I Found a Barrier Cream That Works For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

On any given day, my face will be some shade of pink or red. This is due to a number of factors, like my genetic complexion, rosacea, and extremely sensitive skin. My skin type is combination; I need thicker creams during the winter and lighter options during the summer, especially where I live in California when it's blisteringly hot. Even in the depths of winter, though, I can't use too rich of a moisturizer, or I'll break out. I'm like Goldilocks: it has to be just right. I've known about barrier creams for a while; they help replenish the skin's natural barrier, which can be damaged or irritated. There are numerous potential causes of a damaged skin barrier, but some of the most common situations are overexfoliation, a harsh skin treatment like a peel or microneedling, sun damage, or conditions like eczema.

I thought barrier creams could help my skin but was always scared away by how rich they were — until I tried this Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream ($48). It's now become my go-to moisturizer, and I love the way it makes my skin feel. As you can see in the photo below, the left picture is my skin before using the cream, and the right picture is after. The glow is undeniable.

Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream

From

$48

$48 at Sephora

It's in the name, but one of my favorite ingredients in this Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Niacinamide Restoring Gel Cream ($48) is the niacinamide. The addition of this ingredient helps to even skin tone and absorb excess oil, which is critical for me in the summer. Plus, it's gentle enough to be used every day. I love this cream because it's super light and absorbs into my skin easily but doesn't feel greasy or like it lacks hydration because it's thinner. I use this morning and night, and it sits under sunscreen and makeup beautifully, works great with my vitamin C serum, and gives my skin a beautiful glow on its own.

This is a lightweight gel-cream hybrid, so it's much less thick than a traditional barrier cream. The texture doesn't compromise on hydration, but if you're looking for something that's a bit richer, this might not be the cream for you. Also, the packaging of the product is a little bulky, and since it's got a push-up pump, it's hard to transfer into a smaller container if you want to consolidate for travel.

This product is great for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin who like a lighter cream. If you're concerned about breakouts or irritation, I've found this cream to be safe to use, but always do a patch test on your arm to be sure. The cream is hydrating and helps to even skin tone, so it's a quality choice for all skin types, particularly during warmer months. Here I am with just the cream on my face, and I feel hydrated and comfortable, not like my face is going to melt off in the 90-degree heat.

This product is vegan and cruelty free and comes in recyclable packaging. It's 1.7 fluid ounces, so it's suitable for your carry-on suitcase, though the packaging is a bit thick. Plus, it's formulated with saccharide isomerate, which soothes and supports the skin barrier, as well as a heptapeptide blend, which supports a balanced skin microbiome.

You can find this moisturizer at Sephora or on the Skinfix website.

Editor's rating:
★★★★★