A Biomimetic Combination of Actives Enhances Skin Hydration and Barrier Function via Modulation of Gene Expression: Results of Two Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Studies

Xerosis cutis is a common skin condition. Many patients experience dry, scaly, and rough skin often associated with reduced elasticity and wrinkling. Further, erythema as well as fissures or rhagades, especially of the feet, can develop [1]. Dry skin may feel irritated and tight and is also prone to pruritus. Especially, this pruritus can lead to a considerable impairment in patients’ quality of life [2, 3]. The predominantly affected parts are skin areas with a reduced density of sebaceous glands such as the outer aspects of lower legs, forearms, hands, and feet.

Xerosis cutis is characterized by a decreased water content and an impaired barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC). In many cases of dry skin, a lack of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and skin barrier lipids (SBLs) has been shown in the SC. NMF consists of a complex, hydroscopic composition mainly comprising free amino acids, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), lactates, and urea. SBLs, which constitute a hydrophobic domain in the profound layer of the SC, are predominantly composed of ceramides (40–50%), cholesterol (25%), and free fatty acids (10–15%) [1, 4-7].

For the treatment of dry skin conditions, moisturizing formulas containing humectants are essential. Urea, which has been used for more than a century in the management of dermatological disorders, is currently considered the gold standard in the treatment of xerosis cutis [1, 6]. As an element of the NMF, urea represents an important hygroscopic component and thus contributes to the maintenance of skin hydration [8]. Urea improves the skin barrier function as well as cutaneous defense and hydration mechanisms. It enhances penetration of active ingredients and exhibits antipruritic as well as keratolytic effects [1].

Urea therapy has been associated with few adverse effects and is generally well tolerated by xerotic skin. Both the safety and efficacy of urea have been largely established over the past hundred years [6-10].

The mode of action of urea, though, has not yet been fully understood. Due to its hygroscopic properties, urea has long been considered as “just” a humectant. However, more recent studies demonstrate that urea is also actively involved in epidermal gene regulation impacting keratinocyte differentiation, lipid synthesis, AMP production, epidermal permeability, and barrier function [6, 11, 12]. We hypothesized that not only urea, as reported by Grether-Beck and others [6, 11, 12], but also its combination with other NMF components and SBLs can influence epidermal gene expression, thus impacting dry-skin physiology beyond a physical mode of action. According to this hypothesis, we sought to determine the effect of a novel functional moisturizer containing a biomimetic combination of 10% urea and additional NMF components (lactate, amino acids, and PCA) as well as SBLs (ceramide NP, cholesterol, and linoleic acid-rich sunflower seed oil), further referred to as the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex,” on the expression pattern of diverse skin- and barrier-relevant genes. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the formulation containing this complex shows significantly higher efficacy in terms of moisturization and skin barrier repair than that of the vehicle formulation.

In our studies, we took an integrated approach, investigating effects of the functional moisturizer in female volunteers with dry skin on (i) the ex vivo penetration profile of urea, (ii) the ex vivo expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in skin barrier function, hydration, and lipid metabolism, and (iii) in vivo skin barrier and hydration parameters in subjects suffering from dry to very dry skin.

The ingredients of the functional moisturizer containing the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” (Eucerin 10% Urea Foot Cream, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany) and the vehicle are presented in Table 1.

The first single-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study was conducted at SIT Skin Investigation and Technology Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, Germany. In this study, 44 healthy, female subjects (aged 22–65 years) were enrolled. The major inclusion criteria were female gender and a self-reported very dry body skin. Finally, only volunteers with objectively dry to very dry skin were included (corneometer units below 40). Patients with skin diseases or dermatological disorders were excluded from the study. During a 1-week washout preconditioning period, eligible subjects were required to use a special mild skin cleansing product (Doppeldusch Fresh, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany) twice daily on their inner forearms for approximately 60 s. During this preconditioning period and throughout the whole study, volunteers had to refrain from using other skin-care products as well as special skin-cleansing products such as bath or shower oils on the arms (inside and outside). Also, intensive UV exposure (solarium or sun) was prohibited.

On the first study day, test areas were established on the inner forearms for treatment with the verum or the vehicle and baseline measurements were performed. There were 4 test sites, namely 2 on each inner forearm. Three of the sites were treated with the test products, and one site was left untreated and served as a control. Positioning of treatment locations within the test sites was permutated from subject to subject by means of a randomization scheme.

