Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gentle cleansing of the skin without further compromising its barrier function and moisture content and being simultaneously devoid of adverse effects on the skin microbiome are important features of body cleansers for atopic-prone skin sufferers. For this population, a new dexpanthenol-containing liquid cleanser (DCLC) was developed. METHODS: Two prospective 4-week studies have been conducted. Study 1 investigated the effect of once-daily DCLC on stratum corneum (SC) hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin pH, and skin microbiome (all on the volar forearm) in adult subjects with dry skin (N = 44). Study 2 explored the cutaneous tolerability of DCLC and its effect on the microbiome biodiversity of the volar forearm skin in infants/children with atopic-prone skin (N = 33, aged 6 months to 6 years). In the latter study, DCLC was applied 2-3 days/week in combination with an emollient applied at least twice daily. RESULTS: In Study 1, on Day 29, the mean change in skin surface capacitance from baseline was significantly greater in the forearm test area treated with DCLC than in the contralateral test area (control) treated with water only (5.16 vs. 3.65 a.u.; p = 0.011), suggesting long-term SC hydration. DCLC use was not associated with changes in TEWL, skin pH, or microbiome biodiversity if compared to control. In Study 2, the 4-week use of DCLC in combination with an emollient was well tolerated according to pediatrician skin assessment, and no flare-ups were recorded. The microbiome biodiversity did not shift during the study. CONCLUSION: These findings support the use of DCLC in subjects with atopic-prone skin.