Skin hydration is significantly increased by a cream formulated to mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems

Abstract

Background: Moisturizers are topical products designed to improve and maintain the skin barrier function and to help prevent dry skin.

Materials and methods: A new moisturizer (Ceramide cream) was formulated containing ingredients which mimic the skin's own natural moisturizing systems. Corneometry was performed at baseline, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours following a single application of Ceramide cream to healthy skin, and compared to three reference moisturizers available over-the-counter, and placebo. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was also measured following a single application of Ceramide cream compared to baseline, and its safety was assessed by repeat insult patch test, ophthalmologist and pediatric testing.

Results: A single topical application of either the Ceramide cream or the three reference moisturizers resulted in a significant increase in skin hydration over time (P<0.001). The placebo cream did not significantly increase skin hydration at any time point. At 24 hours post-application, skin hydration measured for Ceramide cream was significantly greater (P<0.05) than that measured for all three of the reference moisturizers tested. Ceramide cream was also found to significantly decrease TEWL (P<0.001) over 24 hours, and was shown to be non-sensitizing to the skin of both adults and children and non-irritating to the skin, eyes and related eye area.

Conclusion: Ceramide cream increases skin hydration and improves barrier function which may make it suitable for use on dry skin.

Keywords: ceramide; dry skin; emollient; humectant; moisturizer; natural moisturizing factor; occludent; stratum corneum; transepidermal water loss.

Figure 1

Mean difference for hydration scores (treated minus untreated) over time (h) following the single application of (•) Ceramide cream, (•) placebo cream, (•) Reference Product 1, (•) Reference Product 2 and (•) Reference Product 3 (n=10 for each group). Notes: *P<0.0001 vs Ceramide cream, ^#P<0.001 vs Ceramide cream, ^{^}P<0.01 vs Ceramide cream and ^‡P<0.05 vs Ceramide cream.