A Novel Multi-Action Emollient Plus Cream Improves Skin Barrier Function in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: In vitro and Clinical Evidence

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Emollients capable of restoring the skin barrier function would extend their role beyond basic maintenance therapy in atopic dermatitis (AD). <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Investigate the effect of a novel emollient plus cream (EC; Dermoflan®) on the skin barrier in vitro and in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The effect of EC on the skin barrier recovery was evaluated using a tape-stripping (TS) model. After TS, organ cultures were treated with EC (undiluted or diluted 1:1 with water) and analyzed at 18–120 h using hematoxylin and eosin, Oil Red O, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent techniques. In a double-blind, randomized study, EC or placebo was applied once daily for 2 months to antecubital folds of the upper and lower limbs of patients with mild-to-moderate AD in clinical remission. Epidermal thickness, vascularization, and epidermal hydration were assessed by optical coherence tomography and corneometry, respectively, at baseline, and 1 and 2 months following treatment initiation. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Following TS, EC treatment significantly increased epidermal thickness and lipid content versus diluent in the skin organ culture, as well as claudin-1, involucrin, and caspase-14 expression, suggesting skin barrier repair. EC treatment also decreased keratin-16 expression and increased levels of Toll-like receptors 1 and 2 versus diluent, suggesting involvement in regulating the epidermal immune response. In 20 patients randomized 1:1 to EC or placebo, EC treatment at the elbow fold/popliteal fossa significantly decreased epidermal thickness after 2 months, and the number of blood vessels at the elbow fold after 1 and 2 months, versus placebo. EC significantly improved the skin hydration after 2 months versus baseline. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This novel multi-action EC may help to restore epidermal homeostasis and improve the skin of patients with AD. Results indicate that this novel multi-action EC could be a valid adjuvant therapy in patients with AD. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> Novel multi-action emollient cream helps to restore epidermal homeostasis and improves the skin affected by AD.