Effects of moisturization on epidermal homeostasis and differentiation.
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.
Short
R W
RW
Department of Dermatology, Malcolm Grow Medical Center, MD, USA.
Chan
J L
JL
Choi
J M
JM
Egbert
B M
BM
Rehmus
W E
WE
Kimball
A B
AB
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004643:Emollients / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005990:Glycerol / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects*
D004129:Dimethylpolysiloxanes; D004643:Emollients; D008543:Melanins; D007633:Keratins; C501844:dimethicone; D005990:Glycerol