PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE GUIDE
Intense Barrier Cream
Updated 5/2024
Product Knowledge Guide
Intense Barrier Cream is a rich, hydrating facial moisturizer designed to repair and protect your skin’s natural barrier. Perfect for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, this cream helps maintain moisture and soothe irritation.
Intense Barrier Cream is fragrance-free.
What It Does:
- Deep Hydration: Keeps your skin moisturized all day, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
- Barrier Repair: Strengthens your skin’s natural barrier to retain moisture and protect against irritants and TEWL.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and calms irritated skin.
- Protection: Shields your skin from environmental damage like pollution and harsh weather.
Why You Need It:
Intense Barrier Cream is essential for anyone looking to maintain a healthy skin barrier, especially if you use retinols or strong chemical exfoliators. These products can often leave your skin feeling dry, sensitive, and prone to irritation.
Intense Barrier Cream helps to restore and maintain your skin’s natural moisture balance, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and protected.
Whether you're applying it under makeup or as part of your nighttime routine, this cream provides the ultimate protection and comfort for your skin.
- Deep hydration
- Skin barrier repair
- Soothe irritation
- Protect from environmental damage
- Reduces TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss)
- A must have for anyone using retinols or strong chemical exfoliators.
- Deeply Hydrated: Skin will appear plump, soft, and dewy with long-lasting moisture.
- Calm and Soothed: Reduces redness and irritation, resulting in a more even-toned complexion.
- Strengthened Skin Barrier: Skin will look healthier and more resilient, with less dryness and flakiness.
- Protected from Environmental Stressors: Maintains a clear, radiant complexion by shielding skin from pollution and harsh weather.
- Smooth Under Makeup: Creates a flawless base for makeup, reducing the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture.
- Balanced and Revitalized: Skin will look rejuvenated, glowing, and naturally radiant with a balanced moisture level.
Using Intense Barrier Cream is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
A strong barrier helps keep moisture in and irritants out, preventing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.
This cream is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skin’s resilience and overall health.
What is TEWL?
TEWL stands for Transepidermal Water Loss
It's when water escapes from the deeper layers of your skin and evaporates into the air
It's a normal process that helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy
Why is TEWL important?
Too much TEWL can cause skin problems like:
- Dryness
- Irritation
- Increased sensitivity
As you age, your skin's natural barrier gets weaker, which can lead to more TEWL and dry, irritated skin
Skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can also increase TEWL and make symptoms worse
How is TEWL measured?
Dermatologists and researchers use a device called a Tewameter to measure TEWL
It helps them understand how well your skin barrier is working and overall skin health
They use this information to test how well skincare products and treatments work
How can you reduce TEWL and keep your skin healthy?
- Follow a good skincare routine:
- Gently clean your skin
- Moisturize regularly
- Protect your skin from the sun
Ingredients for Preventing TEWL and Strengthening the Skin Barrier
- Ceramides: Essential for maintaining the skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
- Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves skin barrier function and reduces water loss.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5): Attracts moisture and has barrier-enhancing properties.
- Cholesterol: Crucial for maintaining the skin barrier and hydration.
- Fatty Acids (e.g., linoleic acid, oleic acid): Support the integrity and function of the skin barrier.
- Squalane: Mimics the skin’s natural oils, providing hydration and barrier protection.
- Shea Butter: Moisturizes and forms a protective barrier on the skin.
- Jojoba Oil: Provides moisture and protection, mimicking natural skin oils.
- Sunflower Seed Oil: Rich in linoleic acid, helps to maintain the skin barrier.
- Colloidal Oatmeal: Soothes and restores the skin barrier.
- Allantoin: Soothes and promotes cell regeneration, supporting the skin barrier.
- Petrolatum: An occlusive agent that prevents water loss by forming a barrier on the skin.
- Dimethicone: Forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing water loss.
- Sodium PCA: A humectant that helps retain moisture in the skin.
- Aloe Vera: Hydrates and has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
- Snail Mucin: Contains hyaluronic acid and glycoproteins that hydrate and repair the skin barrier.
- Beta-Glucan: Soothes, moisturizes, and supports the skin barrier.
