Decrease In Transepidermal Water Loss Research Articles

Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use.

The aim of this studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily consumption and/or application of argan oil on skin hydration in postmenopausal women.Material and methodsSixty postmenopausal women consumed butter during the stabilization period and were randomly divided into two groups for the intervention period: the treatment group absorbed alimentary argan oil (n = 30) and the control group olive oil (n = 30). Both groups applied cosmetic argan oil in the left volar forearm during a sixty days’ period. Evaluation of skin hydration, i.e. transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and water content of the epidermis (WCE) on both volar forearms of the two groups, were performed during three visits at D0, D30 and after sixty days (D60) of oils treatment.ResultsThe consumption of argan oil has led to a significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.023) and a significant increase in WCE (p = 0.001). The application of argan oil has led to a significant decrease in TEWL (p = 0.01) and a significant increase in WCE (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the daily consumption and application of argan oil have improved the skin hydration by restoring the barrier function and maintaining the water-holding capacity.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety for Atopic Dry Skin of a Medicinal Moisturizing Lotion (Mentholatum AP Soft Medicinal Moisture Lotion) Prepared by a High-Pressure Emulsification Method

In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mentholatumò AP Soft Lotion (APA), which is a Vaseline-based preparation that has been converted to nanoparticles by high-pressure emulsification technology, we conducted a study of 4-week continuous use on the atopic dry skin of patients with minor to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD). The results showed that improvements in the skin findings (dryness and scaling) and itching were observed beginning one week after starting to apply APA and that the symptoms had almost completely resolved at 3 to 4 weeks after the start of application. In addition, a significant increase in the degree of high-frequency conductivity, which is an indicator of the amount of moisture in the stratum corneum, and significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were observed, and improvements in skin functions were observed. The results for overall degree of improvement showed “improvement” or better in 100% of the subjects, and no side effects were observed in any of the cases. Based on the above results, it was concluded that APA is a preparation that has excellent efficacy and safety as skin care for atopic dry skin, in which reduced stratum corneum function is observed in the skin, and as a supplemental method of treatment of AD or treatment method to maintain remissions.

Safety and Tolerability of a Body Wash and Moisturizer When Applied to Infants and Toddlers with a History of Atopic Dermatitis: Results from an Open‐Label Study

Improving skin barrier function and moisturizing without irritation are important components of managing patients with atopic dermatitis. This study evaluated the safety and tolerability of a body wash and moisturizer regimen for infants and toddlers with atopic dermatitis. This was an open-label study involving 56 children (3-36 months old) with a history of atopic dermatitis. The skin care regimen (Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash and Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturizer; Galderma Laboratories, L.P.) was used at least once daily, but no more than twice daily, for 4 weeks. The primary variable of interest was the worst postbaseline scores for local tolerability (expressed as success or failure) using a 4-point scale for each component (erythema, edema, scaling and dryness, rash, and signs of discomfort upon application). Assessments of moisture content of the stratum corneum and transepidermal water loss were also performed. Fifty-three children completed the study. The percentage of subjects with no erythema increased from 33.9% to 50.0% by Week 4. The percentage of subjects with no scaling or dryness increased from 58.9% to 85.2% at Week 4. A statistically significant increase in corneometry from baseline (p < 0.001) and a statistically significant decrease in transepidermal water loss (p = .009) were observed. The body wash and moisturizer regimen was safe and well tolerated and improved hydration and skin barrier function in infants and toddlers as young as 3 months of age with a history of atopic dermatitis.

