Research Summary
Moisturizing creams marketed to consumers often contain trendy ingredients and are accompanied by exciting names and attractive claims. However, moisturizers are also an important part of the dermatologist’s armamentarium to treat dry skin conditions and maintain healthy skin.
These products can be regarded as cosmetics, but they may also be regulated as medicinal products if they are marketed for the treatment of dry skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis. When moisturizers are used on so-called dry skin, they address various distinct disorders that manifest with the generally recognized symptoms of dryness. Dryness is not a single entity; it is characterized by differences in chemistry and morphology within the epidermis, depending on the internal and external stressors affecting the skin.
Patients and society expect dermatologists and pharmacists to be able to recommend treatments for various dry skin conditions based on evidence-based medicine.
Learning Objective
Upon completing this paper, the reader should be aware of the different types of moisturizers and their major constituents. Furthermore, they will gain knowledge about the relief of dryness symptoms and the functional changes induced by moisturizers in the skin.
Key words: botanicals, dryness, emulsifiers, humectants, inflammatory disorders, lipids, skin permeability.
<Access the full report below>