Compromised Skin Barrier Research Articles

Multi-state evaluation of Candida infections in burn patients.

Burn patients are at high risk of developing secondary invasive fungal infections due to their compromised skin barrier, extensive use of antibiotics, and immunosuppression. We investigated demographic characteristics and clinical factors associated with Candida infections in intensive care unit (ICU) burn patients, and the invitro antifungal susceptibility of species of isolates. A total of 353 burn patients admitted to three major ICUs of burn centers in Iran were evaluated between 2021 and 2023. Patients were considered as colonisation and candidemia. Demographic characteristics, burn-related factors, and clinical conditions were compared among the groups. Furthermore, we identified fungi at the species level and performed antifungal susceptibility testing according to CLSI guidelines. Overall, 46.2% of patients were colonised with a Candida species, leading to candidemia in 15.3%. The most frequently isolated species from candidemia and burn wound colonisation were Candida parapsilosis (37.0%) and Candida albicans (31.9%), respectively. Risk factors linked to candidemia included larger total body surface area (TBSA) (>50%), older patients, indwelling catheters, diabetes, and an extended ICU stay. Mortality rate was higher among candidemia patients (82.5%) compared to colonised patients (7.3%). The resistance rate of the strains isolated from candidemia to fluconazole and voriconazole was 28% and 18.2%, respectively. We found that a higher percentage of TBSA burn injuries, longer hospital stays, and catheterization are important predictors of candidemia. The mortality rate was significantly higher in people infected with non-albicans Candida species. Prevention and treatment strategies for candidemia should be based on updated, regional epidemiological data.

Protein degradation in the stratum corneum.

The stratum corneum (SC), the outermost epidermal layer, plays a pivotal role in skin barrier function. This review delves into the intricate process of protein degradation within the stratum corneum, elucidating the roles of specific enzymes, regulatory mechanisms and the consequent impact on various skin conditions. Protein degradation is a finely tuned process, orchestrated by a suite of proteolytic enzymes like kallikreins. These enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of corneodesmosomes and the orderly desquamation of corneocytes, a process essential for skin homeostasis. Another critical enzymatic process is the breakdown of proteins like filaggrin and the generation of amino acids and their derivatives, required in the physiological water-handling properties of the SC. Regulation of these proteolytic activities is complex, involving a balance between endogenous inhibitors and other factors like pH, hydration and environmental stressors. Dysregulation of protease activity is linked to a spectrum of skin conditions, ranging from xerosis to inflammatory diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Aberrant protein degradation can lead to compromised skin barrier function, increased tissue water loss and heightened susceptibility to infections and allergens. Understanding the factors affecting protein degradation can inform the development of targeted skincare products. Advances in biochemistry and dermatology have paved the way for the search for active ingredients designed to modulate protease activity. Such innovations may offer promising therapeutic avenues for enhancing skin barrier function and treating skin disorders. This review underscores the significance of enzymatic protein degradation in the SC and its regulatory mechanisms. It provides insights into the pathophysiology of skin diseases and outlines the potential for novel skincare interventions. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical applications, this article aims to inspire further investigation for better understanding of skin physiology and innovation in the realm of skincare product development.

The importance of stratum corneum ω-linoleoyloxyacylceramides in human skin barrier health: their biochemistry, processing enzymes and metabolites involved in corneocyte lipid envelope maturation.

Over the past 50 years there have been great strides made in the discovery of the composition and relevance of the total stratum corneum (SC) ceramide matrix. However, the focus of this review is on the free intercellular class of ω-linoleoyloxyacylceramides, corneocyte-bound ceramides and associated lipids known as the corneocyte lipid envelope (CLE) together with their processing enzymes involved in aiding ceramide attachment the corneocyte protein envelope (CPE). Two structural models and partially shared biosynthetic pathways have been proposed for the attachment of CPE-bound O-ceramides (ω-hydroxyceramides attached to glutamate residues of proteins in the (CPE) using the 12R-lipoxygenase (12R-LOX)/epidermal lipoxygenase-3 (eLOX3)/epoxide hydrolase-3 (EPHX3)/unknown esterase/ transglutaminase-1 (TG1) attachment pathway) and CPE-bound EO-ceramides (epoxy-enone ceramides attached to cysteine residues of proteins in the CPE using the 12R-LOX/eLOX3/short chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C member 7 (SDR9C7)/non-enzymatic attachment pathway), i.e. there is a bifurcation step beyond epidermal eLOX3. Their formation and structures will be discussed as well as their relevance in compromised skin barrier conditions together with our own work on SC maturation examined by proteomics, lipidomics, enzyme immunolocalization studies, mechanical fragility assays and Nile red staining of corneocyte envelopes (CE). Reduced levels of 12R-LOX, eLOX3, SDR9C7 and TG1 were observed in photodamaged skin of the cheeks that were associated with reduced SC maturation as evidenced by Nile red staining and increased CE fragility. In the severely photodamaged cheeks of Albino African SC we also observed increased levels of acylceramides. Concomitantly by reducing the activity of 12R-LOX by antibody inhibition and TG1 inhibition with a known chemical inhibitor, we demonstrated in a humidity-based exvivo SC maturation model that these enzymes contributed to increased CE hydrophobicity and mechanical integrity. We hypothesize that at least the CPE-bound O-ceramide pathway is operational in the SC. Nevertheless, our understanding of the full complexity of ω-linoleoyloxyacylceramides and the composition of the CLE is limited particularly on cosmetically relevant body sites such as the face.

Exploring the impact of solar radiation on skin microbiome to develop improved photoprotection strategies.

The skin microbiome undergoes constant exposure to solar radiation (SR), with its effects on health well-documented. However, understanding SR's influence on host-associated skin commensals remains nascent. This review surveys existing knowledge on SR's impact on the skin microbiome and proposes innovative sun protection methods that safeguard both skin integrity and microbiome balance. A team of skin photodamage specialists conducted a comprehensive review of 122 articles sourced from PubMed and Research Gateway. Key terms included skin microbiome, photoprotection, photodamage, skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation, solar radiation, skin commensals, skin protection, and pre/probiotics. Experts offered insights into novel sun protection products designed not only to shield the skin but also to mitigate SR's effects on the skin microbiome. Existing literature on SR's influence on the skin microbiome is limited. SR exposure can alter microbiome composition, potentially leading to dysbiosis, compromised skin barrier function, and immune system activation. Current sun protection methods generally overlook microbiome considerations. Tailored sun protection products that prioritize both skin and microbiome health may offer enhanced defense against SR-induced skin conditions. By safeguarding both skin and microbiota, these specialized products could mitigate dysbiosis risks associated with SR exposure, bolstering skin defense mechanisms and reducing the likelihood of SR-mediated skin issues.

No increased risk of postoperative adverse events in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa following a total joint replacement.

There is concern for increased risk of adverse events, particularly periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), following total joint replacement (TJR) in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) because of a compromised skin barrier and bacterial colonization of lesions. We used the TriNetX health research database to identify patients who had undergone TJR with (n = 1760) and without (n = 1760) HS matched by age, sex, ethnicity, race and risk factors for PJI. Multivariate analysis was performed and revealed that 90-day risk of PJI, reoperation, wound dehiscence, delayed wound healing, emergency room visits and readmission were not increased among patients with HS who underwent TJR. Given these findings, dermatologists and orthopaedists should not defer TJR access for patients with HS, as risk of postoperative complications is not prohibitive.

Impact of heliotherapy and phototherapy on the course of atopic dermatitis

Introduction and purpose. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects many children and adults around the world. It has been also empirically known that some environmental factors such as exposure to the sun can be beneficial for patients with AD. The purpose of this literature review is to present positive impact, as well as challenges and risks of heliotherapy and phototherapy on patients suffering from AD.
 Material and methods. The article is a review of publications obtained from the PubMed database and published between 2017-2023. Based on the keywords "phototherapy" "heliotherapy"and "atopic dermatitis", 14 articles were selected. Finally, 1 meta-analysis and 3 observational studies were included in the rewiev.
 Brief description of the state of knowledge. People with AD have a compromised skin barrier, which favors infiltration by activated Th2 cells, and their cytokine, causing thickening of the skin. It makes management of AD challenging. It is known that most patients’ skin condition improves due to sun exposure. This is why an artificial UV radiation (UVR) is employed for the treatment. The idea is to administrate a non-ionizing radiation to the skin. Both sunlight and artificial light have a significant immunosuppressive effect on the skin.
 Summary. Phototherapy as well as heliotherapy improved skin condition of people suffering from AD. It was appreciable by the end of few weeks of studies and also afer 3 months, reflected by improvement in PO-SCORAD, VAS and DLQI scales. During some of the studies there have been incidents of side-effects. More research is necessary to define a long-term effect of this kind of treatment and the role of chronic and prolonged therapy of AD.

Systemic Inflammatory Proteomic Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis: Exploring Potential Indicators for Disease Severity.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder, that emerges from intricate interplays among genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, environmental factors, and compromised skin barrier. Understanding the inflammatory pathway in AD is important due to its fundamental role in the pathogenesis of AD. This study aimed to explore the diverse spectrum of proteins linked to the inflammation of AD and the relationship between systemic biomarkers and clinical severity in AD. We examined the blood samples from 48 patients with AD and 48 healthy controls (HCs) using the Proximity Extension Assay (Olink). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified and Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to determine systemic proteomic biomarkers associated with severity of AD. A total of 29 DEPs were significantly up-regulated and 2 DEPs were significantly down-regulated in AD compared with the HC. The MCP-4, IL-18, MCP-3, TNFRSF9, and IL-17C were the top 5 highest DEPs associated with the severity of AD. Our study sheds light on the intricate network of inflammatory proteins in AD and their potential implications for disease severity. Our results indicate that these systemic inflammatory proteins could be valuable for assessing AD severity and enhancing our understanding of the disease's complexity and its potential management strategies.

Cellulitis caused by Roseomonas mucosa in a child: a case report

BackgroundRoseomonas mucosa (R. mucosa) is a pink-pigmented, Gram-negative short rod bacterium. It is isolated from moist environments and skin, resistant to multiple drugs, including broad-spectrum cephalosporins, and a rare cause of infection with limited reports. R. mucosa mostly causes catheter-related bloodstream infections, with even fewer reports of skin and soft tissue infections.Case presentationA 10-year-old boy received topical steroid treatment for sebum-deficient eczema. A few days before the visit, he was bitten by an insect on the front of his right lower leg and scratched it due to itching. The day before the visit, redness, swelling, and mild pain in the same area were observed. Based on his symptoms, he was diagnosed with cellulitis. He was treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and his symptoms improved. Pus culture revealed R. mucosa.ConclusionsWe report a rare case of cellulitis caused by R. mucosa. Infections caused by rare organisms that cause opportunistic infections, such as R. mucosa, should be considered in patients with compromised skin barrier function and regular topical steroid use. Gram stain detection of organisms other than Gram-positive cocci should be considered.

Human Skin Aging and the Anti-Aging Properties of Retinol.

The skin is the most-extensive and -abundant tissue in the human body. Like many organs, as we age, human skin experiences gradual atrophy in both the epidermis and dermis. This can be primarily attributed to the diminishing population of epidermal stem cells and the reduction in collagen, which is the primary structural protein in the human body. The alterations occurring in the epidermis and dermis due to the aging process result in disruptions to the structure and functionality of the skin. This creates a microenvironment conducive to age-related skin conditions such as a compromised skin barrier, slowed wound healing, and the onset of skin cancer. This review emphasizes the recent molecular discoveries related to skin aging and evaluates preventive approaches, such as the use of topical retinoids. Topical retinoids have demonstrated promise in enhancing skin texture, diminishing fine lines, and augmenting the thickness of both the epidermal and dermal layers.

