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Summary: Background: The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis is characterized by abnormal stratum corneum lipid levels. Consequently, the lamellar matrices are disrupted and skin barrier function is diminished, increasing skin sensitivity to irritants and allergens. Objectives: To determine whether a cream containing ceramides, triglycerides and cholesterol in a multivesicular emulsion can reinforce the skin barrier and protect against skin irritation. Methods: A randomized observer‐blind intrapatient‐controlled study in 34 adults with dry, eczema‐prone skin was conducted. Each participant underwent 4 weeks of treatment with the test cream on one forearm and lower leg and a reference emollient cream on the other. Skin properties were determined before and after treatment. Lipid structure was assessed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy using a novel interface. Results: Skin barrier integrity was greater at sites treated with the test cream [effect size for area under the transepidermal water loss curve −162, 95% confidence interval (CI) −206 to −118]. Skin sensitivity to sodium lauryl sulfate was reduced (−0·5 points visual redness, 97·57% CI −1·00 to −0·25), as was transepidermal water loss (−15·3 g m−2 h−1, 95% CI −20·3 to −10·4) compared with the reference. Sites treated with the test cream displayed enhanced lipid chain ordering, which was significantly associated with skin barrier integrity (r = 0·61). Compared with the reference, treatment with the test cream increased hydration (8·61 capacitance units, 95% CI 6·61–10·6) and decreased signs of dryness. Conclusions: The test cream facilitates skin barrier restoration and protects the skin from dryness and irritation. Compared with a commonly prescribed emollient in the UK, the test cream is highly suited to the management of dry, sensitive skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The replenishment of skin lipids depleted in the dry skin state is a desirable therapeutic target to restore skin moisturization; however, there is limited evidence demonstrating the success of this approach through the use of topical emollients. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of the benefits of a cream and equivalent lotion containing skin lipids in a multi-vesicular emulsion for the management of dry skin. The hypothesis was that the test cream and test lotion could sustain skin moisturization for longer than traditional emollients by sustainably delivering skin lipids. Methods: A double-blind intra-subject vehicle-controlled single open-application test on the lower legs in people with dry, atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema)-prone, skin was conducted. There were six treatment sites, three per lower leg in each participant, which were treated with the test cream, the test lotion, three reference creams commonly prescribed in the UK and no treatment as a control. After baseline measurements of skin hydration, 100 μl of the test/reference creams was applied to each of the relevant treatment sites (random site allocation). Following treatment, measurements of skin hydration and scoring of visual dryness was conducted at timed intervals (3, 6, 12 and 24 h post-product application). Results: The test cream and lotion both significantly increased skin hydration and reduced skin dryness for at least 24 h following a single application compared to a no treatment control site. Compared to three reference emollient creams the test cream and test lotion were the only products capable of sustaining clinically meaningful improvements in skin moisturization for 24 h. Conclusion: The sustained moisturization imparted by the test products reduces the need for frequent emollient application, often requiring 3–4 applications per day for traditional emollients, and should reduce the high burden of managing dry skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]