Nachweis der Wirksamkeit eines integrativen Hautschutzprogramms

Abstract

Occupational skin care is composed of application of a protective cream before work, mild skin cleaning and application of a skin care product (moisturizer) after work. However, the efficacy of an integrated skin care program as described has not been scientifically evaluated. In the present study, the efficacy of protective cream (Excipial Protect®), of a skin cleaning product (Excipial Clean) and a skin care cream (Excipial Repair) on the cumulative irritation by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was assessed in healthy volunteers. The products were tested alone and in combination. The irritation was assessed clinically and by non-invasive methods (transepidermal water loss, capacitance, and erythema). Our results show a statistically significant reduction of SLS irritation by combined application of the protective cream and the skin cleanser, and by combined application of the protective cream, the skin cleanser, and the skin care cream. The combined application of the skin cleanser and the skin care cream, however, did not reduce SLS irritation. The improvement of the skin capacitance as indicator of stratum corneum moisture by the combination of the protective cream, the skin cleanser, and the skin care cream was more effective than by the single products. In conclusion, we could show the efficacy of an integrated skin care concept in the prevention of cumulative irritant dermatitis for the first time. The application of the protective cream seems to be the most important step. The additional application of a rehydrating cleanser and of a regenerating skin care cream enhance the positive effect on the epidermal barrier by improvement of stratum corneum hydratation.