An in vivo comparative study on ageing skin: bio-mimetic versus traditional approach to skin moisturisation

Skin dryness is a common condition in elderly individuals. The two main mechanisms to cosmetically alleviate this state rely on the effects of humectants and occlusive substances, mostly in combination. However, products nowadays aim to go beyond the simple humectant and occlusive effects and to deliver ‘moisturising actives’, such as skin-identical lipids, natural moisturising factor (NMF) components, lipid precursors, peptides and amino acids.

A relatively recent approach to increasing skin moisturisation is the bio-mimetic mechanism, i.e. using active ingredients with skin-identical lipids and lamellar structure. This study has demonstrated that providing the skin with lipids identical to those that make up the natural skin barrier can improve the skin hydration to a greater extent than a conventional o/w emulsion based on occlusive materials and humectants. In addition, it suggests that using bio-mimetic moisturisers is an effective and long-lasting method to elevate dry skin condition in people over 60.