Examples of Emollient Lotions for Dry Skin
Emollients are topical preparations that hydrate and restore the skin barrier by providing a surface lipid film that retards evaporative water loss from the epidermis, and should be applied at least once to twice daily, ideally immediately after bathing. 1
Specific Emollient Product Categories
Basic Emollient Formulations
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly): Recommended for application around nails and areas requiring intensive occlusion due to its lubricant and smoothing effects on the skin, preventing moisture evaporation by forming a surface film 1
Hypoallergenic moisturizing creams and ointments: Should be fragrance-free and applied once daily minimum to smooth the skin and prevent skin dryness 1
Oil-in-water creams or ointments: Preferred over alcohol-containing lotions or gels for xerotic (dry) skin conditions 1
Formulation Types by Consistency
Ointments: Provide occlusive dressing for maximum penetration; suitable for very dry skin or wintertime use 1
Creams: Water-based, white, and non-greasy; also suitable for very dry skin or wintertime 1
Lotions: Suspensions of powder in water; provide lighter coverage 1
Enhanced Emollients with Active Ingredients
Urea-containing preparations (10-40%): Most frequently used keratolytic agent that can be increased in concentration up to 20% for general use, or even 40% in localized areas of thick scale or hyperkeratosis 1
Ceramide-containing cleansers and creams: Shown to significantly improve dry skin conditions when used twice daily, with demonstrated efficacy in reducing dryness, flaking, and scaling 2
Polidocanol-containing lotions: Suitable for soothing pruritus associated with dry skin 1
Application Guidelines
Timing: Most effective when applied after bathing to hydrate skin 1
Frequency: Apply at least once to three times daily depending on severity 1
Technique: Should be applied immediately after a 10- to 15-minute lukewarm bath or shower for optimal absorption 1
Bath oils: Patients should be allowed to decide on the most suitable bath oil and bathing regimen based on individual preference 1
Important Clinical Considerations
Avoid greasy creams for basic care in certain conditions as they might facilitate development of folliculitis due to occlusive properties 1
Dispersible cream should be used as a soap substitute to cleanse the skin, as soaps and detergents remove natural lipid from the skin surface 1
Regular emollient use has steroid-sparing effects in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, both short-term and long-term 1
The combination of emollients with topical corticosteroids for 4 to 8 weeks helps reduce itching, desquamation, and total body surface area involvement while preventing quick relapse when corticosteroids are discontinued 1