- Fatty Alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol): Soften and hydrate the skin, enhancing texture and barrier function.
Additional tips for improving TEWL and maintaining a healthy skin barrier for aging skin:
Use lukewarm water: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and increase TEWL. Use lukewarm water when cleansing your face and body.
Avoid over-cleansing: Cleansing too frequently or using harsh cleansers can disrupt your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Stick to gentle cleansers and cleanse no more than twice a day.
Apply moisturizer on damp skin: Applying moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp can help lock in hydration and reduce TEWL.
Use a humidifier: Low humidity levels can increase TEWL. Using a humidifier in your home or office can help keep your skin hydrated.
Protect your skin from extreme temperatures: Both hot and cold temperatures can damage your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Protect your skin by wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures.
Manage stress: Stress can weaken your skin barrier and increase TEWL. Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can provide your skin with the nutrients it needs to maintain a strong barrier.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin and increase TEWL.
Use a silk or satin pillowcase: Cotton pillowcases can absorb moisture from your skin. Switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce friction and keep your skin hydrated while you sleep.
Limit exfoliation frequency: Depending on your skin type and the products you use, you should generally exfoliate no more than 1-3 times per week. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to exfoliate even less frequently.
Choose gentle exfoliants: Opt for mild, non-abrasive exfoliants like lactic acid, mandelic acid, or polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) instead of harsh physical scrubs or high-concentration alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Start slowly: When introducing a new exfoliant into your routine, start with the lowest concentration and frequency, gradually increasing as your skin tolerates it.
Listen to your skin: If your skin feels tight, dry, itchy, or looks red and irritated after exfoliating, you may be over-exfoliating. Reduce the frequency or switch to a gentler product.
Moisturize after exfoliating: Always follow up exfoliation with a nourishing moisturizer to help replenish your skin's hydration and support its barrier function.
Don't combine too many active ingredients: Avoid using multiple exfoliating products or combining exfoliants with other potentially irritating active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C in the same routine.
Remember, the goal of exfoliation is to gently remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, not to strip your skin of its natural defenses.
By exfoliating mindfully and taking steps to support your skin's barrier function, you can improve your skin's health and appearance while minimizing the risk of increased TEWL.
Remember, everyone's skin is different, so what works for one person may not work for another.
UV Radiation: This is a well-documented stressor that contributes to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and increased risk of skin cancer. Both UVA and UVB rays can damage DNA in skin cells and degrade collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. The impact on the skin barrier and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is also supported by dermatological studies.
Air Pollution: Pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide have been shown to produce free radicals that damage skin cells, accelerate aging, and contribute to inflammatory skin conditions. Pollution can clog pores and exacerbate acne, as well as dull the skin's appearance due to oxidative stress.
Harsh Weather: Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds can dehydrate the skin, increasing TEWL and causing dryness, itchiness, and irritation. Cold weather often leads to dry skin due to reduced sebum production and low humidity levels, while hot weather can increase sweating and sebum production, potentially clogging pores.
Blue Light: Recent studies indicate that prolonged exposure to blue light from digital devices can generate free radicals, leading to skin aging and possibly hyperpigmentation. However, the extent of these effects is less understood compared to UV radiation, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact.
Protective Measures:
- Wearing Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: This is the most effective way to protect against UVA and UVB rays. A minimum SPF of 30 is recommended by dermatologists to shield the skin from sun damage.
- Using Antioxidant-Rich Skincare Products: Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, and green tea extract help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors.
- Thorough Cleansing: Removing pollutants and impurities is crucial to prevent clogged pores and maintain skin health. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser is recommended to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.
- Protecting Skin from Harsh Weather: Using a humidifier in dry environments, wearing protective clothing in cold or windy weather, and avoiding prolonged exposure to hot temperatures help maintain skin hydration and barrier function.
- Limiting Blue Light Exposure: While the research is emerging, reducing screen time and using blue light filters can potentially minimize the impact of blue light on the skin.
- Supporting the Skin Barrier: Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are essential for reinforcing the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and preventing TEWL.
By taking these proactive steps, you can effectively minimize the harmful effects of environmental stressors and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.
Cleanse: Start with a clean face using a gentle cleanser like Japanese Cleansing Oil.