To assess skin hydration, a Corneometer® CM 825 (MDD 4 device, Courage+Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) was utilized according to the EEMCO guidelines [13]. The device had been validated in a multicentric ring study [14].

Ten measurements were taken per test site, and the median result was reported as arbitrary units. For transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements, the DermaLab® (Cortex, Hadsund, Denmark) was used in accordance with the EEMCO guidance [13]. The probe had been validated in earlier randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials with similar moisturizers, yielding TEWL data paralleled by clinical grading scores of visible dryness and tactile roughness [15]. Moreover, another double-blind study comparing wound-healing ointments confirmed the association of changes in TEWL with investor gradings of dioxide laser wounds [16].

Then, verum and the vehicle were once applied to their allocated test sites by a technician. Each formulation was dispensed from a disposable syringe in an amount equaling 2 μL/cm². The technician then carefully spread the formula using a finger, protected by a finger cot. On the uncovered test sites, formulations could absorb for at least 5 min. Measurements were performed by trained and experienced personnel after acclimatization for at least 30 min under standard atmospheric conditions (21.5°C ± 1.0°C and 50% ± 5% relative humidity).

Twenty-four hours after the controlled application of the test formulations, skin hydration of the test areas was assessed. Further, subjects were supplied with one unit of each test formulation (lasting for 2 weeks) for self-application at home, written usage instructions, and a diary for recording test material application times. The investigator trained subjects in correct self-application for regular use. After 1 week of test formula use at home, a compliance check for all volunteers including an examination of all diaries for correct product application was performed at the institute. Additionally, subjects had to demonstrate the application of the test formulation under supervision of the investigator.

After 2 weeks of regular use (24 h after the last application), skin hydration, and TEWL were assessed again. Furthermore, test sites were stripped with adhesive tape using D-Squame® (DSQ) Standard Sampling Discs (22 mm diameter; CuDerm Corp., Dallas, TX, USA) as described by Knott et al. [17]. Only slight decreases in urea content with the number of tape strips were reported after topical application of 10% urea solution for 3‒6 h [18]. However, as the first 2 strips may be contaminated with the product, these were discarded, and the 3rd DSQ per test site was used for stratified urea analyses. The SC protein content on each DSQ was analyzed using the SquameScan^TM 850A device (Heiland electronic GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) by measuring the absorption (%) indicating the protein content (see online suppl. Table 1; for all online suppl. material, see www.karger.com/doi/10.1159/000520009). After measurements, DSQs were rolled up (sample side inwards), placed in provided tubes on dry ice, and stored at −80°C until further use. Twenty-four hours later (48 h after the last application), a final TEWL assessment was performed.

We extracted the DSQs with 1 mL of methanol/water 50/50 (v:v). The extract was then filtered using a 0.2-μm PTFE membrane filter (Pall Corporation Acrodisc 13 mm minispike with 0.2 μm PTFE).

The analytical quantitative determination of urea was performed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using an Agilent HPLC 1200 series (Agilent Technologies GmbH, Waldbronn, Germany) in combination with a 3200 QTRAP (AB Sciex, Darmstadt, Germany). Parameters for high-performance liquid chromatography were as follows: column: Hamilton HPLC anion exchange PRP-100 125 × 2 mm, 10 μm (Sigma-Aldrich, Taufkirchen, Germany) and mobile phase (gradient): solvent A: water with ammonia containing 2 mmol/L ammonium carbonate (pH 10) and solvent B: acetonitrile. The flow rate was 400 μL/min, and the injection volume 2 μL. Samples were applied to the column at 60% B (0 min) and eluted with 20% solvent B (5 and 12 min) and then 60% solvent B (13 and 18 min). The retention time of urea was 1.5 min.

Electrospray detection was carried out by means of “multireaction monitoring” of the transition of the precursor-ion to a product-ion (precursor-ion [m/z] = 61.0; product-ion [m/z] = 44.1; positive polarity). Instead of application of an internal standard, quantitative determination was performed by means of external standard calibration (Urea, Sigma-Aldrich 99.5%, lot #SZBF0850V) for quantification (linear regression; coefficient of determination R² = 0.998). The limit of determination was 0.3 μg urea, and the signal-to-noise ratio was >10:1. Blank runs showed no interfering signal of relevant size. Multiple analyses showed a relative standard deviation of 8% (day-to-day precision).

We integrated all values into our analysis, whereas all measurements below the detection limit of 0.1 were set as 0. Results were depicted relative to the absorption (%) of the corresponding DSQ, measured via SquameScan^TM and displayed in µg/DSQ. Hence, the data were normalized for variations in protein content.

