The dysfunctional skin barrier in eczema patients may be due to lowered ceramide levels in the stratum corneum. The present study determined if a two-part system consisting of a ceramide-dominant physiological lipid-based moisturizing cream and cleanser diminishes the signs and symptoms of moderate eczema in adults over 28 days compared to a placebo. It conducted assessments at baseline and every seven days thereafter. 

The study observed-

• A significant decrease in the Eczema area severity index score across all time points in both groups compared to baseline; however, this decrease remained insignificant between groups at day 28.
• A significant improvement in transepidermal water loss and skin hydration over time in the active group, while it either stayed the same or worsened in the placebo group.
• No difference in the use of mometasone furoate as rescue medication over time between groups.
• Significant improvement in Dermatology life quality index scores in both groups, with no difference between groups.
• Greater patient satisfaction in the active compared to the placebo group for several parameters, including relief of itch, dry skin, skin softness, and smoothness.
• No withdrawal of patients from the study due to adverse events (AEs) and no serious AEs. 

This study shows that ceramide-dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser can safely restore skin permeability and improve the signs and symptoms of eczema in adults.

Spada F, Harrison IP, Barnes TM, et al. A daily regimen of a ceramide-dominant moisturizing cream and cleanser restores the skin permeability barrier in adults with moderate eczema: A randomized trial. Dermatologic Therapy. 2021;34(4):e14970. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14970