The role of emolients in the daily skin care

Abstract

Emollients are preparations for topical use and constitute an important element in the prevention and treatment of many skin diseases. In dermatology, emollients have the most stable position in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Thanks to skin moisturizing it is possible to reduce skin dryness and to avoid AD exacerbations. Emollients may be used alone or as a complement to a more intensive treatment. In addition, during the treatment of acute AD phase, emollients reduce the amount of topical corticosteroids needed to control the disease.

Emollients are a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. Currently numerous products are available on the pharmaceutical marker. Selecting a particular product we should become familiar with its ingredients, since they decide on the specific properties of the preparation. Key features are occlusive properties and content of humectants and physiological epidermal lipids. Noteworthy components are also beta-glucan and xylitol. They have moisturizing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In summary, emollients should be widely recommended for patients with chronic inflammatory dermatoses, because their use is an important part of treatment.