Topical delivery of skin-identical lipids reinforces the skin barrier to reduce skin susceptibility to irritants

S.G. Danby, P. Andrew, K. Brown, J. Chittock, A. Pinnock, S. Williams, M.J. Cork

INTRODUCTION

An altered composition of stratum corneum (SC) lipids, particularly ceramides, underpins the reduced skin barrier function of people with atopic dermatitis (AD) and other dry skin conditions.

This leaves the skin more susceptible to irritant and allergen penetration, and colonization by pathogenic bacteria, which drive skin inflammation.

An emollient containing skin-identical lipids and glycerine in a multivesicular emulsion (MVE+GL) was recently shown to improve lipid lamellae structure and barrier function when compared to a simple oil-in-water(O/W) emollient.¹

The effects of MVE+GL on the skin barrier relative to a humectant containing emollient have not been established yet.