The second single-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study was conducted at SIT Skin Investigation and Technology Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, Germany. Twenty-two healthy, female subjects (aged 25–65 years) with self-reported very dry body skin and corneometer units below 40 a.u. at the test sites were included into this single-center, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled home-in-use study to evaluate the effects of the novel moisturizer containing the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” on gene expression levels in human skin ex vivo. Patients with chronic or acute skin disease (e.g., atopic dermatitis [AD] and psoriasis) at the skin test site(s) were excluded from the study. During a 2-week preconditioning period and throughout the whole study, volunteers had to refrain from using topical preparations for antibacterial, anti-allergic, or immunosuppressive treatment of the skin at the test site.

On the first study day, test areas were established on the volar forearms of each volunteer for treatment with verum or the vehicle. Volunteers applied the test formulations twice daily for 14 days according to written instructions. After 2 weeks, 2 suction blisters were generated in each test area, and suction blister epidermis was isolated as previously described [19, 20] (see online suppl. Table 2).

Each suction blister roof was collected in a separate cryo vial containing RNAlater^TM stabilization solution (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, USA) and stored at 4°C overnight. For isolation of total RNA, suction blister roofs were disrupted and homogenized using the Precellys® 24 tissue homogenizer (Bertin Technologies, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France). Cell debris was removed by centrifugation (Eppendorf 5417R Refrigerated Centrifuge, Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany). Clear supernatants were used to isolate total RNA utilizing the RNeasy® Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s protocol. After reverse transcription using the High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA), mRNA levels of genes associated with skin barrier function, hydration, and lipid metabolism were detected using the Real-Time TaqMan® PCR (Applied Biosystems). Quantification was achieved using the 2^−ΔΔCt method, calculating the relative gene expression changes of the target genes in verum-treated versus vehicle-treated samples. The Ct values of both (verum and the vehicle) were normalized to the endogenous housekeeping gene GAPDH (ΔCt): ΔΔCt = ΔCt (verum) – ΔCt (vehicle).

Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the Microsoft Excel 2013 (XP; Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, USA), the SAS Software Package for Windows V9.4 (SAS Institute GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany), and STATISTICA 12.0 (StatSoft, Inc., Tulsa, OK, USA). All statistical tests were two-sided at significance level alpha = 0.05.

For study I, the less pronounced effect could be expected for TEWL measurements (c.f. delta = 0.75, SD = 1.73). To achieve a power of at least 80% with a paired t-test, a sample of n = 44 was necessary. For corneometry, a higher effect was expected, thus n = 44 was considered sufficient here.

For study II, based on our experience with gene expression analyses in suction blisters of subjects with dry skin in a similar study design [21], we derived empirically the minimum number of subjects needed. Significance (adjusted p value ≤0.05; experiment-wise error rate is controlled) is tested by applying Wilcoxon’s signed rank test with p value adjustment according to Benjamini and Hochberg; in order to control, the false discovery rate was used.

Data were tested for normality using Shapiro-Wilk’s test. If applicable, post hoc pairwise comparisons were assessed using the Fisher LSD test.

Comparison between the untreated test site, verum, and the vehicle was performed using Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. Kendall rank correlation tests were performed to detect correlations between urea content in DSQs and TEWL.

Results showed that all test formulations were well tolerated. Neither an incompatibility reaction nor discomfort was observed or reported for any subject. All subjects completed the studies.

The average pretreatment baseline corneometer mean value of 24.6 ± 5.6 a.u. on the test sites (inner forearm) indicated the very dry skin condition of the volunteers which did not significantly change during the treatment period as the corneometer values of the untreated control sites show (after 24 h: 2.70 ± 3.46 a.u., after 1 week: 6.97 ± 5.27 a.u.). As illustrated in Figure 1a, in comparison to the vehicle control (7.10 ± 3.46 a.u.), sites treated with verum (10.27 ± 4.49 a.u.) showed a statistically significant increase in corneometry values 24 h after a single and controlled application (p < 0.0001). Twenty-four hours after the 2-week treatment period, compared to the vehicle control (12.48 ± 5.74 a.u.), corneometry values of verum-treated sites were significantly increased to 15.67 ± 9.55 a.u. (p = 0.0012).

