QV Cream & Intensive Ointment

QV Skincare Cream and Intensive Ointment are dermatologically developed emollients formulated to restore, protect and maintain the skin barrier. They are widely used for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin in both adults and children, and are often recommended by dermatologists as first-line, everyday barrier care. QV products are soap-free, fragrance-free and designed to minimise irritation while delivering long-lasting hydration and comfort.

What is QV Skincare Cream & Intensive Ointment?

QV Skincare is a specialist emollient range created to support barrier repair in compromised skin. The QV Cream is a rich, cosmetically elegant moisturiser suitable for frequent daytime use, while the QV Intensive Ointment provides a heavier, occlusive layer for severely dry or cracked areas and overnight treatment. Both products are free from lanolin, fragrance and colourants, helping to reduce the risk of contact irritation and allergic reactions.

Because of their minimal-ingredient, high-lipid design, QV Cream and Intensive Ointment are used in routine care of:

• Atopic eczema and dermatitis
• Psoriasis and xerosis (very dry skin)
• Age-related dryness in older adults
• Occupational dry skin (e.g. frequent handwashing)
• Infant and paediatric sensitive skin

Why the Skin Barrier Matters

The outer skin barrier (stratum corneum) functions like “brick and mortar”: skin cells (corneocytes) are the bricks, and lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) are the mortar. When this structure is damaged — through genetics, over-washing, harsh detergents, climate, or inflammatory conditions — water escapes more easily and irritants penetrate more deeply. This leads to dryness, micro-cracking, itching and inflammation.

Studies show that people with atopic eczema can have up to 50–70% higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared with healthy skin. Regular use of emollients like QV Cream and Intensive Ointment can reduce TEWL, improve hydration, and significantly decrease flare frequency when used as part of a consistent regimen.

How QV Cream & Intensive Ointment Work

QV products combine three core effects:

• Occlusion: The Intensive Ointment forms a semi-occlusive film that slows down water loss from the skin surface, allowing the barrier to rehydrate from within.
• Emollience: Lipid-rich ingredients fill microscopic gaps between corneocytes, smoothing rough patches and improving flexibility.
• Humectant support: Moisturising agents attract and hold water within the upper layers of the skin, improving plumpness and resilience.

“Well-chosen emollients are the foundation of eczema management. A fragrance-free, high-lipid cream like QV can halve the number of flares when used regularly.” — Dr A. Singh, Consultant Dermatologist

“Intensive ointments have a crucial role in ‘rescue’ care for severely dry skin. They create a restorative micro-environment that allows barrier lipids and natural moisturising factors to recover.” — Clinical Nurse Specialist in Dermatology

Key Benefits of QV Skincare Cream & Intensive Ointment

• Fragrance-free and colour-free: Minimises common triggers for contact dermatitis and irritation.
• Suitable for sensitive and atopic skin: Gentle enough for long-term daily use in adults and children.
• High moisturising efficacy: Users often report noticeable improvement in dryness and tightness within days.
• Versatile textures: Cream for daytime wear and larger areas; ointment for very dry plaques, hands, feet or overnight occlusion.
• Supports steroid-sparing strategies: By maintaining the barrier, QV can help reduce the need for frequent topical steroid use.

How to Use QV Cream & Intensive Ointment

• Frequency: Apply at least 2–3 times daily on affected areas, and more often during flare-ups or in cold, dry weather.
• After washing: Apply within 3–5 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower to lock in residual moisture.
• Layering with treatments: If using prescription creams (e.g. steroids), apply them first, allow to absorb, then follow with QV unless instructed otherwise by your clinician.
• Overnight repair: Use QV Intensive Ointment in a thicker layer on very dry areas (hands, feet, shins) at night; cotton gloves or socks can improve occlusion.
• Gentle cleansing: Combine QV with mild cleansers or gentle soaps that do not strip natural oils.

QV Cream vs QV Intensive Ointment

QV Cream is a rich, non-greasy emollient suitable for large body areas, daytime use, and users who prefer a cream texture that absorbs relatively quickly. It is ideal for maintenance therapy, mild to moderate dryness, and as an all-over moisturiser for face and body.

QV Intensive Ointment is thicker, more occlusive and slower to absorb, making it best for severely dry, cracked or scaly skin. It is often used at night or on focal areas like elbows, knees, shins, heels and hands. Ointments can feel heavier but provide superior water retention, which is crucial for barrier restoration in very dry skin.

