Cetaphil: Intensive care for sensitive and dry skin

The dermoscosmetics brand Cetaphil is the most recommended brand for sensitive skin by dermatologists in the USA and may soon be in Switzerland too. It is particularly appreciated for its moisturising care - especially for sensitive skin. We have tested the skincare and reveal our experiences with Cetaphil. 

A soap-free cleansing lotion laid the foundation for the brand 75 years ago. A dermatologist developed this first version of the cleansing lotion, which is still available today in an almost unchanged formulation. In 1947, this was the first Cetaphil product to be launched on the market and the history of skin care took its course. Even back then, the development of products that primarily satisfied the needs of sensitive skin played a central role. Since then, the company has been continuously researching new skin care products and regularly conducts clinical studies in which more than 30,000 test subjects have now taken part. 

From the very beginning, the brand has dedicated itself to the care and protection of sensitive skin. It focuses primarily on gentle formulations and mild, skin-friendly ingredients. Dermatologists in the USA in particular mainly recommend Cetaphil when patients are looking for care for sensitive skin. The brand continuously invests in research and clinical tests to ensure the effectiveness and tolerability of its products and, above all, to develop them further. This has resulted in a broad product range that offers solutions for all conceivable skin types. In addition to moisturisers and skin cleansers, this also includes sun protection products and care for sensitive baby skin. 

Sensitive skin can manifest itself in different ways. This is mainly because there are different types and the triggers can also be very diverse. The Cetaphil brand has set itself the task of combating the following symptoms:

• Weakened skin barrier - Aggressive substances from the outside can irritate the skin more easily and also dry it out.
• Dryness - People with dry skin are three times more likely to have sensitive skin than people with normal, oily or combination skin. This is because the skin is less elastic and reacts more sensitively. Its cell metabolism is disturbed. 
• Roughness - Normal skin is in a constant process of cell renewal, in which old cells die and are replaced by new ones. As soon as this process is disrupted, rough, dry patches remain on the skin that need an extra dose of care
• Feeling of tightness - The lack of moisture often results in an unpleasant feeling of tightness because the skin is not elastic enough. 
• Irritation  -If the skin barrier is weakened, itching, burning or even stinging may occur.

Caring for dry and sensitive skin starts with the right cleanser. I received the extra gentle cleansing foam and cleansing lotion from Cetaphil to test and was a little confused at first. The bottle of cleansing lotion is so big that I mistook it for shower gel. You can also use it in the shower, but it is actually intended as a gentle cleanser and make-up remover for the face. And it works in two ways. 

1. One is the traditional method, where you gently massage the lotion into your facial skin and then rinse it off with water.
2. If your skin is particularly dry, I recommend the second option without water. You can also use the cleansing lotion like a cleansing milk. To do this, massage it into the skin and remove with a soft cloth. 

Just try out which type is best for you. The gylcerine it contains preserves moisture while panthenol protects the skin barrier - and the cleansing is really particularly gentle. 

Especially after showering and bathing, your skin needs moisturising care to replenish it. We have three care lotions from Cetaphil in our shop: the moisturising lotion, the intensive nourishing moisturiser for particularly dry skin and the moisturising cream for particularly dry areas of the body such as elbows or feet and hands. 

I already had particularly dry skin on my knees, shins and elbows as a child and have moisturised myself after every shower ever since. If I don't do this, my skin turns into a desert landscape. However, as I keep at it, my skin barrier seems to be relatively intact and reacts to external moisturising with immediate relaxation. The moisturising lotion from Cetaphil is sufficient for my needs. Immediately after applying the moisturiser, I have a well-nourished feeling. The skin is very supple and really well moisturised. I can highly recommend it for anyone who suffers from dry skin, especially in winter. 

My tip for dry winter hands: apply a generous amount of cream to the skin before going to bed and put on cotton gloves. You will wake up with smooth, soft hands. I promise!

I think Cetaphil's skincare really lives up to its reputation as an aid for sensitive and dry skin. It provides intensive and long-lasting care. Incidentally, you can tell what type of product it is by the colour of the lid. Blue stands for cleansing and green for moisturising. If you struggle to provide your skin with sufficient moisture, you should definitely try Cetaphil. I wish you every success and a pleasant skin feeling.

💋, Susanna