A three-hour test for rapid comparison of effects of moisturizers and active constituents (urea). Measurement of hydration, scaling and skin surface lipidization by noninvasive techniques.
An in vivo skin test for rapid comparison of the efficacy of moisturizers is introduced. Test substances were applied to flexor side forearm skin, and measurements by non-invasive techniques were performed after 3 h. As indicators of epidermal hydration, the electrical conductance and capacitance were measured. To quantify the effects on scale pattern, D-Squame tapes were scored and the optical transmission measured. Moreover, skin surface lipids resulting from lotion lipids were measured. Lotions and different concentrations of urea could be ranked in a consistent way, viz. untreated skin < vehicle < 3% urea lotion < 10% urea lotion. Urea was concluded to be very potent as a skin humidifier and as a descaling agent, particularly in 10% concentration. Humidity characteristics correlated much better with the concentration of urea than with lipidization of the skin surface due to lotion lipids. A 3-hour test period was sufficient for the evaluation of the effects of moisturizers on both epidermal hydration and scale pattern. With a rapid test method, sources of variation such as diurnal and day-to-day variations, dosage and non-compliance are easily controlled. Further, by using non-invasive methods, the assessment has been rendered objective.
Serup
J
J
Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
D000328:Adult; D001834:Body Water; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004643:Emollients / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014508:Urea / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004643:Emollients; D008055:Lipids; D014508:Urea