As the pretreatment baseline level for TEWL, a mean value of 7.19 ± 2.2 (g/m²h) was detected on all test sites of the included volunteers. The skin barrier condition of the untreated control sites did not significantly change during the treatment period as shown by the TEWL values (after 24 h: −0.94 ± 1.34 g/[m²h] and after 1 week: −0.42 ± 1.43 g/[m²h]). In comparison to vehicle-control sites (−1.64 ± 1.74 g/[m²h]), TEWL values of verum-treated areas demonstrated a significant decrease (−2.23 ± 1.96 g/[m²h]) 24 h after the 2-week treatment period (p = 0.0021). Forty eight hours after 14 days of application, verum-treated areas (−1.78 ± 1.98 g/[m²h]) demonstrated significantly lower TEWL values than the vehicle-treated sites (−1.07 ± 1.87 g/[m²h]), p = 0.0004, Fig. 1b).

Figure 1c depicts the urea content in DSQ 24 h after the 2-week treatment period. The average value of urea content detected in the untreated test sites was 0.18 ± 0.46 μg/DSQ. For the vehicle-treated areas, a urea content of 0.05 ± 0.06 μg/DSQ was determined, while sites treated with verum displayed a urea content of 1.14 ± 1.19 μg/DSQ. Compared to the vehicle-treated site, the urea content in the verum-treated area was significantly increased (p < 0.0001). After verum treatment, a highly significant negative correlation (−0.53; p < 0.001) was detected between DSQ urea content and TEWL.

First, as shown in Figure 2, relative gene expression data of suction blister roofs from volunteers having applied the novel moisturizer containing the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” for 2 weeks revealed, compared to the vehicle, significant upregulation (adjusted p value <0.05) of the following genes involved in skin differentiation and barrier function: transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), involucrin (IVL), loricrin (LOR), filaggrin (FLG), filaggrin family member 2 (FLG2), keratin-10 (KRT10), kallikrein 5 (SC tryptic enzyme, KLK5), kallikrein 7 (SC chymotryptic enzyme, KLK7), caspase-14 (CASP14), corneodesmosin (CDSN), occludin (OCLN), and claudin-1 (CLDN1). Second, expression of genes associated with hydration such as aquaporin (AQP)-3 (AQP3) and aquaporin-9 (AQP9) was significantly increased compared to the vehicle. Third, the gene expression levels of markers for skin lipid metabolism such as elongation of very long-chain fatty acids-4 (ELOVL4), sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase (SMPD1), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) were, compared to the vehicle, significantly upregulated.

The prevalence of dry skin in the German adult population was demonstrated to be almost 30% of the population older than 16 years [22]. A much higher proportion of xerosis up to 100% was found in geriatric communities in Germany and Thailand [23, 24]. These numbers emphasize the need for a sufficient disease management [22]. An internationally recognized approach in the treatment of xerosis cutis is the application of moisturizers containing lipophilic and hydrophilic active substances. Hydrophilic compounds include components of the NMF such as urea, amino acids, and PCA. Lipophilic substances related to SBLs include ceramides, cholesterol, and natural oils rich in linoleic acid [1, 4, 5].

Here, we determined the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of a novel moisturizer containing a biomimetic combination of 10% urea and additional NMF components (lactate, amino acids, and PCA) as well as SBLs (ceramide NP, cholesterol, and linoleic acid-rich sunflower seed oil) referred to as the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” in female subjects suffering from dry to very dry skin. First, we investigated changes in skin hydration after treatment with the new formulation compared to the vehicle. As early as 24 h after a single application of the test formulation, corneometry values were significantly increased compared to vehicle-treated areas. This difference was further expanded 24 h after 2 weeks of treatment, indicating that application of the moisturizer improves skin hydration fast and incrementally. These findings were corroborated by our urea bioavailability data and in accordance with recent tape-stripping studies observing significant higher concentration of urea in the deeper SC layers compared to other small solutes [25].

Compared to vehicle treatment, the application of the novel moisturizer with the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” led to significantly reduced TEWL values 24 h and 48 h after the 2-week treatment period. Moreover, the highly significant negative correlation between urea content in DSQs and TEWL underlines the positive effect of urea on skin barrier function. This outcome is in line with earlier studies. Urea has been shown to reduce TEWL [26-29] and improve skin hydration [28-34] in various dry-skin conditions. With respect to hydrating effects, a combination of urea with NMF and SBL was superior to treatment with vehicle alone or topical formulations only containing urea [1, 34]. As with our study, also vehicle-treated sites demonstrated a significant improvement of skin hydration and skin barrier function. Accordingly, a recent review concluded that emollient vehicles with moisturizing effects are therapeutically advantageous on multiple levels [35].

