Using skin models to assess the effects of a pre-work cream. Methodological aspects and perspective of the industry.
BACKGROUND
There is a basic necessity to understand the mechanisms of the protective effects of pre-work creams. Additionally a lot of workplace-related irritants cannot be tested with the existing in vivo methods due to their toxicological profile. As a consequence, there is a need for additional in vitro models for testing pre-work creams.


OBJECTIVE
An in vitro skin model test was developed to evaluate the protective mechanism of a pre-work cream.


METHODS
The efficacy of 3 products was assessed by an in vivo test (repetitive occlusive irritation test) and then 3-dimensional skin model tests were carried out.


RESULTS
In vivo test results demonstrate that the best protection against sodium dodecyl sulfate is offered by a multiple emulsion. In the case of a skin model test, sodium dodecyl sulfate led to cell damage, an increase in proinflammatory markers and some barrier lipids. The pre-work cream increased the content of skin lipids, without inducing irritation or cell death.


CONCLUSIONS
Skin models support the understanding of the interaction of irritants and pre-work creams. Because they are in vitro models, there are no limitations regarding the selection of irritants, which offers numerous opportunities to test a broad range of workplace irritants.
Zur Mühlen
A
A
Degussa, Stoko Skin Care, Degussa Services Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany.
Klotz
A
A
Allef
P
P
Weimans
S
S
Veeger
M
M
Thörner
B
B
Eichler
J-O
JO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology*; D023422:Skin Irritancy Tests
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms