THE EFFECT OF MOISTURIZERS ON SKIN SURFACE HYDRATION AS MEASURED INVIVO BY ELECTRICAL-CONDUCTIVITY

Electrical conductivity was measured in 50 volunteers at various times after treatment with selected commercially available moisturizers. Analysis of the conductivity values as a function of time posttreatment showed that this experimental design might be useful for studying the long-lasting effects of such products on the hydration state of the superficial layers of the stratum corneum. Differences in product performance could be explained in terms of choice of ingredients. Conventional formulations based solely on occlusive or humectant were found to be less effective than those that contained additional active ingredients such as keratin softeners and keratin-binding factor.