable layer that locks in hydration while cushioning the skin against everyday stress. By forming a semi-occlusive layer—typically with a blend of emollients and occlusives—barrier creams help seal moisture in and support the health of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. 

Common uses in skincare routines include applying after cleansing to prevent post-wash dehydration, using as a nightly moisturizer to reinforce skin while you sleep and using as the last step in your routine to seal in serums and treatments. Many people reach for barrier creams during seasonal changes, after exfoliation, or for areas prone to irritation, such as the nose, cheeks, and hands.

What Is a Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier—primarily the stratum corneum—is the outermost layer composed of corneocytes and lipids (including ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids). Think of it as a brick-and-mortar structure that helps keep water in and irritants out. A strong skin barrier retains moisture, feels comfortable and appears smooth and even.

Factors that can weaken the barrier include over-exfoliation, stripping cleansers, cold or dry weather and overuse of certain active ingredients. Stress, poor sleep, poor water intake and low humidity also cause transepidermal water loss and can leave skin feeling sensitive. Maintaining a healthy barrier is essential for all skin types—from dry to oily. When the barrier is well supported, you’ll typically see less redness and flaking, improved tolerance to actives and enhanced radiance. 

How to Use Barrier Creams

To get optimal skin protection from your barrier cream, use this simple application guide.

• Cleanse: Begin with a gentle cleanser that removes impurities without stripping. Pat dry and leave skin slightly damp to optimize absorption.
• Treat: Apply water-based, hyaluronic-acid serums first. If you use actives like retinols or exfoliating acids, apply as directed and allow them to absorb fully.
• Moisturize: Dispense a pea-sized amount of barrier cream and apply to the face and neck in an even layer. 
• Seal: Add a touch more to extra dry or vulnerable areas (around the nose or cheeks) for targeted protection.

The best times to apply barrier cream are both morning and night!Apply in the morning to help shield against environmental stressors, and evening to lock in moisture overnight. In cold, windy weather or during flights, reapply as needed to prevent dryness and tightness.

Layering tips:

• Apply lightweight hydrators first, then follow with barrier cream to seal them in.
• For daytime, apply barrier cream, allow it to set, then finish with sunscreen as the last step.
• If wearing under makeup, let the cream absorb for 1 to 2 minutes before primer or foundation to promote a smooth, even finish.

Peter Thomas Roth Barrier Creams and Moisturizers

If you’re looking for a cream or moisturizer to rescue your dry, damaged skin barrier, check out these clinically proven barrier-strengthening treatments.

• Water Drench® Hyaluronic Balm Barrier Cream- Ideal for dry, sensitive and reactive skin types, this barrier cream is your go-to for skin showing signs of barrier damage such as dryness, redness and irritation. 5% Dimethicone, a high-quality skin protectant, helps relieve chafed, chapped or cracked skin, while Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin provide non-greasy hydration. The quick-absorbing balm-to-cream formula won’t clog pores or pill when used as a base for makeup application. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic and fragrance-free.
• Water Drench® Hyaluronic Cloud Rich Barrier Moisturizer – This rich barrier moisturizer is perfect for normal to dry skin types in need of enhanced barrier defense and protective moisture. A 30% Hyaluronic Acid Complex plumps the look of skin with moisture, while 3% HydraFence™ helps provide 120 hours of enhanced hydration.* An innovative Moisture Barrier Boosting Complex™ helps increase the look of skin thickness, firmness and elasticity to combat the effects of dehydrators. 

For more moisturizing solutions for every skin type, shop Peter Thomas Roth moisturizers.

*In a 28-day study on 41 subjects applying a 3% Hydra-Fence™ formulation twice daily, average skin hydration levels across all subjects remained enhanced for 5 days (120 hours) after last application.