Improvement of skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis patients with a new moisturizer containing a ceramide precursor

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by barrier abnormalities, including insufficient ceramides in the stratum corneum (SC). Objective: To measure the effects of a new moisturizer (CRM) containing a ceramide precursor in improving skin barrier function in patients with controlled atopic dermatitis. Methods: In this randomized, intra-individual comparison, investigator-blinded study, CRM was applied to the test area of one lower leg for 27 days (the other leg remained as untreated control). Evaluations at baseline and day 28 included transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration by corneometry, dryness severity, Raman spectroscopy, and collection of adverse events. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, results showed a significantly greater reduction of TEWL and clinical dryness scores, and increased skin hydration (all p < 01) in the CRM-treated than untreated area. A significantly higher level of ceramide (p < 05) and a trend toward increased water content was observed with Raman in the SC for CRM than for the control. There were no related AEs. Conclusion: Skin barrier function and hydration were significantly improved after CRM treatment.