It’s easy to think that all moisturizers do the same thing—they moisturize. And sure, all moisturizers should adequately moisturize the skin, but they can also do so much more than that. 

Every formula is different and while they all perform the basic function of moisturizing the skin, they can also benefit the skin in other ways. It all depends on the ingredients in any given formula. For example, a moisturizer with Vitamin C can help fade discoloration and brighten the skin (on top of hydrating the skin).

So if you have a specific skin concern in mind, you can likely find a moisturizer with the right ingredients to help address that concern. And, some moisturizers are formulated for certain skin types. Generally, lightweight gel moisturizers are best for oily and combination skin types while heavier cream moisturizers work best for dry skin types. 

Our Barrier Support Moisturizer helps address concerns surrounding a weakened skin barrier. Made with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, our moisturizer helps replenish the barrier and strengthen the skin to help soothe and soften the skin. But, there’s so much more to our newest moisturizer.  

Barrier Support Moisturizer 101 

Here’s a quick rundown on the details of the Barrier Support Moisturizer: 

What it’s for: 

We wanted to make it pretty clear what our moisturizer is for, hence the name Barrier Support Moisturizer. Lots of skincare trends have tended to lean towards the stronger, active-ingredient powered products that aren’t always the best for your skin. Over exfoliating with multiple acids or using strong retinoids too often can lead to some wear and tear on the skin. 

If you aren’t off-setting some of the harsher effects of strong treatments, you can be left with a damaged barrier. This is where skincare trends like slugging or skin cycling have come from; to help the skin recover from drying and/or irritating effects of over exfoliation and strong skin treatments. 

Hanhoo aims to provide sensitive-skin friendly solutions for acne-prone skin, like our gentle hydrocolloid blemish patches. But, we know how tempting it is to blitz your skin with some of the stronger products out in the market. That's where the Barrier Support Moisturizer comes in. If your skin doesn’t react the best to continuous usage of exfoliants or retinoids, you can apply the moisturizer to help restore the barrier and hydration. By incorporating this moisturizer and maybe cutting back a bit on your use of strong acne treatments, you can help bring your barrier back to normal. 

What are the star ingredients: 

Multiple Ceramides & 6 Types of Hyaluronic Acid

As mentioned above, the star ingredients of the Barrier Support Moisturizer includes a blend of multiple Ceramides and six types of Hyaluronic Acid to help boost the barrier. Including Ceramides like Ceramide NP, which are already present in the skin, this moisturizer helps restore the barrier to calm dryness and irritation. The six types of Hyaluronic Acid help replenish moisture and defend against moisture loss to alleviate dryness of a damaged barrier. 

Glycerin 

With 13% Glycerin, the Barrier Support Moisturizer helps balance and moisturize the skin. As a humectant, the function of Glycerin is to attract moisture to the skin to help keep it hydrated to prevent dryness. 

Multiple compounds of Centella Asiatica 

Made with Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, and Asiatic Acid (all components of Centella Asiatica), our moisturizer also offers soothing and antioxidant benefits to the skin. Often with a damaged barrier, you can feel a tightness and discomfort from irritation or dryness. Centella Asiatica is known for its calming effects to help reduce skin discomfort associated with a weak barrier.  

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

While this ingredient may sound unfamiliar, it comes from the Licorice plant. It has soothing, anti-inflammatory effects that can greatly benefit irritated skin, like that of a compromised skin barrier. Another sign of damaged skin includes redness, which ingredients like Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate help alleviate through its soothing properties. 

What’s the texture and finish on the skin: 

Although the Barrier Support Moisturizer looks like a thick cream, it actually has a lightweight texture that’s a bit of a mix between a cream and a gel. So, it helps provide a deep hydrating feeling to the skin without actually feeling heavy on the skin. After patting it into the skin, it leaves a light dewy look. 

Who is it for: 

Initially, we wanted this moisturizer to be best suited for acne-prone skin types, which is why we gave it a light texture. But, realistically it works great for all skin types. The skin barrier-replenishing ingredients make it beneficial for everyone including sensitive skin. Regardless of skin type, you always need to make sure your barrier is functioning optimally. 

How to use: 

Typically we recommend using one to two pumps of the moisturizer and spread it evenly over the face and neck. But, if your skin really needs it, you can use a bit more to help replenish the skin. And, if you have dry spots, like on the elbows, knees, or hands, you can also apply the moisturizer to those areas to help rehydrate the skin.