Intensive care – structure, effect & application for demanding skin

What does "intensive care" mean?

Intensive care describes cosmetic treatments or products that have a particularly rich or deeply penetrating formulation. They are designed to regenerate dry, stressed, or mature skin and restore the balance of the skin barrier. ¹

In contrast to the daily basic routine, intensive care is used specifically as a treatment or recovery phase – for example after environmental stress, illnesses or seasonal strain.

When is intensive care appropriate?

• After exposure to sunlight or cold
• For very dry, cracked or flaky skin
• After dermatological treatments (e.g. peels, lasers, retinol therapies)
• For weakened skin barrier and increased sensitivity
• With age, when the skin's lipid and moisture content decreases

Intensive skincare is therefore less about daily cosmetics and more about the targeted reconstruction and regeneration of the skin structure. ²

How effective is intensive care?

Their effect is based on a combination of highly concentrated active ingredients and barrier-strengthening lipids . This combination promotes moisture balance, repairs micro-damage, and stabilizes the skin microbiome. ³

• Occlusive ingredients: e.g., shea butter or squalane, which prevent water loss.
• Moisturizing factors: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea bind moisture in the stratum corneum.
• Regenerative active ingredients: Panthenol, niacinamide, ceramides promote cell repair and barrier building.
• Antioxidants: Vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 protect against oxidative stress.

Intensive care vs. over-care

The right balance is key: Too much skincare can be counterproductive and "over-care" the skin. It becomes sluggish, oily, or irritated. Dermatologists therefore recommend limiting intensive skincare to specific times and tailoring it to individual needs. ⁴

Forms of intensive care

• Night masks & cream treatments: rich formulations with lipid and vitamin content that work overnight.
• Serum concentrates: highly concentrated active ingredients (e.g. peptides or antioxidants) for targeted regeneration.
• Oils & Boosters: for mature or dry skin – promote elasticity and suppleness.
• After-treatment care: soothing emulsions after aesthetic treatments.

How often should you use intensive skincare?

Depending on skin type and condition: once or twice a week as a supplement to your routine. For a weakened skin barrier, daily application for a few weeks may be beneficial. Afterwards, you should return to a lighter, basic routine. ⁵

Scientific findings

Studies show that lipid-rich creams and hydrating formulations significantly reduce the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) rate and improve the skin's barrier function. ^{6 , 7}

Peptides and niacinamide also show improved skin density and elasticity in clinical studies after several weeks of use.

Intensive care in natural cosmetics

In modern natural cosmetics – like those from NATURFACTOR – intensive care doesn't mean "greasy," but rather functional and regenerative . Natural oils, biotechnological active ingredients, and skin-identical lipids are combined in such a way that they work intensively without clogging pores or over-treating the skin.

Conclusion

Intensive care is key to regenerating stressed skin. It strengthens the skin's barrier, provides moisture, and promotes cell renewal. The right balance is crucial – high-quality, dermatologically tested products with a clear focus on active ingredients deliver lasting results without irritation.

Sources

1. Wikipedia (DE): Skin care. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hautpflege
2. DocCheck Flexikon: Skin barrier. https://flexikon.doccheck.com/de/Hautsperre
3. Springer Medicine: Skin Care and Regeneration. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00105-020-04725-2
4. NetDoktor (DE): Proper skincare – don't overdo it. https://www.netdoktor.de/koerperpflege/hautpflege/
5. Charité University Medicine Berlin – Patient information on skin care. https://derma.charite.de/patienteninformationen/
6. Springer Medicine: Lipid-rich emulsions and TEWL reduction. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00105-021-04845-0
7. Wikipedia (DE): Niacinamide. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicotinamide