The 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6-II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment.

Direct replacement of decreased ceramides in the stratum corneum can be efficacious for skin hydration, skin barrier function, and skin pH. Our study aimed to evaluate the 24-hr, 28-day, and 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy of ceramide-containing moisturizer in senile xerosis treatment. A split site, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study was conducted in 24 senile subjects (91.7% females, mean age 54.83 ± 5.45 years) with mild to moderate xerosis, who were randomized to receive ceramide-containing moisturizer or hydrophilic cream, daily applied on each side of the shin. A single application of ceramide-containing moisturizer increased skin hydration, while improving transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin pH for up to 24 hr, with statistically significant difference. After 28 days of twice-daily application, more significant improvement on skin hydration, barrier function, and skin pH was observed in those with ceramide-containing moisturizer at all-time points. At day 28, there was a statistically significant decrease of hemoglobin index, wrinkle, and texture on the ceramide treated side. The 7-day post-moisturizing efficacy on the ceramide treated side was superior for skin hydration, TEWL, skin pH, and wrinkle. Thus, the ceramide-containing moisturizer can be a novel promising treatment for senile xerosis.