Apply: Take a small amount of cream (about a pea-sized) and gently massage it into your face and neck.
Use: Apply twice daily, morning and night, for best results. Use on neck, chest and even your eyelids.
Skin Prep Brush: For best results, use the Skin Prep Brush to ensure even application and better absorption.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes.
- If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
At Sonia Roselli Beauty, we prioritize product quality and safety.
Intense Barrier Cream:
Glyceryl Stearate: It may not be suitable for those with fungal acne.
However, individual sensitivities and allergies vary, so we encourage customers to review the ingredient lists on our product pages here: Sonia Roselli Beauty Ingredients.
While we strive to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee our products are completely free from all allergens, as our facility processes various ingredients. Customers are responsible for assessing their own sensitivities and allergies when using our products. Your purchase acknowledges the risks associated with individual allergies.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use regularly for the best results.
- Combine with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
- Apply after Water Elixir when your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
- Use with Sonia Roselli Water Oil after Water Elixir, then Intense Barrier Cream at night for an extra hydration boost.
- Use on neck for a beautiful neck cream.
- Use as an eyelid moisturizer.
Pro Makeup Tips:
- Primer Replacement: Use Intense Barrier Cream as a primer. Its hydrating and smoothing properties create a flawless base for foundation, helping makeup glide on effortlessly and stay put longer. Works beautifully on mature skin.
- Mix with Foundation: For a dewy finish, mix a small amount of Intense Barrier Cream with your foundation. This hack adds extra hydration and creates a luminous, natural look.
- Under-Eye Prep: Apply a thin layer of Intense Barrier Cream under your eyes before concealer. This helps to prevent creasing and keeps the delicate under-eye area hydrated.
- Touch-Up Refresher: Throughout the day, dab a small amount of Intense Barrier Cream over makeup to refresh and hydrate without disturbing your makeup.
- Highlighter Base: Apply a small amount of Intense Barrier Cream to the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bones, bridge of the nose) before applying highlighter. This enhances the glow and helps the highlighter last longer.
Unique Tips and Hacks:
- Nighttime Intensive Treatment: Use Intense Barrier Cream as an overnight mask. Apply a thicker layer before bed to deeply nourish and repair your skin while you sleep.
- Cuticle Care: Use a small amount of Intense Barrier Cream on your cuticles to keep them soft and hydrated, especially in dry weather.
- Post-Shave Soother: Apply Intense Barrier Cream after shaving to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing irritation and redness.
- Eyebrow Tamer: Use a tiny amount to tame and condition your eyebrows. It keeps them in place while also providing moisture.
By incorporating these tips and hacks, you can maximize the benefits of Intense Barrier Cream and enhance your skincare and makeup routine.
AM Routine
- Sexapeel (1-3x a Week): Use this for gentle exfoliation as needed. Follow with a rinse or use micellar water.
- Water Elixir: After exfoliating or on non-exfoliation days, apply to hydrate and prepare the skin.
- Eye Cream: Hydrate and minimize the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
- Serum: Select a serum suited to your skin concerns like hydration, brightening, or healthy aging.
- Water Oil: Adds extra hydration and helps lock in the serum benefits.
- Water Balm: Prepares the skin for makeup, ensuring smooth application.
- Lip Care: Nourish the lips to prevent and treat dryness.
- Sunscreen: Protect the skin from UV damage and prevent further aging signs.
- Foundation: Complete your routine with a foundation that suits your skin type and coverage needs.
PM Routine
- Cleansing: Use the Japanese Cleansing Oil to remove sunscreen, makeup, and daily impurities thoroughly.
- Water Elixir: Apply after cleansing to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Eye Serum: Target specific concerns like puffiness or dark circles.
- Eye Cream: Layer over the serum for added moisture and protection.
- Serums: Use night serums focused on repair and rejuvenation.
- Water Oil: Seal in the serums and provide additional hydration.
- Intense Barrier Cream: Use this rich cream at night for deep moisturization and skin barrier repair.
- Water Balm: Lock in moisture for comprehensive overnight nourishment. Apply extra as a mask, wear for 20 minutes, then massage in on days you're super dehydrated.
