The effects of skin moisturizers determined by the measurement of transepidermal water loss
Blichmann, C.W.; Serup, J.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 149(21): 1389-1390
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3603794 Document Number: 300628
The occlusive effects of vaseline and other moisturizers were investigated (yellow vaseline, white vaseline, petrolatum emulsion, liquid paraffin, paraffin emulsion and water). Ten volunteers participated in the investigation. The transepidermal water loss was measured before, immediately after and regularly during 30 minutes after application of the abovementioned substances to the palm of the hand and the palmar aspect of the forearm. The occlusive effects of the vaselines and liquid paraffin were definite (p < 0.05) but transient (5-10 minutes). Water applied to the skin either as pure water or as an emulsion resulted in high (p < 0.05) but brief increase in water evaporation (less than 10 minutes).