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What Is Barrier Cream And When To Use It?

Let’s talk barrier cream. If you’re managing incontinence, then you’ll know just how important it is to take good care of your skin. It’s something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but the truth is, healthy skin is a big part of feeling comfortable and confident day-to-day.

In this article, we’ll break down what barrier cream is, what it does, and when you should apply barrier cream, especially if you’re navigating life with incontinence. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to choose the best barrier cream for adults and highlight a few common mistakes to avoid.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

What Is Barrier Cream?

Let’s start at the beginning. What is barrier cream? Well, the name gives away a bit of the secret. It’s a cream that creates a barrier. This barrier sits on the surface of your skin, acting as a protective layer that shields against irritants like moisture, friction, and bodily fluids.

For people with incontinence, this can be a game-changer. When urine or faecal matter comes into contact with the skin, it can cause irritation, break down the skin's natural defences, and lead to painful conditions like nappy rash, infections, or pressure sores. Barrier cream helps prevent that from happening.

But don’t be fooled by its simplicity. It might look like just another cream in a tube, but barrier cream works hard to protect your skin, promote healing, and stop irritation in its tracks.

Once skin becomes damaged, it can be harder to treat so prevention is always better than cure. Even if you’re not currently experiencing irritation, using barrier cream regularly can help keep things that way. It’s one of those small habits that pay off over time.

So what exactly is in barrier cream? Most formulations include a combination of occlusive agents and skin-conditioning ingredients, like:

Zinc oxide: A mineral that provides a physical barrier while also offering mild antiseptic properties. It’s particularly effective at soothing inflamed skin
Petrolatum (Petroleum jelly): A classic skin protectant that locks in moisture and shields skin from irritants.
Dimethicone: A type of silicone that smooths and protects the skin, often used to reduce friction.
Lanolin: A natural emollient derived from wool, used for its moisturising and healing properties.
Glycerin and panthenol: These help attract moisture and support skin repair.

A Brief History Of Barrier Cream

Barrier creams have their roots in early 20th-century skin care, when petroleum-based ointments were first used to treat diaper rash and small wounds.

Over time they were then made for use in hospitals, mainly for patients with long-term immobility. And now today, they’re it’s used every day in clinical setting and at home all over the world.

So while it might look like just another cream in a tube, barrier cream works hard to protect your skin, promoting healing, and stopping irritation before it starts.

What Does Barrier Cream Do?

Now that we’ve covered what barrier cream is, and what it’s made of, let’s explore how it actually works to protect and heal your skin.

Barrier cream isn't just a surface-level fix, it's a carefully formulated solution designed to support your skin’s natural defenses and help it recover from irritation or prevent it altogether.

Protects the skin from moisture: Incontinence often means your skin is exposed to moisture for long periods of time.

Barrier creams work by forming a waterproof layer, due to its occlusive agents like Zinc Oxide and Petrolatum that we mentioned before, that stops urine or faeces from directly contacting your skin.

Reduces friction: Wearing pads or nappies can cause rubbing, especially if they don’t fit quite right or you’re on the move a lot. Barrier creams create a smoother surface because of its occlusive agents such as Dimethicone, reducing chafing and discomfort.
Helps maintain the skin’s natural defences: Healthy skin has a natural barrier that protects against bacteria and infection. When that barrier is weakened through constant dampness, cleaning, or irritation, a barrier cream can help reinforce it by sealing the skin’s surface, locking in moisture, and replenishing lost lipids, helping the skin to repair itself and stay resilient.
Soothes and nourishes irritated skin: Many barrier creams are made with ingredients like zinc oxide, petrolatum, or dimethicone, which help soothe redness, calm inflammation, and support healing.

When Should You Apply Barrier Cream?

So, when should you apply barrier cream? If you're managing incontinence, applying barrier cream should be part of your regular routine, not just when things go wrong. Prevention is key. Here’s when you should be reaching for some:

After each nappy or pad change: This is the most important time. Once you've gently cleaned and patted the area dry, apply a thin layer of barrier cream before putting on a new product. This gives your skin a protective buffer against the next round of moisture.
When you notice early signs of irritation: If the skin starts to look a bit red, feels sore, or becomes itchy, don't wait. These are early signs that the skin is starting to get irritated. A good barrier cream can stop it from getting worse.
Overnight: Longer periods between changes (like overnight) mean your skin is more at risk of prolonged exposure. Applying barrier cream before bed can give longer protection while you sleep.
After bathing or showering: Warm water can soften the skin and make it more vulnerable to damage. Applying a barrier cream afterwards helps lock in moisture and rebuilds your skin's defences.

