From the Guidelines
The skin slathering trend is not a recommended practice for managing atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions, as the most recent and highest quality evidence suggests that moisturizer use is generally safe and effective, but the choice of moisturizer and active ingredients should be based on individual patient needs and preferences 1.
Key Considerations
- The use of any particular moisturizer or active ingredient in an emollient cannot be recommended based on the limited available evidence 1.
- Moisturizers are generally safe, with rare serious adverse effects, and examination of 5 studies found adverse events occurring in 34.3% of patients in the treatment arms versus 22.1% of patients in the control arms 1.
- Important considerations in moisturizer use include allergenic potential, palatability, heterogeneity in formulations and trial data, paucity of data in AD patients with skin of color, and cost 1.
Moisturizer Use
- Moisturizer use is supported by moderate certainty evidence, and it is a strong recommendation for managing atopic dermatitis 1.
- The vehicle in emollient studies is often as effective as the vehicle plus active ingredient, and standardized mean difference (SMD) in studies of emollients usually do not examine the use of moisturizers on actively dermatitic/inflamed skin 1.
Other Considerations
- Dry skin (xerosis) is a common cutaneous sign in patients on dialysis, and use of emollients is essential for managing uraemic pruritus 1.
- No single treatment has been shown overwhelmingly to be effective for uraemic pruritus, but ensuring adequate dialysis, normalizing calcium-phosphate balance, controlling PTH to accepted levels, correcting any anaemia with erythropoietin, and using emollients are common practices 1.
From the Research
Skin Slathering Trend
The skin slathering trend refers to the practice of applying a thick layer of moisturizer to the skin, often in excess of what is typically recommended. This trend has gained popularity on social media platforms, with many users sharing their experiences and results from using generous amounts of moisturizer.
Benefits of Skin Slathering
Some studies suggest that using moisturizers containing certain ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid 2, natural moisturizing factors 3, and anti-inflammatory ingredients 4, can improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of dry skin. Additionally, a study found that an emollient-rich moisturizer developed to support three critical elements of natural skin moisturization increased the expression of biomarkers associated with skin barrier support and hydration 5.
Key Ingredients
Some key ingredients that may be beneficial for skin slathering include:
- Hyaluronic acid, which can help retain moisture in the skin 2
- Natural moisturizing factors, such as amino acids, urea, and lactate, which can help regulate the water content of the stratum corneum 3
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as shea butter and allantoin, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration 4
- Emollients, such as dimethicone and squalane, which can help fill gaps between skin cells and improve skin elasticity 5
Important Notes
It's worth noting that while some studies suggest benefits to using moisturizers, there is limited research specifically on the skin slathering trend. Additionally, using excessive amounts of moisturizer can potentially lead to clogged pores and other skin issues. As with any skincare practice, it's essential to listen to your skin and adjust your routine accordingly.
Related Research
Research has also shown that ingested hyaluronan can moisturize dry skin 6, which may be relevant to the skin slathering trend. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of skin slathering and to determine the most effective ingredients and practices for achieving healthy, hydrated skin.