Long-Term Skin Safety Effect of Chlorine-Rich Water Treatment on C57BL/6 Mice

Background: The weakened keratinocyte cohesion, wrinkle formation, loss of elasticity, decreased sebum production, increased water loss, and other skin problems caused by a compromised skin barrier can eventually result in various skin diseases. Given its current usage as a disinfectant and its potential use in medicine, it is crucial to assess the safety of chlorinated water. Objective: The study’s objective was to evaluate the long-term skin safety effects of chlorine-rich sterilized water (CIRW) treatment on C57BL/6 mice in vivo. Methods: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxides (GPx), and catalase (CAT), as well as cytokines involved in inflammation (such as interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1 β, IL-13, GM-CS, and TNF-α) were tested as oxidative stress markers in both serum and skin. The skin parameters such as moisture level, elasticity, sebum, pore size, and wrinkles were measured. Results: The CIRW group showed higher elasticity and humidity than the NC group. Similarly, the ROS and NO levels were decreased significantly in the CIRW group compared with those in the NC group by the oxidative stress markers in the skin. We also observed the ClRW group serum IL-5, IL-6, and IL-12 to be significantly lower than those in the NC group. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ClRW does not generally exhibit skin toxicity in vivo with long-term care or immune redox reactions such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and allergic reactions.

A Case Study on the Ayurvedic Management of Childhood Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with impaired cell-mediated immune function and compromised skin barrier. It is characterized by erythema, oedema, vesicles, oozing in the acute stage, and thickening and hyperpigmentation (lichenification) in the chronic stage. The incidence of skin diseases is increasing day by day. Other medical systems provide temporary relief but not a complete cure. Ayurveda can contribute remarkably in the management of skin problems. Atopic dermatitis comes under Twak vikaras which can be correlated with Charmadala described in Kashyapa samhitha. This is the case report of a nine-year-old girl with dry, itchy and scaly skin associated with blackish excoriated lesions and oozing. She visited the outpatient department of Government Ayurveda Hospital. Ayurveda medications were administered along with dietary advice for a period of three weeks, followed by inpatient treatment with internal medications along with Snehapana (intake of ghee) followed by Vamana (emesis) and external procedures like Dhara (pouring of medicated liquids) with Kushtahara (alleviates itching) and Kandughna (anti-pruritic) Dravyas along with dietary advice for a period of one month. Encouraging results were observed in the form of a reduction in itching, dryness, and excoriation. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed using SCORAD (scoring atopic dermatitis scale), where the pre-value is 54.7 and the post-value is 17. On POEM (patient-oriented eczema measure) scale evaluation the condition changed from severe eczema to clear or almost clear. Dietary restrictions and internal medication must be continued to prevent the recurrence of the condition.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with Foot Ulcer: One of a Kind.

Significance: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) associated with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is likely to be complicated with critical factors such as biofilm infection and compromised skin barrier function of the diabetic skin. Repaired skin with a history of biofilm infection is known to be compromised in barrier function. Loss of barrier function is also observed in the oxidative stress affected diabetic and aged skin. Recent Advances: Loss of barrier function makes the skin prone to biofilm infection and cellulitis, which contributes to chronic inflammation and vasculopathy. Hyperglycemia favors biofilm formation as glucose lowering led to reduction in biofilm development. While vasculopathy limits oxygen supply, the O2 cost of inflammation is high increasing hypoxia severity. Critical Issues: The host nervous system can be inhabited by bacteria. Because electrical impulses are a part of microbial physiology, polymicrobial colonization of the host's neural circuit is likely to influence transmission of action potential. The identification of perineural apatite in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy suggests bacterial involvement. DPN starts in both feet at the same time. Future Directions: Pair-matched studies of DPN in the foot affected with DFU (i.e., DFU-DPN) compared with DPN in the without ulcer, and intact skin barrier function, are likely to provide critical insight that would help inform effective care strategies. This review characterizes DFU-DPN from a translational science point of view presenting a new paradigm that recognizes the current literature in the context of factors that are unique to DFU-DPN.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Acne with Sensitive Skin

