What do protectives do for inflamed skin?

Protectives are substances or treatments applied to inflamed skin to provide a layer of coverage that helps to shield the affected area from further irritation and injury, while also promoting healing. This covering effect can soothe symptoms such as redness and discomfort, creating an environment conducive to recovery. By protecting the inflamed skin, they prevent exposure to irritants and help maintain moisture, which is essential for healing.

The other options, while related to different mechanisms of skin response or treatments, do not accurately describe the primary function of protectives. For example, increasing blood circulation is more typically associated with treatments that actively promote healing or warming effects, whereas decreasing cell turnover is more related to the management of conditions like acne or warts. Stimulating the immune response might apply to certain treatments or medications, but protectives focus primarily on the immediate shielding and soothing of inflamed skin rather than stimulating immune activity.