How to soothe heat rash with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Barrier Cream: Review
Apart from relieving itchy, irritated skin, the Ultra Facial Advanced Barrier cream may also be used around the eyes, lips and even windburn – a travel must-have
The recent scorching weather, with temperatures soaring as high as 35 degrees Celsius, got me and my partner hot and bothered. My partner has been relatively immobile and confined to our home for at least six weeks after surgery, leaving him at the mercy of the recent heat and humidity. Without the respite of airconditioned offices, he started developing unexplained heat rash on his neck, ear and waist areas. This came as a surprise because his skin has never given him much problems. He stoically went about his business, ignoring the itch until I saw a palm-sized patch of heat rash at the back of his waist.
What is heat rash?
According to The Australian Government’s Health Direct website, a heat rash “happens when the body sweats more than usual, and is more common during summer months or in a hot climate… It causes small red spots in places where sweat collects, such as the armpits, back, under the breasts, chest, groin, elbow creases and back of the knees, and the waist.”
Situations like sun damage, stress, over exposure to extreme weather conditions, overuse of active ingredients and skin sensitivity can compromise your skin barrier.Kiehl's dermatologist on why we may need to change up our skincare routine
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The skincare crusader to the rescue
After some research, I decided to try Kiehl’s latest launch – the Ultra Facial Advanced Barrier Cream. On the product packaging, it promised to "instantly relieve and intensively repair skin's moisture barrier", and it claimed to be suitable for skin "prone to distress and discomfort" – perfect!
After three days of twice-daily application on the spots, the heat rash faded significantly, and my partner reported minimal to no itch. The results were significant, although he told me the relief was not instant. True enough, his skin recovered after three to four days.
A week or so later, I also suffered from heat rash. This time on the insides of my left elbow. I blame the weather and swear it was never this uncomfortably hot throughout my growing-up years. My peers can attest to this. Naturally, I reclaimed the life-saving Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Barrier Cream and used it liberally on my poor irritated skin. I had scratched it so severely that dark purplish-red spots appeared. But I was confident in Kiehl’s, which touts itself as a leading, dermatologist-approved, gentle skincare brand for all skin concerns. Afterall, it healed my partner's skin. All i need was consistency in using it and some patience.
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"Out damned spot!" – Putting it to the test myself
The cream felt smooth on my finger and breathable on my skin. As per all Kiehl’s products, the formula had no scent or unnecessary ingredients. The application was smooth and easy and did not feel overly oily. I was eager for it to work its magic like it did for my partner. The itch was soothed somewhat, but I could still see the nasty redness on the insides of my elbow after a few hours, even though the redness faded a little. True enough, the cream delivered its results. I saw a significant decrease in the redness of my rash and religiously applied another layer several times a day to get it to heal my skin faster. After a couple of days, my skin recovered!
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Everyone deserves to know about this
According to Kiehl’s, the Ultra Facial Advanced Barrier Cream is formulated with Colloidal Oatmeal and Beta-Glucan – a potent formula equipped with their “unique Advanced Barrier Technology that mimics skin’s lipid structure to help support the moisture barrier and visibly reduce redness caused by dryness.” And listen up; the potent barrier repair cream is said to help relieve skin dryness up to 10 surface skin layers deep to support skin barrier recovery.
Why you should get it too
Having attested to its efficacy, I'm convinced this is a must-have in everyone's beauty stash, including our travel toiletries list. Kiehl’s dermatologist shares, “Sometimes your skin needs more than just a daily moisturiser for dry skin. Situations like sun damage, stress, over exposure to extreme weather conditions, overuse of active ingredients and skin sensitivity can compromise your skin barrier. This can lead to increased dryness, discomfort, and heightened skin reactivity. Our Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream with Colloidal Oatmeal and Beta-Glucan works as a more intensive treatment to fortify the barrier, instantly soothe, and reduce visible redness for relieved, healthy-looking skin.”
Indeed, just two years ago, my face broke out in an unexplained bout of eczema, and it took me weeks to get it under control. Read all about my scary eczema experience and how I healed here. I have been hearing about how many others around me are starting to experience unprecedented skin issues, such as eczema and my recent heat rash, in recent years.
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This one ingredient restored my eczema skin and I can face the world again!
Here's what the key Ingredients do
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream works based on two main ingredients: Beta-Glucan, a skin-repairing molecule, helps transform dry, sensitive skin into a smoother and healthier appearance. Working hand-in-hand, Colloidal Oatmeal is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds known to soothe sensitive skin and support skin recovery.
How to use for best results
Apply the barrier cream after facial serum using an appropriate amount for your skin needs.
Gently massage in circular motions allowing the formula to get into the skin.
For those with dry, sensitive skin, use it day and night.
Use in place of your moisturisers OR layer on top of Ultra Facial Cream for extra barrier repair.
Discover the rest of the bestselling Ultra Facial Collection, including Kiehl's Ultra facial cream, Ultra gentle cleanser, hydrating mask and Ultra Facial Cream with SPF.
The barrier cream may also be used:
On sensitised skin
Around dry lips
On windburn
Around the eyes
On rough, dry skin
On itchy, irritated skin
And according to their in-house dermatologist, the Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream can even be applied to the cuticles around your nails whenever they feel dry or appear rough. Talk about hardworking, multitasking products that deserve a spot in our limited travel luggage space!
Should you get it?
This is not the first time I'm using Kiehl's products. I have tried their bestselling range which includes the Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol Free Toner, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, Kiehl's Retinol Fast Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum, Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream, and Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily Uv Defense Spf 50 Pa++++ Anti-Pollution. These Kiehl's products have lived up to their promises.
Whether you are suffering from distressed skin or planning your travel list, I'm convinced that Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream is a must-have in any beauty pantry. Get it now!
