The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil

Sagiv, AE; Dikstein, S; Ingber, A

HERO ID

1614234

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2001

Language

English

PMID

11301638

HERO ID 1614234
In Press No
Year 2001
Title The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil
Authors Sagiv, AE; Dikstein, S; Ingber, A
Journal Skin Research and Technology
Volume 7
Issue 1
Page Numbers 32-35
Abstract <strong>BACKGROUND/AIMS: </strong>The research on the treatment of &quot;dry skin syndrome&quot; is hampered by the lack of a suitable animal model. Formerly, we developed a validated guinea pig in vivo model in which the dry skin syndrome persists at least for 1 week. We can, therefore, compare the pharmacological effectiveness of known and potential moisturizers for the treatment of dry skin syndrome. Our aim is to study whether the moisturizing efficiency of humectants depends on the solvents in which they are dissolved.<br /><br /><strong>METHODS: </strong>&quot;Dry skin syndrome&quot; was induced on the shaved skin on one side of guinea pigs by daily application of 2% sodium lauryl sulphate in deionized water (SLS) for 3 days. The other shaved side was used as control. After ascertaining skin dryness, that side was treated for 6 days with glycerol or 1,2-hexanediol in different solvents: water, or medium chain triglycerides (MCT) or mixtures of MCT with isopropyl alcohol in different proportions. Measurement of the in vivo moisturizing effect was carried out by a Comeometer CM 825; erythema was measured by a Mexameter MX 16.<br /><br /><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Treatments with glycerol (1M) in water reversed the skin dryness shown by both instruments. When dissolving glycerol in MCT, no moisturizing effect was found, probably because glycerol does not dissolve in the oil. No moisturizing effect was found with different combinations of glycerol in the mixtures of MCT and isopropyl alcohol. No moisturizing effect was found using another polyol moisturizer: 1,2 hexanediol (1M) dissolved in MCT oil. Glycerol or 1,2-hexanediol abolished the erythema only when they were dissolved in water alone.<br /><br /><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>Polyol moisturizers such as glycerol or 1,2-hexanediol do not act in the presence of oils against the sodium lauryl sulphate-induced dry skin in our guinea pig model. Since in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, the water evaporates within several minutes, one has to question the ability of moisturizing emulsions to treat dry skin. In such instances, one cannot draw conclusions about the moisturizing efficiency of the preparation merely from the presence of the humectant. One has to study the effect of the finished preparation.
Doi 10.1034/j.1600-0846.2001.007001032.x
Pmid 11301638
Wosid WOS:000166541600005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Source: Web of Science WOS:000166541600005
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword dry skin syndrome; guinea pig; humectant; efficiency