Dimethicone benefits for skin

What does dimethicone do for skin?

Dimethicone is a silicone commonly used in moisturizers. It acts as an emollient, meaning it softens and smooths the skin's surface, and as a barrier forming ingredient. Its thin film is nongreasy and allows water vapor to pass through. The smoother feel comes partly from filling gaps between cells in the outermost skin layer. A smoother finish is a useful cosmetic benefit, even without a product name that sounds like a laboratory merger.1

The main benefits are:

• Softer, smoother skin. Dimethicone helps improve the feel of a rough skin surface.
• A light protective film. Dimethicone provides barrier support without a greasy shine.
• Support for acne treatment routines. Its moisturizing and barrier benefits can help make acne medications more tolerable.
• Protection for specific uses. Some dimethicone skin protectant creams are intended to relieve chapping or protect against wetness associated with diaper rash.

Who can benefit from dimethicone?

Oily or acne prone skin can benefit from dimethicone's nongreasy finish. Dimethicone is considered noncomedogenic, meaning the ingredient is not expected to clog pores. That makes it a useful moisturizer ingredient when you want softness and barrier support without extra shine. Choose the finished moisturizer for your needs rather than treating one ingredient as a promise about the whole formula.1

For dyshidrotic eczema, which causes particularly dry, sensitive skin on the hands or feet, a dermatologist may recommend a barrier repair cream containing dimethicone. The cream creates a barrier against irritation while allowing the skin to breathe. Choose a fragrance free cream or ointment for this condition; lotions contain too much water and can worsen it. Apply moisturizer after washing and whenever the skin feels dry.3

Excessively dry skin needs more than an ingredient search. A dermatologist can choose a moisturizer with the right mix of ingredients to hydrate skin and restore its outer layer. Some people need a prescription moisturizer or treatment for an underlying condition. If your dry skin is painful, persistently itchy or difficult to manage, get a treatment plan rather than repeatedly switching creams.4

How do you use a dimethicone moisturizer?

For an ordinary moisturizer, use this general moisturizing routine. Follow separate directions on a skin protectant cream.

1. 1Wash gently. For eczema affected skin, use a gentle cleanser and keep baths or showers short and cool rather than long and hot.
2. 2Pat the skin dry without scrubbing. Apply an ordinary moisturizer promptly while the skin is still damp to help retain moisture.
3. 3Spread the cream gently. General cream and ointment application guidance is to smear it in the direction of hair growth rather than rub it in.
4. 4Reapply as needed. For atopic eczema, general guidance is to moisturize 2 to 3 times daily, with additional applications as needed to keep skin soft.
5. 5Keep prescription directions separate. Use prescribed creams in the amounts and at the frequency your clinician gives you.

The texture needs to fit your day, because a moisturizer left in its tube has an unusually quiet career. A cream can be more acceptable during the day, while a greasier ointment can suit nighttime use. Ointments generally retain more water and contain fewer potential skin sensitizers than creams. These are general differences between moisturizer formats, not a reason to choose by dimethicone alone.6

What should you expect from regular use?

The practical benefits to look for are a softer surface, less roughness and a protective layer that feels comfortable enough to keep using. For excessively dry skin, improvement depends on following the full treatment plan, including protecting skin from activities that dry it out. Tell your dermatologist if frequent application is difficult, you cannot reach the affected area or you cannot protect your skin at work. The plan can be adjusted to something you can follow.4

What are the benefits of dimethicone cream?

A dimethicone cream can combine moisture support with protection, but the intended use depends on the particular product. Beauty Fox Atoclinic lists dimethicone 1% as a skin protectant to help prevent skin dehydration. Its directions are to apply liberally as needed. It must not be used on damaged or broken skin, and a rash is a reason to stop using it and ask a doctor.7

Renew Dimethicone Skin Protectant is intended to temporarily protect and relieve chapped or cracked skin. It also forms a moisture barrier against wetness, urine or stool associated with diaper rash. Renew directs you to clean gently with a mild cleanser, pat dry or allow skin to air dry, then apply as necessary. For the diaper area, apply after each diaper change or episode of incontinence. These directions differ from applying an ordinary moisturizer to damp skin.2

What should sensitive skin look for?

For eczema, select moisturizers without scents, fragrances, dyes, alcohol or ingredients you know you are allergic to. Dimethicone on the ingredient list does not replace checking the rest of the formula. If hand eczema repeatedly flares after contact with a product or substance, a dermatologist can help identify the trigger through testing. Barrier cream also does not replace protection from irritants: for wet work, cotton gloves beneath waterproof gloves help prevent irritation.35

When should you stop or get medical help?

• Keep skin protectant creams out of your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs.
• Do not use Renew on deep or punctured wounds. Stop and ask a doctor if the condition worsens or has not improved within 7 days.
• Contact a clinician if eczema does not respond to moisturizers and avoiding triggers, or if treatment becomes ineffective.
• Seek medical advice for signs of infection, including warmth, swelling, increasing redness, pain or fever.
• Keep skin protectant creams away from children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center immediately.