As an esthetician, I treat many clients with varying needs, especially teenagers, who are using Cerave or Cetaphil as their cleanser, or moisturizer, or both. So often these products are knocked for being, well, shit; not necessarily because they are bad for your skin, but because they just don’t really do much. In short, they’re basic.
However, sometimes going basic is really the best way to treat some of the most common skin conditions. Cerave and Cetaphil are household names when it comes to skincare, especially among dermatologists. This is becuase both products are simple and inconsequential; in other words they don’t really offer much to benefit or progress the skin. So why are they recommended?
Both lines are suggested primarily for clients using a lot of active ingredients, or undergoing barrier compromising treatments such as laser, peels or microneedling. It is common for your esthetician to suggest something more substantial than Cetaphil or Cerave because we know that parabens, silicones and petrolatum are not necessary ingredients to be included in order to achieve moisture and skin repair, but sometimes, it is too difficult to continue spending on products when treating conditions like acne which can cost a fortune.
So what is the difference between the two and which is the better choice. When it comes to moisturizers Cerave products contain ceramides. Ceramides are important because they are naturally occurring lipids (fats) which repair our outermost layer (stratum corneum) and form a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss. So when we use active ingredients like Retin-A, retinol, BHA’s (salicylic acid), AHA’s (lactic, glycolic etc), or lighteners like hydroquinone, the natural exfoliation cycle of our skin is sped up, and our skin may react negatively. To avoid dryness, peeling, inflammation, and sensitivity, using basic, non reactive products like Cerave or Cetaphil, designed with the intention to hydrate but not interact, is key to a steady treatment.
Esthetician Renee Rouleau, offers a detailed post on how to repair a damaged skin barrier. Although she makes recommendations that incorporate the use of her products which are at a different price point than most pharmacy brands, it is important to take note of the habits alone which are necessary for optimal skin health.