Basic Emollients for Xerosis Cutis Not Associated With Atopic Dermatitis: A Review of Clinical Studies

Abstract

Xerosis cutis (dry skin) is a common dermatological condition that occurs when the water-holding or barrier functions of the skin are impaired. In addition to external triggers, xerosis cutis may be caused by endogenous factors (e.g., aging) or present as a symptom of other diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and diabetes. Basic emollients restore skin hydration and barrier function through the biophysical properties of their non-active constituents and are routinely recommended for treating xerosis cutis and diseases associated with dry skin. As newer “emollients plus” containing active ingredients become available, we believe there is still a place for basic emollients as safe and cost-effective treatment options for the long-term management of dry skin. The previous article in this supplement reviewed basic emollients for the treatment of xerosis cutis in atopic dermatitis; herein, we review evidence describing the clinical value of basic emollients for dry skin associated with other causes. Twenty-one literature searches were performed to identify clinical studies of basic emollients containing one or more of the following ingredients: almond and coconut oils, amino acids, chondroitin, dexpanthenol, glucose, glycerol, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, olive oil, paraffin, petrolatum, phospholipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pyroglutamic acid, squalene, triglycerides, urea, vegetable oils, and vitamin E. Despite wide variations in study design and outcome measures, articles of interest identified by the authors show that most basic emollient formulations are safe and effective at improving dry skin associated with senile xerosis, uremic xerosis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and diabetes. Overall, current clinical evidence reaffirms that regular and ongoing emollient use should be the mainstay of basic therapy for xerosis cutis and diseases associated with dry skin.