Which type of products are used to enhance the protective barrier of the skin?

Moisturizers are designed to enhance the protective barrier of the skin by providing hydration and preventing water loss. They contain ingredients that help to restore the skin's natural barrier function, ensuring that it remains soft, pliable, and healthy. Ingredients commonly found in moisturizers, such as humectants, occlusives, and emollients, work together to attract moisture, lock it in, and smooth the skin's surface.

While other products like sunscreens provide essential protection against UV damage, they primarily focus on shielding the skin from harmful rays rather than directly enhancing the skin's moisture levels or barrier. Exfoliants are aimed at removing dead skin cells, which can improve texture but do not directly contribute to maintaining the barrier. Primers prepare the skin for makeup application but do not necessarily enhance the skin's natural protective functions like moisturizers do.