In-vivo study of stratum corneum water content and transepideramal water loss using a newly formulated topical cream of hippophae rhamnoides fruit extract

This study was purposed to determine the effects of newly formulated topical skin-care cream (w/o emulsion) of Hippophae rhmanoides versus its vehicle (Base) as control on stratum corneum (SC) water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Concentrated H. rhamnoids (sea Buckthorn) fruit extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase w/o emulsion. Newly formulated and previously evaluated base (containing no active material) and a formulation (containing 1% concentrated extarct of H. rhmanoides) were applied. Both the base and formulation were applied to the cheeks of 21 healthy human volunteers for a period of 8 weeks. SC water content and TEWL were monitored every week to measure any effect produced by these topical creams. The vehicle (base) showed insignificant (p≥ 0.05) effects whereas the formulation showed statistically significant (p≤0.05) decrease in TEWL. SC water content was significantly (p≤0.05) increased by the formulation. The newly formulated cream of H. rhmanoides fruit extract, applied is suitable for improvement and quantitative monitoring of skin hydration level (SC water content/ moisturising effects) and reducing TEWL in people with dry skin. Key words: Sea Buckthorn, skin, Stratum corneum (SC), water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Supplement with encapsulated vegetable and fruit juice powder concentrate improves microcirculation and ultrastructure in human skin

AimTo determine changes in skin physiological parameters during the intake of vegetable and fruit juice powder concentrate (JPC) vs. placebo capsules over 12 wk. Changes in microcirculation, hydration properties, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and changes in ultrastructure of the skin (thickness and density) were determined.MethodsMicrocirculation measurements were performed with an O2C device (Lea Instruments, Giessen, DE). Hydration was assessed by Corneometer CM 825. Barrier function of the skin, TEWL, was measured on a Tewameter (Courage &amp; Khazaka Electronics, Cologne, DE) and skin thickness and density using ultrasound (B‐Scan, Dermascan C, Cortex Technology, DK).Subjects52 female (age 40–65) subjects were randomly assigned in a double blind fashion to either the JPC group or placebo group. All tests were performed at baseline, wk 6 and wk 12.ResultsPercent change and significance (p&lt;0.05) were assessed. At wk 12, compared to placebo, the JPC group had: Significant improvement of microcirculation by 36% (flow 1 mm depth), Significant improvement of the skin thickness by 6% and skin density by 17%, and Significant increase of skin hydration by 9% and a decrease of TEWL by 4% (ns). ConclusionThe JPC group had improved skin microcirculation and ultrastructure, skin hydration and barrier function. The placebo group showed no significant changes. Support: NSA (TN, USA)

A double-blind, randomized study to assess the effectiveness of different moisturizers in preventing dermatitis induced by hand washing to simulate healthcare use

Healthcare-associated infection is an important worldwide problem that could be reduced by better hand hygiene practice. However, irritant contact dermatitis of the hands as a result of repeated hand washing is a potential complication that may be preventable by the regular use of an emollient. To assess the effect of moisturizer application after repeated hand washing (15 times daily) vs. soap alone. In a double-blind, randomized study, the effect of five different moisturizers on skin barrier function was determined by assessment after repeated hand washing over a 2-week period in healthy adult volunteers. Assessments of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), epidermal hydration and a visual assessment using the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) were made at days 0, 7 and 14. In total, 132 patients were enrolled into the study. A statistically significant worsening of the clinical condition of the skin as measured by HECSI was seen from baseline to day 14 (P = 0.003) in those subjects repeatedly washing their hands with soap without subsequent application of moisturizer. No change was seen in the groups using moisturizer. Subclinical assessment of epidermal hydration as a measure of skin barrier function showed significant increases from baseline to day 14 after the use of three of the five moisturizing products (P = 0.041, 0.001 and 0.009). Three of the five moisturizers tested led to a statistically significant decrease in TEWL at day 7 of repeated hand washing. This effect was sustained for one moisturizing product at day 14 of hand washing (P = 0.044). These results support the view that the regular application of moisturizers to normal skin offers a protective effect against repeated exposure to irritants, with no evidence of a reduction in barrier efficiency allowing the easier permeation of irritant substances into the skin as has been suggested by other studies. Regular use of emollient in the healthcare environment may prevent the development of dermatitis.

