Moisturizers are commonly used for routine skin care. This study assessed the effects of a moisturizer on barrier function, epidermal architecture, keratinocyte proliferation, and physiological regulation of the epidermis in photoaged but otherwise normal skin. Fifteen women with moderately photoaged forearms were treated twice a day for 4 weeks with a moisturizer containing dimethicone and glycerine. Baseline and post-treatment transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and ipsilateral forearm biopsies were obtained. Epidermal thickness, melanin levels, keratinocyte proliferation, and expression of keratins were evaluated. Induction of keratins 6 and 16, commonly associated with keratinocyte proliferation and wound healing, was observed. Epidermal thickness increased by 0.019 mm (P = 0.005), barrier function improved (TEWL decreased by 13%) and melanin intensity decreased (P = 0.004). Even nonxerotic, photoaged skin may appear younger, benefiting structurally and functionally from routine use of moisturizers containing dimethicone and glycerine.

To assess the effect of exercise-induced sweat on truncal acne, a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled, institution review board-approved clinical trial was conducted on physically active males. Subjects were instructed to exercise long enough to break a sweat 5 days a week for 2 weeks. Group 1 did not exercise (n = 7), group 2 showered within 1 hour of exercise (n = 8), and group 3 waited at least 4 hours to shower after exercising (n = 8). No statistically significant differences in truncal acne were noted between (p = 0.84) nor within (p = 0.74 for group 1, 0.07 for group 2, and 0.09 for group 3) study groups at the end of the study period.