Effects of topical alpha-hydroxy acids on skin xerosis

Normal hydration of skin results from the complex balance of several factors, including the transport of water from the cutaneous capillaries, normal keratogenesis, the chemical content of the keratin cell wall, the oleaginous film on the surface of the stratum corneum and environmental influences. Changes in one or more of these factors may produce a condition of excessive dryness, known clinically as xerosis commonly associated with irritation and abnormal scaling of the skin. This controlled double-blind study as compared the efficacy of different alpha hydroxy acids based lotions in patients with moderate to severe xerosis. Sixty healthy women volunteers, aged 37 to 53 with a minimum xerosis severity of grade 7 on the lateral aspect of both legs were entered into the study. Lotions were supplied and administered in a blinded fasion twice daily for 4 weeks. Subjects were evaluated for severity of xerosis on a O to 9 points scale. Hydration, and surface lipids were monitored using the 3C SYSTEM® Dermotech computerized equipment. Analysis of variance for effects over time indicated a significant improvement in dry skin severity for all the lotins used ranged from 30 to 57%. The data obtained support the position that alpha-hydroxy acids seem to provide a great beneficial effects in xerosis.