Evidence & Statistics Supporting Emollient Use

• Regular emollient use has been linked to a 30–50% reduction in eczema flare frequency in clinical studies when compared to “as-needed” moisturising alone.
• Patients who apply emollient at least twice daily maintain significantly lower TEWL readings than those using it less frequently.
• In paediatric dermatology, early and consistent emollient use in high-risk infants has been associated with a reduced chance of developing severe atopic dermatitis.
• Barrier-supportive skincare has also been shown to improve sleep quality in children with eczema by reducing nocturnal itching.

Skin Types & Conditions that Benefit from QV

• Atopic eczema: Helps reduce dryness, itch and micro-cracking that trigger flares.
• Contact dermatitis: Soothes irritation and restores barrier after exposure to irritants.
• Psoriasis: Softens plaques, reduces scaling and prepares skin for other topical treatments.
• Ichthyosis and severe xerosis: Supports long-term management of thickened, flaky skin.
• Mature and aged skin: Compensates for diminished natural lipid production and reduced barrier function.

How QV Fits Within a Complete Skincare Routine

QV Cream and Intensive Ointment can be used as the backbone of a simple, effective routine:

• Cleanse with mild, non-foaming products suited to sensitive skin.
• Apply QV Cream across the body after bathing; top up dry patches during the day.
• Apply QV Intensive Ointment on very dry or thickened areas, especially overnight.
• Use targeted products where needed, such as hand cream for occupational hand dryness and lighter moisturisers on less-affected areas.
• Users with eczema may also benefit from exploring eczema support ranges for flare-management products.

FAQs – QV Cream & Intensive Ointment

1. Is QV suitable for babies and newborns?

Yes. QV’s fragrance-free, gentle formulations are widely used in infants and children. Many clinicians recommend emollients like QV as first-line care for baby eczema and very dry skin, but if you are unsure or your baby has extensive rash, seek medical advice.

2. How often should I apply QV Cream or Ointment?

For very dry or eczema-prone skin, 2–3 applications per day are common. During flares or in winter, you may need more frequent use. Consistency is more important than the exact number of applications.

3. Can I use QV on my face?

Yes, QV Cream can be used on the face, especially in dry or sensitive areas. Some people find the Intensive Ointment too heavy for daytime facial use but it can be helpful in very dry patches (e.g. around the nose or on the cheeks) at night.

4. Will QV make my skin greasy or clog pores?

QV Cream is designed to be rich yet cosmetically acceptable; it may feel slightly occlusive but is generally well tolerated. The Intensive Ointment is heavier and may feel greasy on the face or for those with oily or acne-prone skin; use it on body or localised dry areas in such cases.

5. Can I use QV alongside steroid creams or other medicated treatments?

Yes. In fact, emollients are often used together with topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors or other treatments. Typically medicated creams are applied first, allowed to absorb, and then QV is applied on top. Always follow your clinician’s instructions for timing and order of application.

6. How long does it take to see results?

Many people notice softer, more comfortable skin within a few days of regular use. Significant improvement in chronic dryness or eczema often becomes apparent after 2–4 weeks of consistent, twice-daily application.

7. Is QV safe for long-term, everyday use?

Yes. Emollients like QV are designed for long-term use and are a cornerstone of chronic dry-skin and eczema management. There is no known limit on duration of use when applied as directed on intact skin.

8. Can QV help reduce itching at night?

Yes. By improving hydration and barrier integrity, QV often reduces the itch-scratch cycle, especially when used generously in the evening. Many patients report better sleep once their emollient routine is established.

9. Should I stop QV when my skin looks better?

No. Once the skin improves, QV should be continued as maintenance to prevent relapse. Stopping completely often leads to a return of dryness and potential flare-ups.

10. Can QV be used after bathing in very hot water?

Very hot water can damage the skin barrier and cause extra dryness. It is better to bathe in lukewarm water, pat the skin dry, and then apply QV within a few minutes to lock in moisture. If you do take a hotter bath or shower, QV becomes even more important afterwards.

11. Is QV suitable for people with fragrance allergies?

Yes. QV Cream and Intensive Ointment are fragrance-free and colourant-free, which is particularly beneficial for people who react to perfumes and other cosmetic additives.

12. Can QV help with psoriasis?

QV is not a cure for psoriasis, but its emollient, barrier-supportive action can soften plaques, reduce scaling and improve comfort. It is often used alongside prescription treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.