Background. Acne is a prevalent skin disorder that primarily affects seborrheic areas. It occurs due to hair follicle obstruction and subsequent inflammation. Patients with acne often exhibit compromised skin barrier function and sensitivity, making treatment challenging. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of acne complicated by sensitive skin and explore the associated physiological changes. Methods. The lactic acid test and capsaicin test were employed to identify subjects with simple acne and those with acne and sensitive skin. Physiological characteristics were assessed in both groups. Two random groups were selected from the subjects with acne and sensitive skin. One group received treatment for acne alone, while the other group received combined treatment for acne and sensitive skin care. The efficacy and physiological function of the two groups were compared after treatment. Results. Among 170 acne patients, 99 were identified as having acne with sensitive skin. Patients with acne and sensitive skin exhibited significantly higher scores on the lactic acid test and capsaicin test compared to those with simple acne. They also showed increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), decreased skin cuticle hydration (SCH), thinner epidermis, and thicker blood vessels. The group receiving combined treatment demonstrated a more significant reduction in the number of skin lesions and IGA scores compared to the group receiving treatment for acne alone. They also exhibited lower scores on the lactate and capsaicin tests, along with decreases in TEWL and increases in SCH. Conclusions. Acne with sensitive skin is highly prevalent and is associated with distinct physiological characteristics. Combined treatment targeting both acne and sensitive skin yields excellent clinical outcomes and improves skin’s physiological function. These findings underscore the importance of considering sensitive skin in the clinical management of acne.

Relationship Between Atopic Dermatitis and Food Allergy in Children.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by a compromised skin barrier due to a variety ofreasons, such as hereditary predisposition, immunological overactivity, and skin microbiome disruption. There is strong evidence linking food allergies (FA) with AD in some children, and many children with AD develop asymptomatic food sensitivity. FA and AD are two frequent childhood illnesses that are closely related. Food allergies affect 30% of kids suffering from moderate and severe eczemaand can cause a variety ofsymptoms, including dry, cracked skin, rash, itchiness, oozing, and crusted skin. While preteens and teens with AD are commonly sensitive to environmental allergens including house dust mites, mold, pollen, or dander of animals, younger kids with AD typically exhibit sensitivity to food items like peanuts, milk, or eggs. A food challenge test (FC) should be used to confirm allergies before recommending a stringent diet that could be hazardous to the patient. Whileelimination diets continue to be the cornerstone of the management of FA, they should only be carried out under the guidance of a specialist. Topical treatments are crucial for all individuals with AD. Early skin care with emollients, topical steroid treatment, and early introduction of highly allergenic foods are promising methods of alleviating symptoms of AD.

Effect of compromised skin barrier on delivery of diclofenac sodium from brand and generic formulations via microneedles and iontophoresis

Application of drugs on skin with compromised barrier can significantly alter permeation of drugs with the possibility of increased adverse side effects or even toxicity. In this study, we tested in vitro delivery of diclofenac sodium from marketed brand and generic formulations across normal and compromised skin using microneedles and iontophoresis, alone and in combination. Ten tape strips on dermatomed human skin were used to create a compromised skin model, as demonstrated by changes in skin resistance and transepidermal water loss. Histology studies further confirmed creation of a compromised skin barrier. There was no significant difference between brand and generic formulations for delivery of diclofenac sodium into and across normal and compromised skin. Compromised skin showed higher total delivery (µg/sq.cm) of diclofenac sodium for all groups – microneedles (brand: 79.45 ± 8.81, generic: 92.15 ± 8.63), iontophoresis (brand: 233.13 ± 8.32, generic: 242.07 ± 11.17), combination (brand: 186.88 ± 6.76, generic: 193.8 ± 5.69) as compared to intact normal skin for same groups, microneedles (brand: 21.83 ± 1.96, generic: 20.38 ± 0.91), iontophoresis (brand: 149.78 ± 18.43, generic: 145.53 ± 12.61), and combination (brand: 80.97 ± 9.86, generic: 70.76 ± 6.56). These results indicate the effect of barrier integrity on delivery of diclofenac sodium which suggests increased absorption and systemic exposure of the drug across skin with compromised skin barrier.

A Child Girl Has Severe Case of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Treatment with Terbinafine Hydrochloride

Atopic dermatitis in early childhood accounts for 20% of all atopic dermatitis occurrences, with similar atopic dermatitis symptomology of red pustules or scales characteristic. The potential causation of atopic dermatitis varies, may be hereditary in some cases. Combination topical therapies are used to treat patients with a compromised skin barrier. There are few safe and regulated pharmacotherapeutic atopic dermatitis therapies for pediatric use, and current treatment satisfaction is low. Here we provide details of the successful treatment of a pediatric patient with pustular atopic dermatitis using topical application of terbinafine hydrochloride in tandem with maternal diet control on July 22, 2020 at AYA Medical Center in Sydney, Australia. After a six-month follow-up, the patient's symptoms had fully recovered. Thus, Terbinafine hydrochloride may be useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children.