Beyond its humectant effects on the SC, urea belongs to the group of osmolytes, small water-soluble polar molecules with low vapor pressure involved in water homeostasis in the skin [36]. In case of epidermal osmotic stress resulting from dry environmental conditions or skin diseases, urea can replace water and thereby stabilize cell membranes to prevent dehydration-induced structural reorganizations and phase transitions of lipid bilayer systems [37, 38].

Treatment of the SC with urea at reduced relative humidity results in molecular and macroscopic SC responses comparable to those observed by an increase in relative humidity without urea application [39]. Moreover, recent genomic and transcriptomic analyses disclosed that urea modulates the expression of multiple genes involved in epidermal lipid and antimicrobial peptide synthesis, urea transport proteins, keratinocyte differentiation, and desmolysis. Hence, urea profoundly impacts epidermal structure and function as a regulator of hydration, barrier formation, and desquamation [6, 11, 12].

The first step to elucidate the mode of action of the novel functional moisturizer with the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” in more detail was to investigate the bioavailability of urea. By determining the ex vivo penetration profile of urea in DSQs from volunteers after application of the moisturizer for 2 weeks, we confirmed that urea was effectively released from the formulation to the skin.

Next, we elucidated the effects of the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” on the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in skin hydration, differentiation, lipid metabolism, and barrier function. Although the observed fold changes were rather small, the analysis revealed significant changes for multiple genes associated with specific cellular functions with respect to the comparison verum versus vehicle. All depicted genes showed a significant expression change (p < 0.05); differently expressed genes with a foldchange >1.5 were highlighted [40].

First, we investigated genes involved in skin differentiation and barrier function: Specifically, FLG, FLG2, IVL, TGM1, and LOR play a crucial role in epidermal differentiation [41]. Filaggrin represents a skin barrier protein with an important function in keratin filament alignment [42]. Also, its degradation products yield NMF [43], and FLG gene mutations have been associated with an increased risk for AD and ichthyosis vulgaris [44, 45]. Furthermore, elevating FLG protein levels by 5–10% may provide clinical benefits in the management of patients with dry skin and atopy [44, 46]. Our results are in line with earlier studies reporting that TGM1, IVL, LOR, and FLG mRNA and protein levels were slightly but significantly increased after 10% urea application compared to the untreated skin [12]. The effects of the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” were observed although both study formulations contained glycerin which also upregulates mRNA level expression of FLG and LOR in keratinocytes [47]. However, Hoppe et al. [48] did not find any major changes in gene activity, including LOR and FLG, in patients suffering from AD and/or ichthyosis vulgaris after a 4-week treatment period, with moisturizers containing 20% glycerin or 5% urea, although significant reductions in dryness scores and TEWL were observed. We further investigated the expression of CASP14, a crucial protease involved in FLG catabolism and NMF generation [49]. Differentiation-related KRT10, as well as the cornified envelope-associated proteins IVL and LOR were found to be suppressed in human AD [50]. Additionally, the expression of KRT10 was reduced in dry skin [51] and AD lesions, potentially related to a disturbed barrier function [52]. Moreover, CLDN1 and OCLN are considered relevant to skin barrier function as they are involved in the formation of proteins essential for tight-junction function [53]. In mice, deletion of CLDN1 led to death within 24 h of birth due to massive TEWL [53].

Application of the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” resulted in an increase in CASP14, KRT10, IVL, LOR, CLDN1, and OCLN gene expression, which was accompanied by the observed improvement of skin barrier function, exceeding the expression differences of IVL and LOR reported by Grether-Beck et al. [12] after a 10% urea treatment ex vivo.

Moreover, we observed an induction of gene expression of KLK5, KLK7, and CDSN. Both KLK5 and KLK7 have been demonstrated to cleave CDSN which is crucial in corneocyte cohesion; hence, its degradation is necessary for desquamation [54]. In dry-skin conditions such as winter or atopic xerosis, skin levels of KLK5 and KLK7 are diminished, providing a basis for “corneotherapy” of disturbed desquamation [55]. However, an elevation of KLK5 and KLK7 levels was observed in AD in association with biomarkers also in nonlesional skin, requiring further investigations of epidermal serine protease activity [55, 56].

