Comparative 24-Hour Effects of Topical Humectants on Skin Hydration Assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant
Speaker Credentials
OMS-III
College
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO
Medical Specialty
Dermatology
Format
Poster
Start Date
November 2024
End Date
November 2024
Track
3
Abstract
Comparative 24-Hour Effects of Topical Humectants on Skin Hydration Assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant Kawaiola Cael Aoki, MAS, OMS-III a; Emily Deehan, OMS-II a; Marissa Ruppe, OMS-II a; Gregory Bartos, DO, FAAD b; Harvey N. Mayrovitz, PhD c a Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL b Imperial Dermatology, Hollywood, FL c Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL Abstract Objective: To examine and quantify the effects of four humectant-based moisturizers on skin hydration using non-invasive Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) measurements over 24 hours. Background: Skin hydration is crucial for maintaining adequate barrier functions and preventing conditions such as xerosis and dermatitis. Humectants attract and retain water in the stratum corneum, enhancing skin hydration. While widely used, the relative effectiveness and duration of hydration provided by common humectants need better quantification. This study evaluated four humectants using TDC values as indices of skin water to provide evidence-based recommendations. Methods: Participants (n=30) were randomized to receive four topical humectants—CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Skin Medica—applied to designated forearm sites. TDC measurements were taken at baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours at depths of 0.5 mm (epidermal) and 2.5 mm (dermal). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess hydration changes. Results: Skin Medica demonstrated the most significant epidermal hydration (p=0.012), sustained for nearly 5 hours, outperforming all other humectants. Cetaphil (p=0.905) and Eucerin (p=0.337) provided short-term hydration for approximately 3-3.5 hours but were not statistically significant. CeraVe showed no significant improvement over the control (p=0.775). No humectant significantly affected dermal hydration. Conclusion: Skin Medica emerged as the most effective humectant, providing statistically significant and sustained epidermal hydration for nearly five hours. Cetaphil, Eucerin, and CeraVe demonstrated short-term hydration but no significant effects. None significantly impacted dermal hydration, suggesting their effects are confined to the epidermis. Further research should explore long-term use and effects on dysregulated skin.
Comparative 24-Hour Effects of Topical Humectants on Skin Hydration Assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant
Comparative 24-Hour Effects of Topical Humectants on Skin Hydration Assessed by Tissue Dielectric Constant Kawaiola Cael Aoki, MAS, OMS-III a; Emily Deehan, OMS-II a; Marissa Ruppe, OMS-II a; Gregory Bartos, DO, FAAD b; Harvey N. Mayrovitz, PhD c a Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL b Imperial Dermatology, Hollywood, FL c Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL Abstract Objective: To examine and quantify the effects of four humectant-based moisturizers on skin hydration using non-invasive Tissue Dielectric Constant (TDC) measurements over 24 hours. Background: Skin hydration is crucial for maintaining adequate barrier functions and preventing conditions such as xerosis and dermatitis. Humectants attract and retain water in the stratum corneum, enhancing skin hydration. While widely used, the relative effectiveness and duration of hydration provided by common humectants need better quantification. This study evaluated four humectants using TDC values as indices of skin water to provide evidence-based recommendations. Methods: Participants (n=30) were randomized to receive four topical humectants—CeraVe, Cetaphil, Eucerin, and Skin Medica—applied to designated forearm sites. TDC measurements were taken at baseline, 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours at depths of 0.5 mm (epidermal) and 2.5 mm (dermal). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess hydration changes. Results: Skin Medica demonstrated the most significant epidermal hydration (p=0.012), sustained for nearly 5 hours, outperforming all other humectants. Cetaphil (p=0.905) and Eucerin (p=0.337) provided short-term hydration for approximately 3-3.5 hours but were not statistically significant. CeraVe showed no significant improvement over the control (p=0.775). No humectant significantly affected dermal hydration. Conclusion: Skin Medica emerged as the most effective humectant, providing statistically significant and sustained epidermal hydration for nearly five hours. Cetaphil, Eucerin, and CeraVe demonstrated short-term hydration but no significant effects. None significantly impacted dermal hydration, suggesting their effects are confined to the epidermis. Further research should explore long-term use and effects on dysregulated skin.