I recently got myself the Dermalogica sensitized skin pack. Although it is deemed suitable for “sensitized skin” is is also perfectly suitable (and perhaps just as ideal) for sensitIVE skin. What’s the difference between sensitized and sensitive skin? Well, one is more a feature of an individuals genetic make-up, the other is usually a response to overuse of various cosmetics and skin care treatments. In my opinion sensitized skin can occur in people with sensitive skin, but it is usually characterized by a reaction to external factors, such as developing sensitivity to a particular skin care ingredient. Just to clarify the two terms, I visited Dermalogica’s question and answer website and found this:

Sensitized skin exhibits the same symptoms and triggers as sensitive skin, so it’s hard to distinguish between the two. Sensitive skin is genetically determined and more commonly seen in those of Northern European ancestry. It could be caused by higher levels of histamine in the body and the lower amount of pigment and thinner epidermal layer which provides a less than optimum natural defense barrier against potentially irritating ingredients. Sensitized skin can affect anyone of any age, skin condition and any race who has been exposed to environmental assault, chemicals, or product ingredients.

Essentially, I do not have sensitized skin (at least not at the moment) but I do, and probably always will, have sensitive skin, and the products in this pack have been ideal for me. Because I want to cover each product thoroughly I will start by reviewing the Barrier Repair Cream, I think it would be great for use both during an eczema or dermatitis flare up, but also for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. I have been using it recently and it definitely has matched any other barrier cream I’ve tried and I suspect this soon will find it’s way on to my “Eczema Favorites” page.

Dermalogica describes their barrier repair cream as a waterless, Silicone-based moisturizer that melts gently into sensitized skin to soothe and help repair damage from environmental aggressions. The anti-ozonate complex, including evening primrose oil and emollient Silicone, strengthens the skin’s natural lipid barrier to prevent future attacks. Even great for men to reduce irritation after shaving. Ideal for all environmentally aggravated skin conditions.

It is very nicely absorbed and hydrates well enough to not require an additional moisturizer on top, but it is not so heavy that you can’t use an additional cream if you want to. You can also use this very sparingly only on compromised areas of the skin if you want to. It should be used after cleansing in the morning, to protect the skin from environmental irritants during the day and help seal moisture into the skin.

Because it is designed for use on sensitized skin (of all types skin from dry to oily to red by the way) the ingredients have been carefully selected. They are listed as: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Decyl Shea Butter Esters; Extracts Of: Citrus Medica Limonum (lemon) Fruit, Fumaria Officinalis; Oenothera Biennis (evening Primrose) Oil; Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Propylparaben, Fumaric Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate.

Note the Evening Primrose oil? I recommend taking it orally for all eczema sufferers, but it can also be used topically to good effect on a compromised skin barrier. As for the other ingredients, the list is not particularly long which is promising but I am yet to research what all the specific ingredients do, god bless internet search engines for making that possible!

This is seriously just as good as the ceramide and other barrier creams I’ve tried in the past. It might not be moisturizing enough to act as an emollient alone, so you may need to apply additional moisturizer creams if your skin becomes dried out from eczema, however the plus side of this is that it is not heavy and thick; it absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave a tacky, sticky layer on the skin that other barrier creams can. I never mind that mind you, if the barrier cream is doing it’s job having a sticky face is a small price to pay. However getting the same restorative effect without the stickiness is infinitely preferable! The problem remains that the other creams are much more affordable, however this is not too bad price wise, especially if you want to try it in the sensitized skin pack which you can get for as little as $30 on Amazon. I checked; it’s the lowest price I can find, I actually paid $40 at another website, boo .

I wholeheartedly recommend this barrier repair cream, but also the whole sensitized skin care pack by Dermalogica, it’s a good introduction to their products if you haven’t used them before, and they do do sensitive skin care very well. I have never had irritation from any of the products in it, and feel like they sooth and help my sensitive skin and do not make it worse. I suspect this will be similar for others with similar skin to mine, however as always test any product out on the crook of your elbow if you have easily irritated skin and are concerned about new products. Obviously, this pack has been designed especially for those people, and that is why I doubt that they will have problems with it.

Related posts:

1. Dermalogica: Sheer Tint Moisture
2. Elemental Herbology: Cell Food Protection and Repair Facial Serum
3. TriCeram: Ceramide Eczema Creams
4. Elizabeth Arden: 8 hour cream
5. Lutsine: xeromance plus