If your face and neck often feel tight or rough, a richer moisturiser may help them feel comfortable. Osmosis Enrich is a face and neck cream for dry skin, and the richest moisturiser in the Osmosis range. Here is what's in it, who it suits, how to use it morning or night, and what to check first if you have a nut allergy or react easily to fragrance.
Do you need a face and neck cream for dry skin?
Dry skin is short of moisture in its outer layer, so it can look dull and feel rough and less supple. Cool, windy weather, air conditioning, heaters, frequent washing and soap can all add to it. Moisturisers are the mainstay, and the drier your skin, the thicker your moisturiser can be. DermNet — Dry skin
Slightly dry skin may need only a light moisturiser at night, while very dry skin may do better with a richer one, applied more often. Heavier creams that sit on the skin can bring on or worsen breakouts, though, so if your skin is oily or breaks out easily, a lighter moisturiser may suit you better. DermNet — Emollients and moisturisers
What's in Osmosis Enrich, from shea butter to Kakadu plum?
Enrich, called Enrich Restorative Face & Neck Cream on the box, comes in a 30 mL size. The box lists ageing, sensitive, irritated and dry skin.
Most of its richness comes from shea butter and plant oils: apricot kernel, raspberry seed, rosehip seed, flaxseed and sweet almond, plus ethyl macadamiate, an ingredient made from macadamia oil. Oily ingredients like these soften and smooth skin and leave a thin layer that slows water loss, while glycerin, a humectant, draws water into the skin's outer layer. Moisturisers in general can also make fine lines less noticeable. DermNet — Emollients and moisturisers
It also contains sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), vitamin E, a vitamin C ester and cholesteryl esters, which Osmosis calls liquid crystals. Among its extracts are Swertia chirata, which Osmosis includes to help reduce the look of fine lines, and Kakadu plum, a fruit native to northern Australia, alongside wild blueberry, elderflower and chamomile extracts and witch hazel water.
How do you use Osmosis Enrich, morning or night?
The box says: after serums, apply a small amount. Smooth it over your face and down your neck. If you use an Osmosis activating mist, press that in after your serum and before the cream.
- At night: Osmosis describes Enrich as a night cream, so it can be the last step of your evening routine.
- In the morning: Osmosis also suggests a thin layer before make-up. Enrich is not a sunscreen, so put sunscreen on over it, before any make-up.
Cancer Council recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen every day the UV index is forecast to reach 3 or above, using about a teaspoon for your face, neck and ears. Cancer Council Australia — Preventing skin cancer
What should you check before trying Enrich?
Enrich contains sweet almond and apricot kernel oils, and its ethyl macadamiate comes from macadamia oil. Food allergens can turn up in skincare, and labels may list them under their botanical names, so if you have a nut allergy, read the full ingredient list and check with your doctor before you use it. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia — Cosmetics containing food allergens
It also contains bergamot, lemon peel, rose and camphor oils. Fragrances, cosmetics and plants are all possible causes of allergic skin reactions, and moisturisers with perfumes or fragrances can irritate skin. healthdirect — Contact dermatitis For sensitive skin, DermNet suggests fragrance-free products. DermNet — Sensitive skin
Test it first: apply a little to a small area, such as the inside of your upper arm, a few times a day for several days, and watch for a reaction, which can take 24 to 72 hours to appear. DermNet — Allergic contact dermatitis Add one new product at a time. DermNet — Sensitive skin
When to see your GP or dermatologist
Stop using any product that gives you an itchy red rash, swelling or blisters. See your doctor if you are worried, if a rash is not getting better with treatment, or if you also feel unwell or have a fever. For a suspected allergy, your GP can refer you to a dermatologist for patch testing. healthdirect — Contact dermatitis
See your GP, too, if your skin is dry and itchy, or if you are not sure whether a rash is eczema, as other skin conditions can look similar. If you do have eczema, healthdirect suggests fragrance-free moisturisers, so ask your GP or pharmacist which one to use. healthdirect — Eczema
Our sensitive skin guide explains possible causes of reactive skin and when to get it checked.
What can we talk about at Melbourne Wellness?
At an advanced skin analysis appointment we can look at your skin with you, go through your routine and products, and talk through whether a richer cream suits you and when to use it. If anything suggests you need a medical opinion, we will say so.
Questions you might bring:
- Is my skin dry, or is something else going on?
- Do I need a richer cream at night only, or in the morning too?
- Which ingredients have bothered my skin before?
For more, see moving your skincare routine from winter into spring, a comfortable routine for sensitive skin and the order to apply your skincare.
