title: Moisturizers and Ceramide-containing Moisturizers May Offer Concomitant Therapy with Benefits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ceramide-containing moisturizers may offer benefits as an adjunct to acne treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  An expert panel of 11 Canadian dermatologists, including an international clinical scientist, used the following modified Delphi process: 1) A systematic literature review for acne treatment, dry skin, irritation, depletion of ceramides in acne, and benefits of moisturizers and ceramide-containing moisturizers was conducted; 2) panel members gave their opinion on the resulting statements, taking into account their treatment practices; 3) a panel meeting was held during the 2011 Canadian Dermatology Update to determine final statements; 4) the panel reviewed the final document.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The panel reached the following consensus (11/11): 1) A very important reason for nonadherence to acne treatment is dry skin and irritation; 2) skin barrier dysfunction may contribute to acne; 3) dry skin and irritation commonly results from topical acne treatment; 4) dry skin and irritation commonly results from systemic retinoid therapy; 5) moisturizers can improve dryness and irritation resulting from acne treatment; 6) ceramide-containing moisturizers may enhance adherence and complement existing acne therapies; 7) adjunctive therapy with moisturizers should be considered in acne-treated patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The panel proposes that adjunctive therapy with moisturizers, particularly ceramide-containing moisturizers, should be considered in acne-treated patients.
authors.affiliation: University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Chuck W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lynde
authors.affiliation: Andriessen Consultants, Maiden & UMC St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anneke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andriessen
authors.affiliation: Toronto Dermatology Center, Toronto, Ontario.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barankin
authors.affiliation: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Gillian De
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Gannes
authors.affiliation: St. John's, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gulliver
authors.affiliation: University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Haber
authors.affiliation: Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCuaig
authors.affiliation: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Poonam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rajan
authors.affiliation: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Skotnicki
authors.affiliation: The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
authors.forename: Jack
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Toole
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vender