title: 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.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Serup
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D004643:Emollients; D008055:Lipids; D014508:Urea