Emollients & Protectives

Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin by filling in spaces between skin cells, creating a smooth surface, and trapping moisture. They help to repair the skin barrier, preventing water loss and improving skin flexibility. Emollients are commonly used to treat dry, rough, or flaky skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and ichthyosis.

Examples of emollients include oils (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil), butters (such as shea butter, cocoa butter), and certain types of creams and lotions.

Applications of Emollients & Protectives

Moisturising Dry Skin: Emollients are primarily used to hydrate and soften dry, rough, or flaky skin by replenishing lost moisture and restoring the skin’s natural barrier function.

Treatment of Skin Conditions: Emollients are often recommended for managing various skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and ichthyosis, where maintaining skin hydration and integrity is crucial for symptom relief and skin repair.

Prevention of Irritation: Emollients can help prevent skin irritation caused by environmental factors such as cold weather, wind, sun exposure, or harsh chemicals by forming a protective layer on the skin’s surface.

Supporting Wound Healing: Emollients aid in wound healing by keeping the affected area moist, protecting it from infection, and promoting skin regeneration. They are commonly used for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

Softening Rough Areas: Emollients can be applied to rough areas of the skin, such as elbows, knees, and heels, to soften and smooth the skin texture, reducing discomfort and enhancing appearance.

Sun Protection: Protective skincare products containing ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used to shield the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and skin cancer.

Barrier Against Irritants: Protectives create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing contact with irritants, pollutants, allergens, and other external aggressors that can trigger skin sensitivity or inflammation.
Diaper Rash Prevention: Protective ointments or creams are applied to the diaper area to create a moisture-resistant barrier, reducing friction and preventing diaper rash in infants.
Enhancing Skincare Products: Protectives are often included in skincare formulations to enhance the stability and efficacy of active ingredients, ensuring optimal delivery and penetration into the skin.

Physiology of skin

The skin barrier is like your body’s frontline defence system, shielding you from the elements and harmful invaders. It’s composed of layers of skin cells held together by lipids (fats) and natural moisturizing factors. This barrier prevents water loss, keeps out bacteria, allergens, and irritants, and maintains skin hydration.

When the skin barrier is strong and intact, your skin looks and feels healthy. But when it’s compromised—due to factors like harsh weather, excessive cleansing, or certain skin conditions—it can lead to dryness, redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

Functions of Skin Barrier

Protection: It acts as a physical barrier, shielding the body from harmful microorganisms, environmental pollutants, UV radiation, and other external threats.
Prevention of Water Loss: The skin barrier helps to retain moisture within the skin, preventing dehydration and maintaining skin hydration levels.
Regulation of Temperature: It assists in regulating body temperature by minimizing heat loss and preventing excessive water evaporation from the skin surface.
Sensory Perception: The skin barrier contains sensory receptors that allow us to perceive touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, enabling interactions with the Environment.
Immune Defense: It houses immune cells that help identify and neutralize pathogens, contributing to the body’s defense against infections and diseases.
Barrier Against Chemicals: It minimizes absorption of potentially harmful chemicals and toxins from the external environment, reducing the risk of skin irritation and sensitization.

Anatomy of skin

Epidermis:

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin.
It consists mainly of epithelial cells.
The epidermis is responsible for providing a protective barrier against environmental factors, pathogens, and UV radiation.
It contains several layers, including the stratum corneum (outermost layer), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, and stratum basale (innermost layer).
Melanocytes, are specialized cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color), are located in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Dermis:

The dermis lies beneath the epidermis and is composed of connective tissue.
It contains blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerves, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
The dermis provides structural support and elasticity to the skin.
Fibroblasts are the primary cells in the dermis responsible for producing collagen and elastin, which are essential for skin strength and elasticity.
Other cells in the dermis include macrophages, mast cells, and various immune cells.

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous Tissue):

The hypodermis is the deepest layer of the skin, located beneath the dermis.
It primarily consists of adipose (fat) tissue and connective tissue.
The hypodermis serves as insulation, providing padding and protection to underlying muscles and organs.
Blood vessels and nerves from the dermis extend into the hypodermis.

Chemical Structure

Occlusive Agents: These substances form a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). Examples include mineral oil, and dimethicone.
Humectants: Humectants attract water molecules from the surrounding environment or deeper skin layers, helping to hydrate the skin. Examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea.
Emollients: Emollients soften and smooth the skin by filling in the gaps between skin cells and restoring lipid content. They improve skin texture and flexibility. Examples include plant oils (e.g., jojoba oil, coconut oil), shea butter, and fatty acids.
Barrier Repair Agents: These substances repair the skin’s natural barrier function by replenishing lipids and enhancing barrier integrity. Examples include ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Skin Conditions Associated with Emollients & Protectives

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by the rapid growth of skin cells, resulting in the formation of red, scaly patches. While there is currently no cure, various treatment options are available to help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with psoriasis.

