Moisturizer Recommendations for Skin Protection
For general skin moisturizing and protection, hypoallergenic moisturizing creams, ointments, and emollients should be used once daily to smooth the skin, prevent dryness, and maintain skin barrier function. 1
Types of Moisturizers and Their Benefits
- Moisturizers play a critical role in maintaining skin health by improving dryness and enhancing the skin's natural barrier function against internal and external irritants 2
- Moisturizers with high lipid content are particularly beneficial for elderly skin 1
- Hypoallergenic moisturizers should be applied as soon as any skin therapy begins to prevent and alleviate skin dryness 1
Evidence-Based Moisturizer Selection
Most Effective Formulations
- Moisturizers containing urea and glycerol (humectants) significantly strengthen the skin barrier and provide superior protection against irritation compared to simple paraffin-based moisturizers 3
- Glycerol-containing moisturizers perform better than paraffin-only creams but not as well as urea-glycerol combinations 3
- For patients with atopic dermatitis, the regular and liberal use (approximately 600g/week for an adult) of emollients is recommended, even between flare episodes 3
Application Recommendations
- Apply moisturizers at least once daily to affected areas 1
- For maximum benefit, apply moisturizers immediately after bathing when the skin is still slightly damp 1
- Patients should use tepid water for bathing and avoid excessive use of soaps that can dehydrate the skin 1
Special Considerations
For Specific Skin Conditions
- For atopic dermatitis: Strong recommendation for moisturizer use with moderate certainty of evidence 1
- For generalized pruritus: Emollients are recommended as first-line therapy 1
- For psoriasis: Moisturizers can increase skin hydration and reduce desquamation even without other topical treatments 4
Potential Allergens to Avoid
- Be aware that 68% of commercial moisturizers contain fragrance, the most common allergen in these products 5
- Other common allergens include parabens (62%), vitamin E (55%), and essential oils/biologic additives (45%) 5
- Greasy creams should be avoided for patients prone to folliculitis as they might facilitate its development due to occlusive properties 1
Formulation Selection Based on Skin Type
- For dry skin: Ointments or creams with higher oil content provide better occlusion 1
- For normal to oily skin: Lighter lotions or gels may be preferred 1
- For sensitive skin: Products free of fragrance, preservatives, and other potential irritants are recommended 6, 5
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid alcohol-containing lotions or gels as they can further dry the skin 1
- Avoid hot showers and excessive use of soaps that can strip natural oils 1
- Be cautious with moisturizers containing multiple ingredients as they increase the risk of allergic contact dermatitis 6, 5
By selecting appropriate moisturizers based on skin condition and avoiding potential irritants, patients can effectively protect their skin barrier and maintain skin health.