Orange dimethicone cream: what it does and how to use it

Which dimethicone cream do you mean?

Medline makes more than one cream with 1.5% dimethicone. One formula lists fragrance and orange peel oil; another has a different ingredient list and directions for full body use. Match the manufacturer, active ingredient strength and product reference on your container. The product reference is a better identifier than the packaging colour, which has been given rather too much responsibility.13

What does dimethicone do?

Your skin's outermost layer forms a barrier that protects the body and limits water loss. Barrier creams help maintain that protection and prevent drying. Dimethicone is an occlusive ingredient, meaning it helps form a protective layer on the skin. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it helps skin hold water. A cream can contain both types of ingredient.2

Petroleum based barrier products reduce water loss more effectively, while silicone and dimethicone barrier creams are less greasy. Some people prefer that less greasy feel, which is a reasonable request of something they have to wear. That makes texture a useful deciding factor, rather than treating every barrier cream as interchangeable.2

How do you apply it?

1. 1Identify the cream and read its directions. The two Medline formulas above both say to apply as needed, but only one explicitly specifies full body application.
2. 2Use the cream on the area its directions cover. For general barrier cream use, apply sparingly rather than building a thick coating.
3. 3Spread cream gently in the direction of hair growth. Smear it over the skin rather than rubbing it in vigorously.
4. 4Reapply when needed. For dry hands with diagnosed dyshidrotic eczema, useful times include after washing and whenever the skin feels dry.

Neither of these Medline directions sets a morning or bedtime schedule. Follow the as needed instruction instead of inventing a fixed daily dose. General emollient care can include a cream during the day and a greasier ointment at night if that combination is more practical. Choose the preparation you can comfortably keep using.34

What should you expect?

The Medline creams are intended for temporary protection and relief of chapped or cracked skin. General barrier creams can remain on skin for several hours, even after gentle washing, but that is not a fixed wear time for your particular tube. Judge continued use by how the skin responds, not by a promised number of days to complete repair.23

Can you use dimethicone cream on your face?

Dimethicone can be useful in a facial moisturizer because it creates a barrier that helps reduce irritation. For facial care, choose a fragrance free moisturizer labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores, and apply it immediately after washing. These are general moisturizer choices, not a reason to assume a particular Medline body cream suits your face.6

A gel moisturizer is a practical option for oily skin or hot, humid weather; lotion suits normal or combination skin; cream suits dry to very dry skin. Some occlusive barrier creams can aggravate acne on the face. Choose the whole formula and texture, not dimethicone alone.26

Is it useful for eczema on the hands?

For dyshidrotic eczema, a type of eczema affecting the hands or feet, a dermatologist may recommend a barrier repair cream containing dimethicone. Choose a fragrance free cream or ointment. Lotions can worsen this particular condition because they contain too much water. Remove rings before washing and applying moisturizer, use lukewarm water and a mild fragrance free cleanser, and moisturize frequently.5

Barrier care does not replace protection from irritants. For wet work, wear cotton gloves beneath waterproof gloves. If you have a prescribed treatment plan for a skin condition, continue that plan rather than substituting a barrier cream for it.56

Are stronger barrier creams the same product?

No. Conotrane contains at least 10% dimeticone, another spelling of dimethicone, and is used for skin protection against incontinence. That is a different product and use from a 1.5% Medline cream for chapped skin. Cavilon Barrier Cream has its own directions: apply sparingly and do not apply to broken skin. An oily afterfeel means too much Cavilon has been applied. Do not transfer those product specific instructions to another cream.7

When should you stop or get help?

Barrier creams can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction, from fragrance, preservatives or other ingredients. The Medline formula identified as MSC094424 contains fragrance and citrus oils. If you need a fragrance free product, do not choose that formula. Most barrier creams should not be applied directly to broken skin.12

For the Medline creams:

• Use externally only and keep the cream out of your eyes.
• Do not use on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites or serious burns.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if the condition worsens, symptoms last more than seven days, or symptoms clear and return within a few days.
• Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
• Protect the container from freezing and excessive heat.

Skin cream residue on clothing, bedding, dressings and bandages can make those fabrics catch fire easily. Keep fabrics containing dried cream away from naked flames.4