Emollient therapy and skin barrier function

Abstract

Conventional treatment of dry skin conditions involves the chronic application of emollients or moisturisers in order to replace the skin's water content and restore barrier integrity. However, a number of studies in the literature have also highlighted the ability of specific emollient products to compromise the skin's protective role. Two specific products (Locabase® and Aqueous Cream B.P.) are considered in this chapter. Their effects on skin barrier integrity have been studied using a combination of molecular and biophysical approaches. The changes following short-term or chronic application to human skin are reviewed, and possible reasons for their influence on skin health are also discussed.