A Novel Skin Moisture Management Strategy.

An important function of skin is prevention of water loss. When the normal skin barrier breaks down, strategies to treat dry skin include occlusives and humectants. An important physiological process for retaining water in epidermal cells is the taurine transporter (TauT). The TauT is activated within minutes after the skin is exposed to irritation, dehydration, ultraviolet radiation, and other stressors. A novel product comprising two patented technologies delivers cytoprotective osmoregulation and ingredients for optimum moisture management (Tetros® ULTRA, Intense Hydration for Stressed Skin; TetraDerm™ Group LLC, Grosse Pointe, MI). The product has been formulated with natural physiological lipid ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol esters, which restore and protect the stratum corneum moisture barrier. It also contains a retinoid activator of the TauT to stimulate osmoregulation. The selected lipids and lipid precursors are present in the product in ratios that resemble the natural complexity of biological membranes. The product is also formulated with different nano- and micro-compartments that deliver hydrophilic and hydrophobic actives together, with different rates and depth of delivery, without changing composition or concentrations of excipients. The formulation enables penetration through stratum corneum and epidermis without disturbing normal skin barrier function. Controlled ingredient release and penetration depth enhance the capability of lipid precursors to promote skin lipid biosynthesis. These product characteristics lend themselves to widespread application in numerous dermatologic disorders without compromising the normal barrier function of the skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(7):752-754. doi:10.36849/JDD.5749.