Choosing The Best Barrier Cream For Adults

Not all barrier creams are created equal. With many being made up of different compounds which can impact your skin differently to somebody elses. So, what should you look for when picking the best barrier cream for adults? Here are a few features to consider:

Fragrance-free and gentle: Look for a cream that’s free from fragrances and harsh chemicals. These can irritate sensitive skin, especially if it’s already broken or inflamed. Common allergens include artificial fragrances, methylisothiazolinone (MI), parabens, and alcohol-based ingredients like ethanol.
Contains protective ingredients: Ingredients like zinc oxide, dimethicone, lanolin, or petrolatum are commonly used in barrier creams. They help form a reliable barrier and are generally well-tolerated.
Non-greasy, breathable formula: You want a cream that protects but still allows your skin to breathe. Heavy or greasy products can clog pores or trap too much heat. Try to avoid ingredients like mineral oil or high concentrations of lanolin, which can feel heavy and may interfere with absorbent products. Instead, look for breathable options like dimethicone.
Easy to apply and remove: Some barrier creams are thick and stubborn. This can mean more rubbing to get them off, which can aggravate your skin. The best barrier creams should go on smoothly and come off without too much scrubbing.

How To Apply Barrier Cream Properly

Using barrier cream might seem simple enough, but applying it properly is key to making sure it actually protects the skin and doesn’t cause more harm than good.

When it’s not applied right, or too thickly, on damp skin, or without proper cleaning, it can trap moisture and reduce the effectiveness of the product.

If you’re applying it yourself, take your time to clean and inspect the area carefully before applying a thin, even layer.

For carers, it’s especially important to be gentle, respectful, and thorough, making sure the skin is completely dry and paying attention to pressure points or folds where moisture usually collects.

Whether you’re caring for yourself or someone else, proper technique makes a real difference in maintaining healthy, comfortable skin.

Clean the skin first – Use warm water or gentle, fragrance-free wipes to clean the area. Pat dry with a soft cloth or towel.
Apply a thin layer – A little goes a long way. You don’t need lots, just make sure the skin is evenly covered.
Avoid rubbing too hard – Gently smooth the cream onto the skin using soft motions. Rubbing too hard can cause microtears in already sensitive areas.
Let it absorb – Give it a moment before putting on a new nappy or pad to allow the cream to settle.

Common Mistakes To Avoid With Barrier Creams

Using barrier cream is simple, but if it’s not applied correctly, it can lose its effectiveness and even lead to skin problems like infections , irritation, or delayed healing.

When the skin barrier isn’t properly protected, bacteria and moisture can cause rashes, sores, or infections that are uncomfortable and harder to treat.

To help you get the best results and avoid these issues, here are a few common slip-ups to watch out for:

Skipping it when your skin “looks fine”: Just because your skin isn’t red or sore doesn’t mean you don’t need barrier cream. By the time damage becomes visible, it’s already started. Regular use helps you stay ahead of it.
Applying too much: More doesn’t always mean better. Applying a thick layer can actually make it harder for the skin to breathe and may cause a build-up that attracts bacteria.
Not drying the skin properly beforehand: Moisture trapped beneath barrier cream can lead to maceration (when the skin becomes waterlogged and fragile). Always dry the skin completely before applying cream.
Using incompatible products: Some barrier creams can make it harder for incontinence products to absorb properly if they’re too greasy or thick. Make sure the cream you use works well with your pads or nappies.

Other Skin Care Tips For People With Incontinence

Around 14 million people in the UK suffer from some kind of urinary incontinence, according to The House of Commons Library, and around half a million adults dealing with regular faecal incontinence, with this affecting 15% of over 85 year-olds living at home.

Barrier cream is a great start, but it works best as part of an overall skin care routine. Here are some other tips for keeping your skin in tip-top shape:

Change incontinence products regularly – Prolonged exposure to moisture is one of the biggest risks for skin breakdown.
Stay hydrated – It might feel counterintuitive, but drinking more water actually dilutes your urine, making it less harsh on the skin.
Use gentle cleansing wipes – Look for ones that are alcohol-free and designed for sensitive skin.
Let your skin breathe – Whenever you can, allow the skin to air out, even for just a few minutes.

Find The Right Barrier Cream For Your Needs Today

We’re here to help. That’s why we created this short guide to help you better understand how barrier creams work and their importance.

If you’re looking for a cream that works for you, then why not take a look at our range of barrier creams & moisturisers? We have products from brands such as TENA, Abena, Attends and more.

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