Malignant T cells induce skin barrier defects through cytokine-mediated JAK/STAT signaling in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

AbstractCutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a devastating lymphoid malignancy characterized by the accumulation of malignant T cells in the dermis and epidermis. Skin lesions cause serious symptoms that hamper quality of life and are entry sites for bacterial infection, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in advanced diseases. The mechanism driving the pathological processes that compromise the skin barrier remains unknown. Here, we report increased transepidermal water loss and compromised expression of the skin barrier proteins filaggrin and filaggrin-2 in areas adjacent to TOX-positive T cells in CTCL skin lesions. Malignant T cells secrete mediators (including cytokines such as interleukin 13 [IL-13], IL-22, and oncostatin M) that activate STAT3 signaling and downregulate filaggrin and filaggrin-2 expression in human keratinocytes and reconstructed human epithelium. Consequently, the repression of filaggrins can be counteracted by a cocktail of antibodies targeting these cytokines/receptors, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of JAK1/STAT3, and JAK1 inhibitors. Notably, we show that treatment with a clinically approved JAK inhibitor, tofacitinib, increases filaggrin expression in lesional skin from patients with mycosis fungoides. Taken together, these findings indicate that malignant T cells secrete cytokines that induce skin barrier defects via a JAK1/STAT3-dependent mechanism. As clinical grade JAK inhibitors largely abrogate the negative effect of malignant T cells on skin barrier proteins, our findings suggest that such inhibitors provide novel treatment options for patients with CTCL with advanced disease and a compromised skin barrier.

33967 Nourishing fatty acid moisturizers provide superior barrier benefits in ex vivo skin

A deficiency in lipids and ceramides is an indicator of a compromised skin barrier. Previous research has shown that skin can create new longer chain fatty acids and ceramides from topically applied fatty acid containing moisturizers, if successfully delivered, to help replenish the skin’s barrier. It has also been previously shown that topically applied ceramides do not penetrate as effectively as fatty acids and are therefore not as efficient at replenishing the skin barrier. The objective of this research was to determine if moisturizers with fatty acids can more effectively repair barrier-disrupted skin than ceramide-containing moisturizers in an ex vivo model. Human surgical discard abdominal skin was obtained upon consent and the stratum corneum was removed by tape stripping. Following tape stripping, sites were treated with either a marketed fatty acid-containing moisturizer or a marketed ceramide-containing moisturizer. 3-mm punch biopsies were collected and embedded in a collagen matrix and maintained using standard organ culture techniques. Stratum corneum recovery was measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The marketed fatty acid-containing moisturizers applied to the damaged stratum corneum resulted in an increased number of repaired corneocyte layers. These moisturizers showed a statistically significant increase in repaired corneocyte layers compared with the marketed ceramide-containing moisturizer. The results confirm that moisturizers containing fatty acids more effectively improve stratum corneum recovery following damage than moisturizers containing ceramides, highlighting the importance of moisturizer selection for optimal barrier repair.

33967 Nourishing fatty acid moisturizers provide superior barrier benefits in ex vivo skin

A deficiency in lipids and ceramides is an indicator of a compromised skin barrier. Previous research has shown that skin can create new longer chain fatty acids and ceramides from topically applied fatty acid containing moisturizers, if successfully delivered, to help replenish the skin’s barrier. It has also been previously shown that topically applied ceramides do not penetrate as effectively as fatty acids and are therefore not as efficient at replenishing the skin barrier. The objective of this research was to determine if moisturizers with fatty acids can more effectively repair barrier-disrupted skin than ceramide-containing moisturizers in an ex vivo model.

34413 Topical treatment with nature-based product restores skin barrier and relieves sensory discomfort in sensitive skin – Ex vivo and clinical evaluations

Background: Topical products, climate changes, and skin barrier impairment are the main factors contributing to skin hyperreactivity in sensitive skin population. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown its high prevalence and negative impacts on quality of life. Involucrin, a differentiation marker expressed by differentiated keratinocytes, has been found to have increased expression in SLS-damaged skin. A nature-based topical product containing aloe, rice milk and honey was developed to restore compromised skin barrier and provide relief from skin discomfort.