Drs. Han and Draelos review pre-clinical and clinical research evaluating how moisturizers can strengthen and protect the skin barrier in patients with sensitive skin. Their discussion highlights the role of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), lipids, and barrier-supportive formulations in improving hydration, reducing irritation, and maintaining skin health.
Topics Covered
- The importance of barrier repair in sensitive skin management
- How NMF- and lipid-containing moisturizers improve hydration and barrier integrity
- Research involving aquaporin-3 and filaggrin expression related to skin barrier function
- Strategies for minimizing irritation associated with topical retinoids and other treatments
- Clinical applications of moisturization in sensitive and irritation-prone skin
References
- Bernhardt et al. Novel Natural Moisturizing Factor and Lipid-Containing Face Cream Induces Aquaporin-3 and Filaggrin Expression Associated With Barrier Improvements and Sustained Clinical Hydration in Extra-Dry Skin. Presented at the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 8–12, 2024; San Diego, California.
- Zaleski et al. Barrier-Supporting NMF-Containing Face Gel and NMF + Lipid-Containing Face Cream Improve Disease and Medication-Induced Irritation in Sensitive Skin Patients. Presented at the 2024 Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting; May 15–18, 2024; Dallas, Texas.
- Parsa et al. Tretinoin and retinol bioactivity are retained when layered with adjunctive water gel moisturizer or a water cream moisturizer in an “open sandwich” regimen. Presented at the 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting; March 7–11, 2025; Orlando, Florida.
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