Did you know that the effect of a moisturiser on the skin can be measured, even 24 hours after a single application?
Why measure hydration
Applying moisturizer is one of the most common steps in any routine. We usually judge its effect by touch, noticing whether the skin feels softer or less tight. Research uses instruments that give a number instead, which makes it possible to compare products more objectively.
One of these instruments is the corneometer. It measures how much water the outermost layer of the skin contains. Another useful value is transepidermal water loss, the water that evaporates through the skin. When the skin barrier works well, this loss stays low.
How the study was done
In 2018 a team of researchers tested a new ceramide cream, formulated with ingredients that mimic the skin’s own moisturizing systems. On healthy skin they measured hydration before application and then 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours after a single application.
The comparison included three over-the-counter reference moisturizers and a placebo cream without the active ingredients. For the ceramide cream, water loss through the skin was also measured. Tolerability was assessed with repeated skin tests, an ophthalmological check and testing on children.
What was observed
The ceramide cream and the three reference creams significantly increased skin hydration over the hours. The placebo cream did not produce a significant increase at any time point. At 24 hours, hydration with the ceramide cream was higher than with all three reference creams.
The same cream reduced water loss through the skin over the 24 hours. In the tests it was not sensitizing for adults or children, and it was not irritating to the skin or the eye area.
How to read the result
The study shows with instrumental measurements that a single application of a good moisturizer leaves a trace that lasts many hours. That is a useful finding if you wonder whether it is worth being consistent with this step.
It should still be read with some caution. The authors work for the company that makes the cream, as they state in the publication. The study looks at a single application on healthy skin and says nothing about long-term use or about skin with specific problems. Every skin has different needs, and if yours is very dry, red or reactive, a dermatologist’s advice remains the best starting point.
This article is for information only. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or dermatologist, whom you should consult with any question about your skin.