We test barrier creams that will repair skin damage & reduce sensitivity – one made a visible difference after first use
IS the cold making your skin red, dry and itchy?
Try a barrier treatment – the fancy new generation of skincare formulated to repair skin damage and reduce sensitivity in no time.
This week, I put three to the test . . .
Budget
Byoma Barrier+ repair treatment, £17 for 50ml, spacenk.com: I was surprised by the price of this treatment – it’s the second most expensive product from the brand (behind an £18 retinol) – but after reading the ingredients list, I can understand why.
It’s packed with heavy hitters such as glycerin, squalane, ceramides, vitamin E and trending ingredient ectoin, which helps prevent water loss from skin.
On first use, it made a visible difference to the look of my skin.
It’s a leave-on mask, which can be used nightly, but I only need it once or twice a week, so it will last ages.
Mid-range
Naturium barrier bounce, £26.50 for 50ml, spacenk.com: Naturium is one of my most recommended skincare brands.
I’ve yet to meet a product it makes that I don’t love.
Luckily, this didn’t let me down, either.
As it’s a serum, it’s by far the lightest consistency of the three – which is great news for anyone like me who has oily skin and doesn’t like heavy, greasy creams but needs an extra dose of hydration at this time of year.
It’s the skincare equivalent of the first sip of water with a hangover.
This one is my favourite, and it fits seamlessly into my routine.
Luxury
Kiehl’s ultra facial advanced repair barrier cream, £36.50 for 50ml, lookfantastic.com: I was initially worried about this cream.
It is extremely thick, so a little goes a really long way, and I thought that might mean I’d wake up with a face full of spots after it had blocked my pores.
Luckily, the makers thought of that and formulated it without pore-clogging ingredients.
It also contains niacinamide and salicylic acid to help reduce breakouts and refine skin texture.
This would be a great addition to your skincare routine if you’re on prescription acne treatment, or just struggle with dry skin and breakouts
Pick of the week
NOBODY does beauty dupes like Aldi – and now the budget supermarket has launched a full range of marine skincare products, which it claims is 95 per cent cheaper than leading marine collagen brand Elemis.
If you only buy one product, make it Lacura marine overnight mask, £6.99.
Shop now in store.