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Niacinamide,Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Betaine,Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NG, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium PCA, Phytosterols, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Polyglycerin-3, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol.
- Water: Hydrates the skin.
- Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.
- Butylene Glycol: Hydrates the skin and improves texture.
- Squalane: Moisturizes and smooths the skin.
- Dimethicone: Provides a silky feel and forms a barrier to lock in moisture.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter: Moisturizes and softens the skin.
- Niacinamide: Calms and soothes the skin, and reduces redness.
- Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride: Emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
- Octyldodecyl Myristate: Emollient that improves skin texture.
- Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate: Enhances skin barrier function.
- Betaine: Hydrates and soothes the skin.
- Pentylene Glycol: Hydrates and enhances the product's texture.
- Hydrogenated Lecithin: Emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together.
- Ceramide NG: Reinforces the skin barrier.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: Deeply hydrates by holding water in the skin.
- Urea: Hydrates and exfoliates gently.
- Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate: Soothes and calms the skin.
- Disodium EDTA: Preservative that enhances stability.
- Sodium PCA: Hydrating agent.
- Phytosterols: Strengthens the skin barrier.
- Sodium Hydroxide: Balances the pH of the product.
- Tocopherol: Antioxidant that protects the skin.
- 1,2-Hexanediol: Preservative and humectant.
- Behenyl Alcohol: Emollient that softens the skin.
- Beeswax: A natural ingredient that provides a protective barrier and helps skin retain moisture.
- Polyglycerin-3: Humectant that attracts water to the skin.
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer: Thickening agent.
- Carbomer: Stabilizes the texture and consistency.
- Xanthan Gum: Thickens and stabilizes the formula.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative.
Barrier creams have been used for decades to protect and repair the skin’s natural barrier.
Originally designed for medical use to protect the skin from harsh chemicals and irritants, they have evolved into essential skincare products, especially for mature and sensitive skin.
Development: It took Sonia two years to develop just the right texture for Intense Barrier Cream. She wanted something that would feel comfortable on your skin without causing irritation, but still keep it moisturized and protected. #qualityoverquanity.
Usage: This cream gel moisturizer is fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It also works well under makeup or at night.
Compatibility: Intense Barrier Cream was specifically made to work perfectly with Sonia Roselli Water Oil and the complete skincare routine.
- Comes in a sleek, easy-to-use glass jar for convenient application.
- Available in 1.76 oz (50g).
FAQ
Intense Barrier Cream FAQ
- Our fragrance free formulation combines deep hydration with barrier repair, ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
- Yes, it’s formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.
- By keeping the skin hydrated and healthy, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and keeps skin glowing and healthy looking.
- Yes, it can be easily integrated into your existing routine.
- Most users notice improvements within two weeks, with optimal results after consistent use for 6-8 weeks.
For Combo to Normal Skin:
Apply at Night.
For dry, sensitive skin:
Twice daily, morning and night.
- Yes, we are committed to cruelty-free practices.
- Yes, our formulation is non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin. But you may want to use at night.
If you have active acne, we suggest using Water Elixir and Water Balm instead.
- Environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays can damage your skin. Our product contains antioxidants that neutralize these harmful effects, keeping your skin healthy.
- No, we avoid artificial fragrances and dyes to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Yes, but be cautious and avoid direct contact with the eyes. Our formula is gentle enough for the delicate skin around the eyes.
- It soothes and calms irritation while strengthening the skin barrier.
- Yes, Intense Barrier Cream is formulated without harmful chemicals, making it safe to use during pregnancy. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor before starting any new skincare product during pregnancy.
- Intense Barrier Cream contains beeswax, so it is not vegan. However, it is cruelty-free and ethically sourced.
- Yes, Intense Barrier Cream is excellent for soothing and protecting the skin after cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments or chemical peels. It helps in the repair and recovery process.
- While Intense Barrier Cream is not specifically formulated to treat eczema, its hydrating and barrier-repairing properties can help soothe and manage eczema-prone skin.
- Intense Barrier Cream is designed to protect and hydrate your skin in both hot and cold climates. Its barrier-repairing properties help maintain moisture balance, making it ideal for use in extreme weather conditions.