Assessment of efficacy of six different moisturizing creams in maintaining the hydration of skin in healthy human volunteers: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Introduction: Moisturizers are routinely prescribed so for adequate hydration of the skin. There are various preparations of these moisturizers in the market making it difficult for a dermatologist to choose the most effective moisturizer. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of six different commonly used commercial and prescription based skin moisturizers. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 human healthy volunteers of the same age group were enrolled in a study. We selected six sites on the dorsum of hand (A, B, C, D, E, and F) for the application of moisturizers. In this study, we used six different commercially available moisturizers namely Emoderm® cream, Secalia® cream, Amylac® 12% cream, Ponds® cream, Nivea® cream, Dove® cream. Baseline moisture level reading of the areas selected was taken (A, B, C, D, E, and F) with the help of digital skin moisture analyzer. Digital skin moisture analyzer is a portable device that uses bioelectric impedance analysis technology. Readings were taken at the end of 15 min, 30 min, and 1 h after application of the cream. Results: At the end of 15 min, only Dove moisturizer could retain the baseline moisture level in the skin without positive or negative change. Moisture levels were reduced in other groups. At the end of 30 min, Secalia® moisturizer produced an increase in moisture level over the baseline - 4.76%. Moisture levels were below baseline in other groups. Secalia® moisturizer produced the maximum increase in moisture level over the baseline at the end of 1 h - 21.99%. The only other moisturizers to produce moisture level above baseline after 60 min were Dove® 5.02% and Amylac®- 5.66%. Conclusion: We conclude that epidermal hydration produced by moisturizers influences the electrical properties of skin. Humectants cause a significant increase in moisture levels as assessed by digital skin moisture analyzer.