Usage Of Aqueous Cream: Benefits And Side Effects

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There are so many medicated products that are now available at different stores. When it is about something for dry skin, one usually needs a medicated moisturizer to keep skin hydrated. Among different medicated moisturizers, Aqueous cream is one of those products. 

Each skincare item has both benefits if you apply them accordingly. Otherwise, there are different side effects as well. Aqueous cream is an effective and dermatologically tested emollient for dry skin. However, some users have reported skin irritations from using it. And there arises confusion about whether it is good or bad.  

Here in this article, we will see details on the Aqueous Cream, including its usage, benefits, side effects, users’ reviews, and experts’ discussion. So read the article thoroughly.

What Is Aqueous Cream?

Aqueous cream is a kind of emollient or moisturizer to treat dry skin disorders like eczema that does not leave behind a greasy residue. It is produced by combining emulsifying ointment with water in equal parts. 

Moreover, one can use it instead of Soap. As a soap alternative or cleansing product, it acts by forming an oil coating on the skin’s surface, keeping moisture trapped underneath and from evaporating. In this manner, it helps the skin to maintain its natural moisture and reduces the sensation of dryness. 

Types Of Aqueous Cream

All Aqueous creams are not formulated in the same way. As per the formulation, there are two types of Aqueous creams. One is SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) formulated, and the other one is SLS-free. 

Both have different usage guidelines. However, dermatologists always suggest using the SLS-free one because it is safe. You should consult with a dermatologist before choosing one for your skin. 

As a further note, most people have side effects from SLS-formulated Aqueous creams. And that is because they don’t know how to use it.

[Check the “How to use Aqueous Cream” to know the usage guideline]

What Are The Benefits Of Aqueous Cream?

You should learn why Aqueous cream is used before you discover its benefits. It is a popular product that may be used topically as an emollient or moisturizer for the clinical alleviation of dry skin disorders like eczema. It can also be used as a soap substitute for washing the skin. Both of these applications are common. 

As an emollient or moisturizer, it has multiple benefits. So, what are the Aqueous Cream BP benefits? Let’s know about them in detail-

Moisturization 

The primary function that the aqueous cream fulfils is that of providing the skin with hydration. The medicated formulation of this product is particularly useful for the treatment of dry skin.

Eczema Treatment

Many people ask, “Is Aqueous cream good for eczema?” The answer is, “Yes.” It is an emollient that may help relieve the symptoms of dry skin disorders like atopic eczema, which is one of them.

Also Read: Does Aqueous Cream Lighten Skin?

Soap Alternative

The best part about aqueous cream is that it is a great alternative to Soap. This cream cleans your skin more effectively than Soap, but regular Soap can dry out your skin. So, as a soap alternative, this cream is great.

Skin Smoothening

If your dry skin remains untreated for a long time, it becomes chapped and cracked. In this case, the Aqueous cream works well to retain your skin’s smoothness and natural glowing appearance. 

What Are The Side Effects Of Aqueous Cream?

Nothing comes without a negative reaction. Although Aqueous cream has a lot of benefits for treating dry skin conditions like eczema, it can still cause different side effects. What are the Aqueous cream side effects? Well, if you choose the wrong one or apply it inappropriately, you may experience itching, rash, burning, redness, stinging, and others. For the children, the situation may become more severe.

Why side effects? Here’s the main thing, if the cream doesn’t work for your face, you’ll have problems. There are mostly adverse reactions on users’ skin caused by aqueous creams containing SLS. 

If you apply the SLS formulated Aqueous cream on the skin as a normal moisturizer or emollient, it will cause severe skin irritation. That’s why dermatologists always recommend not leaving an Aqueous cream that contains SLS on the skin for a long time. They also advise washing off the skin after applying the cream.

Another side effect of the Aqueous cream is it may thin your skin layer. After several weeks of usage, scientists from Bath University discovered that aqueous cream caused the skin to become thinner. They argue that this is because it also includes a detergent, in addition to moisturizers, in the product. 

