Emollients
Sharolyn Uriegas
Moisturisers are products used to add moisture to the skin. Emollients are products used to soften and smooth skin (eg, lanolin, glycerol stearate). Although the terms emollient and moisturiser are often used synonymously, emollients can also be described as a specific ingredient of moisturisers.
Components of moisturisers include emollients, occlusives, and humectants. Moisturisers may also contain other ingredients such as surfactants (cleansers), fragrances, and preservatives. Specially formulated products may also report antimicrobial, anti-itch, and anti-inflammatory actions.
Background: The effectiveness of emollients for preventing atopic dermatitis/eczema is controversial. The Barrier Enhancement for Eczema Prevention trial evaluated the effects of daily emollients during the first year of life on atopic dermatitis and atopic conditions to age 5 years.
Results: Parents reported more frequent moisturizer application in the emollient group through to 5 years. A clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis between 12 and 60 months was reported for 188/608 (31%) in the emollient group and 178/631 (28%) in the control group (adjusted relative risk 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.30). Although more parents in the emollient group reported food reactions in the previous year at 3 and 4 years, cumulative incidence of doctor-diagnosed food allergy by 5 years was similar between groups (92/609 [15%] emollients and 87/632 [14%] controls, adjusted relative risk 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 1.45). Findings were similar for cumulative incidence of asthma and hay fever.
Selecting an appropriate emollient for a patient is critical, as it is the fundamental treatment for AD. In one survey, aqueous cream was the most commonly used emollient, with petroleum-derived products the next. When comparing aqueous cream with other emollients, aqueous cream users had lower product acceptability and measurably lower skin hydration [8]. Aqueous cream has been known to contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that can cause skin irritation. Tsang and colleagues reported that chronic use of aqueous cream can cause reduction in stratum corneum thickness and an increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements [10]. Treatment with aqueous cream is associated with increased desquamatory and inflammatory protease activity [11]. Aqueous cream BP should not be used as a leave-on emollient in patients with AD [12]. Other than aqueous cream, commercial products available in the market may contain allergens. Common allergens in emollients include fragrances and tocopherol [13]. Eczematous skin may be prone to secondary sensitization and further damage with frequent application of some of the emollients.
Background: Primary prevention of food allergy by early introduction of allergenic foods seems promising. We aimed to determine whether early food introduction or the application of regular skin emollients in infants from a general population reduced the risk of food allergy.
Methods: This 2 2 factorial, cluster-randomised trial was done at Oslo University Hospital and Østfold Hospital Trust, Oslo, Norway, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Infants of women recruited antenatally at the routine 18-week ultrasound examination were cluster-randomised at birth to the following groups: (1) no intervention group; (2) the skin intervention group (skin emollients; bath additives and facial cream; from age 2 weeks to
The type of emollient that is best for you depends on the cause and severity of your skin condition, the part of your body that is affected, and your personal preferences. You may want to try a few different emollients before deciding on one you prefer. You may even use different types at different times of the day or year, as the dryness of your skin varies.
The most common way to classify emollients is by how oily or greasy they are. All emollients soften and smooth your skin, but the amount of oil in them determines how strong of an occlusive agent they are. The more oil an emollient contains, the better it is at forming a protective layer on your skin to trap moisture.
This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking. Some products (such as zinc oxide, white petrolatum) are used mostly to protect the skin against irritation (such as from wetness).Dry skin is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin. Emollients/moisturizers work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin. Petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone are common emollients. Humectants, including glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol, draw water into the outer layer of skin. Many products also have ingredients that soften the horny substance (keratin) that holds the top layer of skin cells together (including urea, alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic/citric/glycolic acid, and allantoin). This helps the dead skin cells fall off, helps the skin keep in more water, and leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer.
If your condition lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away. Side Effects Most emollients can be used safely and effectively with no side effects. However, burning, stinging, redness, or irritation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
The risk of severe and fatal burns with emollients containing more than 50% paraffins was communicated in January 2008 and April 2016 via Drug Safety Update, in addition to the National Patient Safety Agency alert in 2007.
Different emollients and moisturizers can play key roles in managing psoriasis. They often work as part of a treatment plan that includes topical medications, systemic drugs, biologic medication, and light therapy.
Other names: emollients, moisturizers, topical moisturizersWhat are Topical emollients?Topical emollients are creams, lotions, or ointments that contain ingredients that soothe and soften the skin. The word emollient means a preparation that softens the skin. Another name for an emollient is a moisturizer.
Occlusive emollients such as lanolin, emulsifying ointment, and liquid paraffin work by covering the skin with a protective film, preventing water loss. Humectant emollients contain ingredients such as urea, glycerol, propylene glycol or lactic acid that attract and hold water in the top layer of skin. Some emollients may contain ingredients to reduce itching or prevent infection.
Topical emollients can be used on a daily basis to improve skin hydration in people prone to dry skin. They may also be used in the treatment of skin conditions characterized by dryness or scaliness, such as eczema or psoriasis. Regular use may lessen the use of active topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids.
Establishing recommendation guidelines for the use of emollients will likely stem from clinical comparative efficacy. Although a recently published report has demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting patients with eczema in a primary care setting, randomly assigning them to a moisturizer regimen and maintaining observers blinded to allocation for a period of 52 weeks [6], only one RCT is currently assessing the comparative long-term efficacy and safety of various emollients [4], highlighting the need for additional research.
Emollients are good for most skin types, the one exception being those with naturally very oily skin, notes Greenfield. In this case, emollients, particularly heavy, oil-rich products, can potentially be too heavy and lead to clogged pores and breakouts."}},"@type": "Question","name": "What is the Difference Between Emollient and Moisturizer?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "An emollient is an ingredient in moisturizer that helps to smooth and soften skin.","@type": "Question","name": "How Long Do Emollients Take to Work?","acceptedAnswer": "@type": "Answer","text": "Emollients, such as Biafine's Emulsion Cream, soak into the skin within a matter of minutes."]}]}] CONFIDENCE, COMMUNITY, AND JOY
Works Well With: "Emollients work well with a range of other skincare ingredients," says Nussbaum. In moisturizers, emollients work best when paired with other moisturizing agents that have occlusive or humectant properties, meaning they coat and cover the skin or attract water to it, respectively, she explains. They can also be combined with other actives, such as anti-inflammatory botanical extracts.
Don't Use With: Avoid pairing emollients with ingredients that can have potentially irritating side effects that you don't want sealed into the skin, cautions Nussbaum, who cites retinol and alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids as common examples.
Emollients are good for most skin types, the one exception being those with naturally very oily skin, notes Greenfield. In this case, emollients, particularly heavy, oil-rich products, can potentially be too heavy and lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
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Although there have not been any reports in New Zealand to date, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK is currently aware of 11 cases in which paraffin-based emollients are suspected to have contributed to the speed and intensity of a fire, resulting in a fatal burns injury1.
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