The second functional cluster we investigated represents genes that are associated with epidermal hydration: AQP3 and AQP9 are members of the aquaglyceroporin family, membrane proteins that build water channels across the cell membrane enabling transport of water and small solutes such as glycerin and urea [57]. Activation of AQP expression is a prerequisite of sustained epidermal water supply and skin hydration as evidenced by earlier studies demonstrating that mice lacking AQP3 exhibited a reduced glycerol content and a diminished water holding capacity in the epidermis [58]. Also, an AQP3-deficient epidermis displays reduced skin elasticity and delayed wound healing [59]. AQP3 has been linked to keratinocyte proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival [60]. Here, we show the upregulation of AQP gene expression ex vivo, which was previously only demonstrated in keratinocytes in vitro [12]. These findings indicate efficacy of the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” in AQP3 and AQP9 upregulation after topical application, improving skin hydration inside-out.

The third group of genes that we focused on were genes involved in lipid production and metabolism: the ELO family of proteins is involved in the elongation of long-chain fatty acids. ELOVL4 mRNA increases during keratinocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro [61]. ELOVL4 plays a crucial role in the synthesis of ω-O-acylceramides, and depletion of these omega-O-acylceramides has been associated with skin conditions exhibiting a skin barrier dysfunction such as AD [62, 63]. Also, studies with mice lacking functional ELOVL4 demonstrate a strong reduction in very-long-chain FFAs and a defective skin water permeability barrier function [63]. SMPD1 encodes for acid sphingomyelinase, converting sphingomyelin to ceramide. In AD, a decreased SMPD1 activity was demonstrated in lesional and nonlesional skin, correlating with reduced SC ceramide content and disturbed barrier function [52]. Cholesterol synthesis is regulated by the enzyme HMG CoA reductase. Following acute barrier disruption, epidermal cholesterol synthesis increases accompanied by an increase in HMGCR activity, protein, and mRNA levels [64]. These earlier findings emphasize the high relevance of the genes we analyzed. Our study revealed a slight but significant upregulation of the mRNA expression of ELOVL4, SMPD1, and HMGCR compared to vehicle-treated sites.

A limitation of the study was the inclusion of female volunteers only. Gender-specific differences in skin response to the investigated complex remain to be clarified in future studies.

Taken together as the outcome, the “Urea plus NMF & SBL Complex” modifies mRNA expression of important epidermal genes beyond its outside-in humectant properties. The gene expression data provide evidence for the induction of cellular epidermal processes resulting in an improved skin hydration and barrier function inside-out, exceeding a passive humectant effect. As hypothesized, the whole complex revealed significant changes in the gene expression pattern of barrier relevant proteins. The expression differences were detected ex vivo in more genes than already described for a 10% urea treatment [12]. These results further elucidate the molecular mechanisms stimulated by the moisturizer. Furthermore, our findings advance our understanding why urea has been the ingredient of choice for the treatment of xerosis for many decades. Future studies will have to investigate its potential role in more specific skin conditions such as atopic, diabetic, and senile xerosis.

The authors would like to thank Dr. Silke Gallinat for her support in preparing the manuscript, Ursula Holtzman for supporting the RNA extraction, and Claudia Rauscher and Andre Rehage for the statistical analyses.

The protocol of study I was approved by an Institutional Review Board of SIT Skin Investigation and Technology Hamburg GmbH, Hamburg, Germany, and the second study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee Freiburg (feki code 08/2610). For both studies, the recommendations of the current version of the Declaration of Helsinki and the guideline of the International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) were observed as applicable to a nondrug study. All volunteers provided written, informed consent.

Silke Altgilbers, Frank Rippke, Alexander Filbry, Stefanie Conzelmann, Jens-Peter Vietzke, Thorsten Burkhardt, Dennis Roggenkamp, and Elke Grönniger are employees of Beiersdorf AG. Dörte Segger is an employee of SGS Institut Fresenius GmbH (former SIT Skin Investigation and Technology), Hamburg, Germany. None of the authors state a conflict of interest.

The study was sponsored by Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany.

S.A., F.R., A.F., S.C., J.-P.V., T.B., D.S., D.R., E.G. D.R. and E.G. conceived and designed experiments. S.A., D.S. T.B., and J.D. performed the experiments. S.A., D.S., T.B., J.-P.V., D.R., E.G., and D.S. analyzed data. A.F. contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools. F.R., D.R., and E.G. wrote the paper. A.F., S.C., and J.-P.V. assisted in study conception, design, and interpretation of results.

Data are made available upon reasonable request to the author.

Dennis Roggenkamp and Elke Grönniger contributed equally.