PPARδ Activation Promotes Stratum Corneum Formation and Epidermal Permeability Barrier Development during Late Gestation

The goal of epidermal ontogenesis is to form a stratum corneum (SC), which is required for post-natal permeability barrier function. The regulation of epidermal ontogenesis is poorly understood, but nuclear hormone receptors have been shown to have an important function. As peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta (PPARdelta) is very abundant in fetal epidermis and PPARdelta activation stimulates differentiation and permeability barrier formation in adults, we hypothesized that PPARdelta might regulate epidermal ontogenesis. Treatment of fetal rat explants with the PPARdelta ligand, GW 610742X, accelerates permeability barrier development, evidenced by a decrease in transepidermal water loss and an enhanced outside-in barrier function, attributable to the presence of more mature lamellar membranes in the SC and enhanced expression of loricrin and involucrin. Similarly, the intra-amniotic administration of GW 610742X also accelerates the formation of the SC and permeability barrier development. Finally, in PPARdelta-deficient mice the formation of the SC and the expression of differentiation-related proteins were delayed on days 16.5 and 17.5 of gestation. However, at later stages (day 18.5 and after birth), there were no differences between wild-type- and PPARdelta-deficient mice, indicating only a transient delay in epidermal ontogenesis. These studies show that PPARdelta has a role in SC formation and permeability barrier development.

Ceramide 1 and ceramide 3 act synergistically on skin hydration and the transepidermal water loss of sodium lauryl sulfate‐irritated skin

Stratum corneum intercellular lipids, such as ceramides, play an important role in the regulation of skin water barrier homeostasis and water-holding capacity. Aim To evaluate the potential water retention capacity of control emulsion and three oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions containing ceramide 1, ceramide 3, or both. Fifteen healthy Asian women (age, 20-30 years) with healthy skin, pretreated with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), applied the tested emulsions twice daily over a period of 28 days. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values were measured on the indicated days with a Corneometer(R)825 and a TEWAMETER TM210, respectively. The maximum increase in skin humidity was reached after 4 weeks, with values of 21.9 +/- 1.8% and 8.9 +/- 0.9% for emulsion C and control emulsion, respectively. The maximum decrease in TEWL was also reached after 4 weeks, with values of 36.7 +/- 4.7% and 5.1 +/- 0.8% for the same emulsions. It can be concluded that all the tested ceramide-containing emulsions improved skin barrier function when compared with untreated skin. There was some indication that ceramides 1 and 3 contained in emulsion C might exert a beneficial synergistic effect on skin biochemical properties, such as skin hydration and TEWL, and play a key role in the protection mechanism against SLS irritation.

A poster of this work was presented at the 23rd IFSCC Congress 2004, Orlando, Florida, USA. Supplementation with nutritional cartilage extract positively influences skin hydration, skin barrier and skin structure: a double blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of polysaccharides from fish cartilage with regard to their skin aging properties. An application test was carried out during the intake of cartilage tablets as a nutritional supplement. The study was designed as a monocentric, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled application test. 28 healthy female volunteers (35–60 years) with dry skin were included in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 received tablets containing placebo and group 2 the verum treatment (cartilage hydrolysate combined with vitamin C). The duration of the study was 12 weeks. The focus of interest was to find out about the hydration properties, and to see whether the skin barrier and structure were influenced by the test formulation compared with placebo. Hydration measurements were made before and during the study, and the transepidermal water loss (barrierer function of the skin) was measured. The thickness and density of the skin of all volunteers were determined by means of ultrasound measurements during the study. Statistical analysis was based on Wilcoxon signed rank test. The following results were obtained in this study: there was a significant improvement in the hydration properties, a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss and a significant increase in the skin density in the verum group (cartilage extract). No or minor improvements could be detected in the placebo group.

In Vitro Human Skin Model To Evaluate Water Permeability and Determine Wound Dressings' Occlusivity

Wound dressings' occlusivity is directly correlated with water permeability and may affect wound healing. This study evaluated the wound dressings' occlusivity in comparison to their ability to retain water in an in vitro human skin model. Human cadaver skin was stretched over fully filled vials of physiological saline and banded. After 30 minutes, during which equilibrium was established, baseline values for transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured. Then an occlusive film was placed over one skin, a semi-occlusive dressing over another and finally 100 μL of a 5% copolymer solution over the third piece of skin, which was then allowed to aerate until it formed a thin membrane. One skin sample was left fully exposed to the air, serving as a blank control. After 30 minutes post-treatment, the TEWL was re-measured for all the samples. TEWL values showed the occlusive film was the most water-impermeable, allowing only a mean of 1.6 g/m2 hours of water to pass through and thus also showing a significant difference (p < 0.05) in comparison to the blank (untreated) control. Furthermore, the semi-occlusive membrane decreased TEWL but not significantly, whereas the film former appeared to have no effect. We found no significant decrease in TEWL in the semi-occlusive membrane and even in the film former. This in vitro model provides a fast and economical method of screening the effect of occlusivity in wound dressings.

