Cerave Hand Cream

Why We Chose This Product

• Cerave is a cream, which means it's a thick moisturiser, but not as greasy as an ointment. It has a higher water content than ointments, so it is lighter to apply and absorbs more readily into the skin. 
• Cerave contains 3 essential ceramides (Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP). These ceramides are natural lipids (fats), that help form the skin’s barrier. What makes Cerave different to other ceramide brands is the multi vesicular emulsion ( MVE) technology. This is a patented delivery system that slowly releases the ceramides over the day. 
• Two small studies showed Cerave improved skin hydration in eczema-prone skin compared to other paraffin-based moisturisers. This hydration was sustained over a 24 hour period.
• Cerave also reduced the skin sensitivity and overall skin barrier integrity in one of the studies. 
• Ceramides also have an anti-inflammatory effect. A few small studies showed that ceramide containing creams can reduce eczema inflammation.  
• Cerave also contains hyaluronic acid (which binds water) to retain the skin's natural moisture and tocopherol (vitamin E), an antioxidant. 
• Cerave contains no fragrances or colourings, so it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction (contact allergy) to the skin. 
• Cerave is non-comedogenic, which means it won't block your pores. Some moisturisers can block the pores leading to acne or folliculitis. 

Cautions

• Use of moisturisers in the bath can or shower be a slip hazard
• Moisturisers are flammable. Over long periods moisturisers can build-up on fabric (clothing, bedding etc), making these materials flammable. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce this build-up but not totally remove it.  
• Cerave does contain some preservatives so there is a small risk of allergic reaction. For people with allergy prone skin, ointments such as Epaderm ointment are better.  Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Petrolatum, Potassium Phosphate, Ceramide Np, Ceramide Ap, Ceramide Eop, Carbomer, Dimethicone, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Edta, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin.

References

1. Danby SG, Andrew PV, Kay LJ, Pinnock A, Chittock J, Brown K, Williams SF, Cork MJ. Enhancement of stratum corneum lipid structure improves skin barrier function and protects against irritation in adults with dry, eczema-prone skin. Br J Dermatol. 2022 May;186(5):875-886. doi: 10.1111/bjd.20955. Epub 2022 Apr 3. PMID: 34921679; PMCID: PMC9321855.
2. Danby SG, Andrew PV, Brown K, Chittock J, Kay LJ, Cork MJ. An Investigation of the Skin Barrier Restoring Effects of a Cream and Lotion Containing Ceramides in a Multi-vesicular Emulsion in People with Dry, Eczema-Prone, Skin: The RESTORE Study Phase 1. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Oct;10(5):1031-1041. doi: 10.1007/s13555-020-00426-3. Epub 2020 Jul 15. PMID: 32671664; PMCID: PMC7477057.
3. Nugroho WT, Sawitri S, Astindari A, Utomo B, Listiawan MY, Ervianti E, Astari L. The Efficacy of Moisturisers Containing Ceramide Compared with Other Moisturisers in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Indian J Dermatol. 2023 Jan-Feb;68(1):53-58. doi: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_991_22. PMID: 37151263; PMCID: PMC10162745.