Multi parametric biophysical assessment of treatment effects on xerotic skin

Abstract

Background: Topical moisturizing products are widely used to alleviate the problems associated with xerotic skin. Their use affects many properties of the stratum corneum (SC) in a complex and interrelated manner. The range of measurement techniques available to the researcher has increased in recent years. However, few studies have looked for correlations between the different techniques for assessing how aspects of xerotic skin change over time as a result of topical moisturizer usage. Objectives: A 3-week in vivo study using an oil-in-water based moisturizing product and an untreated site was conducted to determine the clinical significance of and any correlations between a range of different approaches for the measurement of skin lipid content and also skin hydration and visual grading of dry skin. Methods: A range of traditional and more recently developed skin measurement techniques have been used to examine a variety of SC properties in normal and xerotic skin during topical moisturizer usage. Results: In vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy and analysis of SC lipids from tape strips both showed an increase in SC lipid level and organization after 3 weeks of moisturizer usage on xerotic skin. Hydration, measured both optically and electrically, also increased and skin barrier function improved, with strong correlations between the different measures of dryness being observed. Conclusions: Strong correlations were observed between the skin measurements for lipid assessment and skin hydration with regard to the assessment of xerotic skin, providing valuable new information for future in vivo clinical research into dry and atopic skin.

Three New Dexpanthenol-Containing Face Creams: Performance and Acceptability after Single and Repeated Applications in Subjects of Different Ethnicity with Dry and Sensitive Skin

“…Hydration of the skin helps to improve dryness and associated symptoms [6]. In fact, previous studies showed that moisturizers or emollients increase skin surface hydration and alleviate dry skin symptoms, but their effectiveness depends on their composition [4,7,8]. Specifically, there is still an unmet need for facial moisturizers satisfying consumers of different ethnicities [3].…”

Effects of eczema calming lotion on the stratum corneum in atopic dermatitis: Corneodesmosin and intercellular lipid lamellae

“…Dry skin or xerosis may be associated with the onset of severe skin diseases such as AD or ichthyosis vulgaris [33]. An important common feature in xerosis and AD is the decrease in the synthesis of skin lipids (cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides) and the resulting decreased formation of ICLL as a result of the lack of lipids and the necessary processing enzymes in the skin barrier [34].…”

Performance and Acceptability of a New Dexpanthenol-Containing Hand Cream in Subjects with Sensitive and Very Dry Skin: A Randomized Controlled Study

“…Five readings were taken per test area and assessment time. The highest and lowest were removed, and the mean of the remaining three readings was used as an actual measurement value for further analysis, as reported before [12]. Subjects could not enter the study if they suffered from any skin condition at the test areas that might influence the interpretation of study data; a condition requiring the use of drugs interfering with study results within 1 week (immunosuppressive drugs, antihistamines, any topical medication at the test areas) or within 3 days (anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics with the exception of acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol) before or during the study; or had allergies to cosmetic products or ingredients.…”

“…Five readings were taken per test area and assessment time. The highest and lowest were removed, and the mean of the remaining three readings was used as an actual measurement value for further analysis, as reported before [12].…”

“…Measurements were conducted at baseline and on day 29. For each assessment, the probe was held in place for 30 s. The average of the last 10 s (= 10 values) represented the actual measurement value [12,13]. One TEWL measurement was performed per test area and time point.…”