Information on Clinical Evaluation of Moisturizing Effect in Skincare: Skin Hydration Testing
Nowadays, facial skincare products, especially those designed to increase skin moisture, commonly known as moisturizers for dry skin, have gained tremendous popularity. This is due to changing environmental conditions and daily lifestyle habits that contribute to skin becoming dry and dehydrated more easily. Consumers are seeking products that not only provide hydration but also demonstrate clear, reliable results supported by scientific evidence.
To instill confidence in both manufacturers and consumers, Visbio Co., Ltd. offers Moisturizing Effect Clinical Trial services using a state-of-the-art skin moisture measurement device called the Corneometer. This instrument precisely measures moisture levels in the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, without causing any damage. Alongside instrumental measurement, detailed questionnaires are utilized to collect user feedback on their experience with the product, ensuring that the results are comprehensive, reliable, and can be effectively leveraged for marketing purposes.
Causes of Dry Skin on the Face
Dry skin, medically known as xerosis, is a common skin condition affecting individuals of all ages, especially on the face, which is continuously exposed to external environmental factors. The major causes of dry facial skin include:
- Environmental Conditions: Exposure to dry air, harsh winds, and cold weather accelerates the loss of water and natural oils from the skin’s surface.
- Aging: As people age, the skin’s natural protective barrier weakens, and sebum production decreases, leading to reduced moisture retention.
- Harsh Cleansing Practices: Frequent washing or use of soaps and cleansers with high pH levels can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.
- Medical Skin Conditions: Disorders such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis often cause persistent dryness and irritation.
- Inadequate Hydration and Nutrition: Poor water intake and unbalanced diets can impair skin hydration from within.
- Use of Inappropriate Skincare Products: Products containing irritants, alcohol, or ingredients unsuitable for dry skin can worsen the condition.
Mechanisms Behind the Moisturizing Effect on Skin
The skin is composed of multiple layers, with the stratum corneum being the outermost layer that serves as a barrier protecting the underlying tissues and maintaining skin hydration. When the stratum corneum loses water or becomes damaged, the skin becomes dry, flaky, and loses its elasticity.
The moisturizing effect occurs when skincare products containing active ingredients either replenish the water content within the skin or prevent excessive water loss by strengthening the skin barrier. The primary mechanisms include:
- Direct Moisturization (Humectant Effect): Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and bind water molecules from the deeper layers of the skin or the surrounding environment, increasing skin hydration and softness.
- Water Loss Prevention (Occlusive Effect): Occlusive agents like petrolatum, natural oils, and silicones form a protective film on the skin surface, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Skin Barrier Repair (Barrier Repair): Ingredients like ceramides and phytosphingosine help restore and strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier, enhancing its ability to retain moisture and defend against external irritants.
These mechanisms work synergistically to provide prolonged hydration, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of dryness and irritation.
Prevention and Care for Dry Skin Using Appropriate Products
Besides lifestyle and skincare habit adjustments, selecting the right skincare products is crucial in managing dry skin effectively. Moisturizers or moisturizing creams play an essential role by supplying necessary hydration and nourishment, helping the skin maintain a healthy moisture balance.
Appropriate products for dry skin typically contain
- Humectants: Substances such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid that attract and retain water within the skin.
- Occlusives: Ingredients like natural oils, coconut oil, and silicones that create a moisture-retaining barrier on the skin surface.
- Emollients: Oils such as almond oil and jojoba oil that smooth and soften the skin.
- Barrier-repairing agents: Ceramides and other lipids that reinforce the skin’s natural protective barrier.
- Free from irritants: The products should avoid harsh alcohols, fragrances, and preservatives that can exacerbate dryness and sensitivity.
Key Ingredients Commonly Used in Moisturizing Products
In the skincare industry, several ingredients have been extensively researched and are widely used for their proven efficacy in hydrating and repairing dry skin. These include:
- Glycerin
A highly effective humectant that attracts moisture to the skin without leaving a greasy residue. - Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring polysaccharide that can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrating agent that plumps and smooths the skin. - Ceramides
Lipid molecules are crucial components of the skin’s barrier, helping to prevent water loss and protect against environmental damage. - Natural Oils (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil)
These act as occlusives that lock in moisture and provide antioxidant benefits. - Plant Extracts (including aloe vera and chamomile)
Known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, they help calm irritated skin and support hydration. - Niacinamide
Also known as Vitamin B3, it strengthens the skin barrier, reduces water loss, and has anti-inflammatory effects.
Other notable moisturizing ingredients include:
- Urea: Enhances skin exfoliation and improves moisture retention.
- Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs): A blend of amino acids, sugars, and minerals that maintain skin hydration and resilience.
How Ingredient Functions Align with Moisturizing Effect
The effectiveness of moisturizing ingredients can be objectively measured by the Corneometer, which evaluates water content in the stratum corneum. Specifically:
- Humectants increase water levels in the skin, reflected by higher moisture readings.
- Occlusives minimize water evaporation, ensuring prolonged hydration.
- Barrier repair agents improve the skin’s moisture retention capacity over time.
At Visbio, the moisturizing effect clinical trial combines Corneometer data with participant feedback via questionnaires to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of product performance, encompassing both quantitative moisture levels and qualitative user experiences.
Clinical Trial Process for Moisturizing Effect
Visbio Co., Ltd. conducts the Moisturizing Effect Clinical Trial to evaluate the efficacy of moisturizing products following a structured process:
- Volunteer selection:
- 20 participants, both male and female, aged 18–60 years, with dry facial skin. - Baseline data collection:
- Measure skin moisture using the Corneometer at designated sites such as the cheeks.
- Collect subjective data via questionnaires about skin condition and sensation. - Product usage:
- Volunteers apply the test product as instructed, typically twice daily, over a 28-day period. - Post-usage data collection:
- Re-measure skin moisture at the same sites using the Corneometer.
- Collect follow-up questionnaire data regarding perceived changes and satisfaction. - Data analysis:
- Compare moisture measurements before and after product use.
- Analyze qualitative feedback from questionnaires.
- Summarize and prepare the test report.
Test Report and Benefits
- The test report prepared by Visbio’s research team is comprehensive, including both quantitative moisture data and qualitative user feedback.
- It clearly confirms the product’s moisturizing efficacy.
- Provides crucial scientific evidence for product registration with regulatory authorities such as the Thai FDA.
- Helps increase consumer trust and enhances brand value.
- Offers foundational data for product development or formulation improvements.
Literature:
- Lodén, M. (2003). The clinical benefit of moisturizers. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 17(6), 573-588.
- Elias, P. M., & Feingold, K. R. (2012). Skin barrier. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 214, 3-12.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Moisturizers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(4), 489-495.
- Fluhr, J. W., Darlenski, R., & Seroglou, S. (2010). Functional skin adaptation in infancy – almost complete but not fully competent. Experimental Dermatology, 19(11), 995-1000.