Name: Hydra Fix Balm
Brand: SkinQ Rx

Indication

Barrier repair and moisture seal. Indicated as the final step (Step 5, AM + PM) in the Hydration Protocol — locks in the serum layer and rebuilds the lipid barrier overnight. Also prescribed as Step 5 PM in the Acne Protocol for barrier recovery during retinoid use.

Composition

Active	Form / Type	Purity	Function
Ceramide C3	Essential ceramide	—	Lipid barrier integrity; reduces TEWL via lamellar restoration
Ceramide C6-II	Ceramide Type 6-II	—	Inter-corneocyte cohesion; barrier reinforcement
Ceramide C9	Long-chain ceramide	—	Lamellar anchor; outer-layer water impermeability
Shea Butter	Butyrospermum Parkii	—	Emollient occlusion, surface seal, non-comedogenic
Sodium Hyaluronate	Low + High MW blend	95.4%	Dual-depth moisture: surface film + epidermal hydration
Niacinamide	Vitamin B3	99.4%	Endogenous ceramide synthesis; pore refinement
Vitamin E	Tocopherol	97.9%	Lipid antioxidant; barrier matrix protection

No mineral oil, no silicones, no artificial fragrance.

Mechanism of Action

A ceramide-first barrier formula — the lipid complex that the stratum corneum recognises as its own, paired with humectants that draw water in and hold it there.

3-Ceramide complex (C3, C6-II, C9) replicates the natural ceramide ratio in healthy stratum corneum. Restores intercellular lamellar structure, directly reducing TEWL.

Sodium Hyaluronate (Low + High MW blend) provides surface film and epidermal hydration in parallel — sustained moisture over 48–72 hours.

Niacinamide (99.4%) stimulates endogenous ceramide biosynthesis, amplifying the exogenous ceramide effect. Compatible in both Hydration and Acne protocols.

Shea Butter + Vitamin E form the occlusive top layer that locks moisture in and protects the lipid matrix from oxidative damage.

Dosage & Administration

Begin with clean, pH-balanced skin — apply after the Skin Balance Gentle Cleanser.
If using with the Hydra Fix Serum, allow serum to absorb for 60 seconds before applying the balm.
Warm a pea-sized amount between fingertips and press gently onto cheeks, forehead, and chin — do not rub.
Extend over neck and décolletage — particularly important in post-procedure regimens.
AM: follow immediately with Photo Defense SPF50+ to complete the protocol.

Frequency

AM + PM Daily. Final step in both routines. The ceramide complex works continuously — consistent daily use is required to sustain the +11.7% TEWL improvement.

Protocol Position

Step 1Cleanse

Step 2Serum

Step 3Mask

Step 4SPF

Step 5This Product

Final step in the Hydration Protocol — ceramide barrier over the serum layer that prevents TEWL and sustains moisture response for 48–72 hours. Also prescribed as Step 5 PM in the Acne Protocol — applied after Acni Derm Retinol Serum to support barrier recovery and reduce retinoid-associated dryness.

Post-Procedure Use

Safe from Day 1 post-laser and post-peel. The 3-ceramide complex restores the compromised lipid barrier rapidly — reduces post-procedure tightness and supports re-epithelialisation.

Compatibility & Layering

Compatible with all SkinQ Rx protocol stacks. Co-prescribed in the Acne Protocol (Step 5 PM only) alongside Acni Derm Retinol Serum — the ceramide and Niacinamide complex counters retinoid-induced dryness throughout the adaptation phase.

Clinical Evidence

N=32 · IN-VIVO · Corneometer + Tewameter · Immediate · 30 min · 48–72 hr

+62%

Instant hydration · Corneometer · 30 min

100%

Subjects responded (no non-responders)

84%

Lasting moisture · 48–72 hr

+11.7%

Barrier (TEWL) · Tewameter · 30 min

0 AE

Across all subjects

View full clinical study: 72-Hour Moisturisation & Barrier Study →

Adverse Events

0 AE reported across 32 subjects. No sensitisation, no comedogenicity observed.

Storage

Store below 25°C. Keep away from direct sunlight. Use within 6 months of opening. Do not freeze.

Hydra FixBalm

Most commonly paired with

The barrier seal your patients need after every treatment.

Hydra Fix
Balm