Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Different Uses of Aqueous Cream?

Sarah Sullins
Sarah Sullins

Aqueous cream is a moisturizer that is often used to prevent and treat dry skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis. It is also used as a substitute for soap, shaving cream, and lip balm. Many doctors in the United Kingdom recommend this cream for patients undergoing radiation therapy as well.

As a person ages, the layer of oil on the skin begins to break down, and the person's skin is unable to retain water. The skin then becomes more easily dehydrated, leading to a dry, cracked, irritated surface. The oily base of aqueous cream helps to trap naturally occurring moisture against the surface of the skin. This allows a person's skin to remain smooth and silky and hydrated.

Aqueous cream may be used to improve dry skin.
Aqueous cream may be used to improve dry skin.

Dry skin is often exacerbated by the harsh soaps and hot water a person uses when he is bathing. Soaps and shower gels are often responsible for taking away the layer of oil that naturally occurs on the skin. Replacing these harsh cleaners with a more gentle aqueous cream can often prevent this type of damage from occurring as quickly.

Many types of dry skin conditions can be treated with this type of cream. Most of these conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis, become worse when the skin is not treated and left to become dry. Physicians typically recommend people apply the cream several times a day to help keep the skin moisturized. Using aqueous cream right after bathing, while the skin is still damp, might also help to trap moisture against the skin and prevent it from drying out.

Gentle aqueous creams can be used in lieu of skin care products that leave the face dry and irritated.
Gentle aqueous creams can be used in lieu of skin care products that leave the face dry and irritated.

The cream is also used as a substitute for shaving cream. It is used for this purpose to soften the hair follicles on a person's face or legs and to reduce the coarseness of the hair that is left. Aqueous cream is also used as a lip balm to treat and prevent dry, chapped lips.

In the United Kingdom, patients who must undergo radiation therapy are often encouraged to use this type of cream. The radiation often causes erythema, a dry, itchy red rash on the skin. Aqueous cream can help reduce the symptoms of the rash.

Most people who use this cream will have no side effects. Mild skin irritation is generally the only problem that occurs. It can be used to prevent, reduce, and treat the symptoms of dry skin that occur for any number of reasons.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Aqueous cream may be used to improve dry skin.
      By: goodluz
      Aqueous cream may be used to improve dry skin.
    • Gentle aqueous creams can be used in lieu of skin care products that leave the face dry and irritated.
      By: CandyBox Images
      Gentle aqueous creams can be used in lieu of skin care products that leave the face dry and irritated.
    • Aqueous cream is often used to treat eczema.
      By: robert mobley
      Aqueous cream is often used to treat eczema.