Background: Many adults suffer from dry, itchy skin, particularly those with eczema-prone skin. This study evaluated the effects of two over-the-counter (OTC) moisturizing products on skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), ceramide levels, and patient experience.
Methods: Single-center, randomized, double-blind, split-body study evaluating the effectiveness of an Eczema Soothing Moisturizer (ESM) versus an Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion (IRML) applied twice daily for 4 weeks in healthy adults with self-perceived persistent mild-to-moderate eczema-prone skin. Assessments included corneometer for skin hydration, evaporimeter for TEWL, tape stripping to measure ceramide NS and AS levels on the skin of the arm and leg, and a self-assessed participant-reported outcome questionnaire.
Results: A total of 30 adults completed the study. Both products significantly increased hydration, but the effect of ESM was greater than IRML (P=0.001), and both significantly decreased TEWL. At week 4, there were increases in NS and AS ceramides at both the legs and arms for both products (P<0.05 vs BL). Individually, ceramide content was significantly improved for ESM in the leg and for IRML in the arm at week 4 (P<0.05 vs BL). Participant photos show ESM was beneficial across a range of skin phototypes. Both products resulted in favorable perceptions from study participants.
Conclusions: These moisturizers improved skin hydration, skin barrier, ceramide levels in the skin, and were well-perceived by the participants. This suggests that both products are beneficial for patients with eczema and eczema-prone skin. However, the hydrating effect of ESM was significantly greater than IRML. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22:10(Suppl 2):s16-20.