Natural atopic dermatitis skincare boosts psychological and visual symptoms, study finds
13 Jul 2022 --- Research from Latvia-based universities supports the theory that natural skincare products can help individuals with atopic dermatitis by easing their symptoms and improving their psychosocial well-being. Regarding visual aspects, the participants reported improved skin swelling and a reduced burning or heat sensation.
The study’s findings unveiled the positive impact of natural skincare regimens for atopic dermatitis patients in relation to a reduction in the disease’s burden in terms of the visual and sensory consequences that negatively influence the patients’ quality of life.
The researchers noted that dermatitis, particularly in teens, can exacerbate depressive symptoms, heighten anxiety and otherwise disturb psychological comfort and balance. Therefore, assessing the effect of atopic dermatitis symptoms and quality of life is essential.
During a conversation with the dermatologist, the participants reported an improved overall psychological condition caused by the decline in the related visual symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
The participants followed a two-step regimen combining probiotic and antibacterial ingredients during the study.
Researchers noted that the regimen did not present any challenges to follow during the daily skincare process for the participants, who also found it psychologically more comfortable to use a natural skin care regimen.
Nature-based cosmetics used
The first product used in the study contained an addition of Lactobacillus ferment, a probiotic-based substance produced by the fermentation of Lactobacillus, which ensures the product’s antibacterial capabilities.
The active ingredients include betaine, ceramide NP, laminaria ochroleuca extract and Curcuma longa root extract. Betaine and ceramide NP were chosen to aid the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
The findings suggest using natural skincare products can help individuals with atopic dermatitis by easing their symptoms and improving their psychosocial well-being.To maintain a balanced skin microbiota, the second product had a mild antibacterial system that combined Lactobacillus ferment, sodium levulinate, sodium anisate and methyl heptyl glycerin. The cream was created specifically to relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis.
The effectiveness of the cream’s active ingredients, which include ceramide NP, magnesium carboxymethyl beta-glucan, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, betaine and Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, were examined.
The findings suggest that these ingredients have a protective and healing effect on the skin as they improve the skin barrier, maintain a moist skin environment and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Regimen’s psychological impact
The researchers used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to analyze improvements in skin symptoms and psychological impact.
The findings unveil that the greatest value before the natural cosmetic regimen was 16,00 points and 6,00 points after the regimen was applied. This indicates a general decrease in the participants’ unpleasant symptoms and a general improvement in the quality of life caused by the skin condition.
Before the skincare regimen, the participants noted the following aspects of the DLQI to be present: feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness because of the skin condition (88.37%), itchy, sore, painful or stinging of the skin (72.09%), skin affected any social or leisure activities (74.42%).
Following the implementation of the skincare routine, a considerable decline was observed: feelings of embarrassment or self-consciousness because of the skin condition (48.84%) and itchy, sore, painful or stinging of the skin (51.16%).
The study aimed to determine the impact of a combined skincare regimen consisting of two formulations designed to reduce homeostasis disturbances in irritation and inflammation on the quality of life of individuals with atopic dermatitis symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis solutions
In previous moves by the industry to tackle atopic dermatitis, US-based researchers found that kappa-B, a regulator of inflammatory reactions, impacts the emergence of atopic dermatitis as it influences skin inflammation. A separate study based on genetic research on acne identified 29 regions of the genome that affect the condition.
In other developments, Beiersdorf entered the post-acne sector with the launch of its Dermopure line for acne-prone skin under its Eucerin brand and Dermala extended its acne product line.
Meanwhile, Florajen Probiotics released Florajen Eczema, a probiotic blend clinically shown to reduce atopic dermatitis by improving symptoms of redness, itchiness and inflammation.
By Nicole Kerr
