Have you ever struggled with itchy, sensitive skin? If so, then you’ve probably used an anti-itch lotion at some point in the proceedings. These lotions typically offer relief from that nagging scratchy feeling that just won’t quit, but how are they able to? Do anti itch cream products numb the skin?
The short and simple answer is, yes they do and it’s an action that feels amazing when all you want the itch to do is stop. However, that’s not the only thing that makes them effective. Continue reading to find out what’s inside.
How Exactly Do Anti Itch Cream Products Work?
Generally speaking, anti itch cream products work in two ways. Firstly, they numb the skin temporarily and secondly, they provide hydration, along with calming ingredients that soothe. The numbing effect is due to a mild topical anesthetic called pramoxine hydrochloride which blocks the signals that connect your skin’s nerve endings to the brain.
This blocking action stops the discomfort in its tracks and pretty much eliminates the need to itch. It helps to break the cycle, stopping you from focusing so much on it so that you can get on with your day.
Your Itchy Skin Needs Gentle Ingredients
When you experience nagging, itchy skin, it’s so important that you do what you can to avoid putting products on it that irritate it more. Things like fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals (often used to make the product smell nicer and seem more appealing) can actually cause your skin more issues when you’re just trying to soothe it.
It’s for this reason that itch lotions will usually contain super-gentle ingredients like aloe, squalane, and jojoba oil. So what part does each of these ingredients play? Let’s take a closer look at each one:
- Aloe – A soothing and hydrating ingredient, known for calming redness and irritation.
- Squalane – This helps to restore moisture and maintain the skin barrier.
- Jojoba Oil – This addition closely mimics your skin’s natural oils, providing gentle hydration without triggering irritation.
When put together in a single cream, these ingredients help to soothe your skin effectively while providing a protective barrier that stops it getting more irritated. Of course, the mild numbing effect is nice, but it’s only there to give you some short, temporary relief while the other ingredients are working their magic and allowing your skin to recover naturally.
Does Itch Cream Numb Your Skin? Yes, But Only For a Short Time
The answer is yes, but gently, and only temporarily. A lotion that contains pramoxine hydrochloride will offer mild numbing to give you the immediate relief you need to stop that urge to itch. Then, the other ingredients (aloe, squalane, and jojoba oil) help your skin get on with the long-term job of healing and soothing. Basically, it’s an option that takes all of the urgency away, making it ideal for the daily management of irritated, itchy skin.
By understanding what’s in your lotion, you can ensure you’re soothing your skin when it gets itchy rather than unintentionally causing yourself more problems.
