title: Comparison of the Efficacy of Atopalm(®) Multi-Lamellar Emulsion Cream and Physiogel(®) Intensive Cream in Improving Epidermal Permeability Barrier in Sensitive Skin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The management of sensitive skin, which affects over 60% of the general population, has been a long-standing challenge for both patients and clinicians. Because defective epidermal permeability barrier is one of the clinical features of sensitive skin, barrier-enhancing products could be an optimal regimen for sensitive skin. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of two barrier-enhancing products, i.e., Atopalm (®) Multi-Lamellar Emulsion (MLE) Cream and Physiogel (®) Intensive Cream for sensitive skin.
  
  
  METHODS
  60 patients with sensitive skin, aged 22-40 years old, were randomly assigned to one group treated with Atopalm MLE Cream, and another group treated with Physiogel Intensive Cream twice daily for 4 weeks. Lactic acid stinging test scores (LASTS), stratum hydration (SC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were assessed before, 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Atopalm MLE Cream significantly lowered TEWL after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (p < 0.01). In contrast, Physiogel Intensive Cream significantly increased TEWL after 2 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) while TEWL significantly decreased after 4-week treatments. Moreover, both Atopalm MLE Cream and Physiogel Intensive Cream significantly increased SC hydration, and improved LASTS after 4 weeks of treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both barrier-enhancing products are effective and safe for improving epidermal functions, including permeability barrier, SC hydration and LASTS, in sensitive skin. These products could be a valuable alternative for management of sensitive skin.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA, and NeoPharm Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Korea.
authors: Research Division, NeoPharm Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Korea.
authors: Sekyoo
authors: S
authors: Jeong
authors: Research Division, NeoPharm Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Korea.
authors: Sin Hee
authors: SH
authors: Lee
authors: Research Division, NeoPharm Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Korea.
authors: Byeong Deog
authors: BD
authors: Park
authors: Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
authors: Yan
authors: Y
authors: Wu
authors: Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Man
authors: Dermatology Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. mqman@hotmail.com.
authors: Mao-Qiang
authors: MQ
authors: Man
keywords: Atopalm; Epidermal permeability barrier; Physiogel; Sensitive skin; Stratum corneum hydration