According to a second expert, it seems that the majority of general practitioners are unaware of the official warning to refrain from prescribing the cream as a moisturizer. That’s why we always say, “Don’t apply any medicated skincare product without expert consultation.”

Usage Tips Of Aqueous Cream?

It’s imperative that you know how to apply the Aqueous cream if you want to reap its benefits to the fullest. Remember, use it while your doctor prescribes it to you. 

Usage Guidelines For The SLS formulated Aqueous Cream

If your aqueous cream includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), you can use it only as a soap. You must remove it thoroughly from the skin and not leave it there for an extended period of time.

Usage Guidelines For The SLS Free Aqueous Cream

If the aqueous cream you are using does not include SLS, then it does not have to be removed from the skin and may be kept there instead like a moisturizer.

How To Use Aqueous Cream As Soap? Including Usage Tips

Aqueous cream as a soap substitute should be used in place of Soap. The skin might get irritated and dry from soaps, including bubble baths and shower gels. This may aggravate an existing case of eczema. 

Even though it does not produce foam or froth as ordinary Soap does, aqueous cream cleans the skin. So, how to use aqueous cream as Soap? Well, it may be used before, during, or after the process of bathing, showering, or washing. Moreover, there are some steps that you should know.

Step 1 

Apply some warm water to the skin and pat it dry. Squeeze a half tbsp of water-based cream into your palm. Mix the dry ingredients together, then add a little bit of warm water and rub it in your hands.

Step 2

Patting, rather than rubbing, should be the action you use to apply the aqueous cream and water combination all over your face. The skin may become irritated and even torn if you rub it. Retain the lotion away from the interior of your mouth and your eyes and nose.

Step 3

Rinse everything with water that is lukewarm all the way through. The skin may become irritated if any residue is left behind. Using a gentle towel, pat your skin until it is completely dry.

Step 4

Finally, to prevent moisture loss, seal it using a hydrating lotion rather of an aqueous cream by patting it on in a circular motion. It is important to avoid rubbing or pulling at the skin since doing so might irritate it. 

REMEMBER, because applying aqueous cream in the bathtub or shower might cause the floor to become slippery, it is important to make use of a bath mat or shower mat to prevent falls. If you are going to use it on a child, take additional precautions to ensure that they do not fall while they are bathing.

Users’ Reviews

1. Nicole Ramos (Verified Buyer)

“Does what it says on the label” (Source: Amazon)

2. Eng (Verified Buyer)

“Great for sensitive skin or eczema problem skin.” (Source: Amazon)

3. LBP (Verified Buyer)

“Great for dry skin/eczema” (Source: Amazon)

FAQs

Is Aqueous cream good for oily skin?

SLS-free Aqueous cream is suitable for normal, oily, and dry skin. So if your skin matches these types, it will work for you. That is because it is a non-comedogenic product. So it won’t clog the pores. Moreover, because of its liquid formulation, it helps to keep your skin hydrated.

Is Aqueous cream good for sunburn?

Not every Aqueous cream is good for sunburn. Only Aqueous Calamine cream is suitable to treat one’s sunburn. That is because it is formulated with calamine and zinc oxide. These ingredients are important for healing sunburn.

Can you use Aqueous cream daily?

Yes, you can use Aqueous Cream daily on your face. As you know, Aqueous can be used instead of Soap. Since you use Soap daily, your can use Aqueous cream regularly.

Does Aqueous cream clog pores?

Not at all. A barrier is created by Aqueous cream, preventing water from penetrating the skin and causing irritation. It is a non-comedogenic substance that allows air to pass through the skin. That’s why it doesn’t clog the skin’s pores and relieves skin rashes.

Conclusion

Finally, we are here to conclude our discussion on the benefits and side effects of the Aqueous cream. Now you must know about both the SLS formulated and SLS free cream. Choose wisely, as your dermatologist recommends. And apply it accordingly.

Hopefully, this article will resolve all your confusion about Aqueous cream. Wish you have glowing and hydrated skin in all weather.