Biophysical properties of dry atopic and normal skin with special reference to effects of skin care products.

During recent years several highly developed non-invasive methods for evaluation of skin physiology and pathology have been introduced. Against this background, the present studies were undertaken with the primary aim of assessing the effects of various skin care products on some properties of the skin. Skin topography was measured by profilometry on skin replicas, friction with a newly developed friction instrument, capacitance with a Corneometer, and barrier function both with an Evaporimeter to assess transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and by application of an irritant followed by measurement of the resulting irritative reaction. Initially some of the techniques were used to further characterize the differences between dry atopic skin and normal skin. Dry skin exhibits increased values of roughness parameters and a reduced number of topographical peaks. TEWL is increased, indicating impaired barrier function. The friction and capacitance are lower and correlate significantly to each other, whereas TEWL does not appear to relate to either of these parameters. The use of a scrub cream removes the outermost part of the stratum corneum, resulting in a smoother skin. Application of moisturizers modifies the frictional response of the skin. The friction instrument gave results comparable to those of panelists trained in sensory evaluation. The study suggests that measurement of skin friction can be used to predict the degree of liking of moisturizers. Furthermore, moisturizers increase the skin hydration. They provide water directly to the skin from their water phase. Skin hydration also increases with increased degree of occlusion, as measured as a decrease in TEWL. Moisturizers may also alter the diffusional resistance of the stratum corneum and reduce the skin susceptibility to the surfactant sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Lipids in moisturizers may influence already developed SLS-induced irritation. A significantly lower degree of irritation was found in areas treated with canola oil and its sterol-enriched fraction than in an area treated with water. These findings emphasize that skin care products do not only form an inert, epicutaneous layer, but that they may penetrate and influence the structure and function of the skin.

Time course of occlusive effects on skin evaluated by measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) Including patch tests with sodium lauryl sulphate and water

The time course for transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for a period of 3 h after removal of occlusive patch tests with sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), water and empty chambers was studied in healthy volunteers. Patches were applied to the upper arm for 24 h. TEWL was measured immediately after removal of the patches, and every 30 min up to 3 h. For SLS and water patches, TEWL remained significantly increased for 3 h, as compared to normal adjacent skin, while for empty chamber patches, TEWL was only significantly increased for 30 min. A significant decrease from 0 to 30 min and from 30 to 60 min was observed for all patches, and for water patches, a significant decrease in TEWL was found from 60 to 180 min, while SLS patches remained constant. The prolonged increase in TEWL observed after SLS exposure is a well-known occurrence. The prolonged increase in TEWL after exposure to water is interpreted as transient damage to the water barrier of the skin.

Transepidermal water loss in newborn infants. VIII. Relation to gestational age and post-natal age in appropriate and small for gestational age infants.

In 68 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and 33 small for gestational age (SGA) infants, transepidermal water loss was studied during the first four weeks after birth. The method used to measure evaporation rate is based on measurement of the water vapour pressure gradient close to the skin surface. All measurements were made at an ambient humidity of 50% and with the infants calm and quiet. At all the investigated post-natal ages in both AGA and SGA infants, an exponential relationship was found between transepidermal water loss (g/m2 h) and gestational age, this loss being much higher in the pre-term infants than in those born at term. The transepidermal water loss was generally lower in SGA than in AGA infants during the first week of post-natal life, irrespective of gestational age at birth. There was a gradual decrease in transepidermal water loss with increasing post-natal age in both pre-term AGA and pre-term SGA infants. Three weeks after birth this water loss tended to be higher in pre-term SGA infants than in pre-term AGA infants of corresponding gestational age.