Key points about psoriasis include:

Symptoms: Psoriasis can develop as red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales, often accompanied by itching, burning, or soreness. The affected areas may vary in size and location, commonly occurring on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and nails.
Causes: It triggers inflammation and accelerates the growth cycle of skin cells. Genetics, environmental factors, and immune system dysregulation all play roles in the development of psoriasis.

Types: There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis (the most common form), guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Each type has its own distinct characteristics and presentation.

Triggers: Psoriasis symptoms can be triggered by various factors, including stress, infections (such as streptococcal throat infections), certain medications (such as beta-blockers and lithium), injury to the skin (such as cuts or sunburn), and hormonal changes.

Treatment: Several treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include topical treatments (such as corticosteroids and retinoids), phototherapy (light therapy), oral medications (such as methotrexate and cyclosporine), and biologic therapies (targeted medications that modulate the immune system).
Impact on Quality of Life: Psoriasis can have a significant impact on physical and emotional well-being, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, and social isolation for some individuals.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, greasy, and scaly patches, most commonly affecting areas rich in oil glands. While it can be chronic and recurrent, it can usually be effectively managed with appropriate treatment and self-care measures.

Key points about seborrheic dermatitis include:

Symptoms: The condition presents as red, itchy, and flaky patches of skin, often with a greasy or oily appearance. In infants, it is commonly referred to as cradle cap; and appears as thick, yellowish scales on the scalp. In adults, it can affect various areas, including the scalp, face, ears, chest, and other skin folds.
Causes: Factors such as the overproduction of sebum (skin oil), the presence of the yeast Malassezia on the skin, hormonal changes, and immune system dysfunction may contribute to its development. Genetics and environmental factors may also play a role.
Triggers: Seborrheic dermatitis symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by factors such as stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, harsh weather conditions (e.g., cold, dry weather), certain medications, and underlying medical conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease and HIV/AIDS).
Treatment: Treatment for seborrheic dermatitis aims to reduce inflammation, control symptoms, and manage flare-ups. Options include medicated shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or coal tar for scalp involvement, topical corticosteroids or antifungal creams for affected skin areas.
Management: Self-care measures can help manage seborrheic dermatitis. These include gentle cleansing with mild, fragrance-free products, avoiding harsh skincare products or excessive washing, using moisturizers to soothe dryness, and minimizing stress.
Chronic Condition: Seborrheic dermatitis tends to be a chronic condition with periods of remission and flare-ups. While it may improve with treatment, it often requires ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While it can be challenging to manage, with proper treatment and self-care measures, most individuals with atopic dermatitis can achieve relief from symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Symptoms: Atopic dermatitis typically presents as patches of dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often with redness, swelling, and cracking. The affected areas may vary depending on the individual but commonly occur on the face, neck, elbows, knees, and hands. Itching can be intense and may lead to scratching, which can further irritate the skin and cause it to thicken or develop open sores.
Causes: It involves a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of atopic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Triggers such as allergens, irritants, stress, dry skin, and hormonal changes can increase symptoms.

Treatment: Treatment for atopic dermatitis aims to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and restore the skin barrier. Options include moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated, topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors to reduce inflammation, antihistamines to relieve itching, and in severe cases, oral medications or biologic therapies may be prescribed. Avoiding triggers and adopting a proper skincare routine are also essential parts of management.
Management: Managing atopic dermatitis often requires a comprehensive approach involving skincare, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, dietary changes. This may include using gentle cleansers and moisturizers, avoiding harsh soaps and hot water, wearing soft fabrics, identifying and avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and stress management.
Impact on Quality of Life: Atopic dermatitis can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to discomfort, sleep disturbances, emotional distress, and reduced productivity. It may also increase the risk of skin infections and other complications if left untreated.

Ichthyosis is a group of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaly skin. The condition is caused by a buildup of rough, thickened skin cells. There are several types of ichthyosis, ranging from mild to severe forms, with varying onset times and inheritance patterns.

Products for Emollients & Protectives

Oatz Cream

It is for 24*7 moisturization in Atopic Dermatitis with a single application, formulated with Colloidal oatmeal, Oat lipid, and Glycerin that balances the skin microbiome and improves the skin & ability to retain moisture with the microbiome-balancing power of prebiotic colloidal oats. The long moisturization of B Glucans present in oats gives 20% more water retention than hyaluronic acid and retains 12,000 water molecules, to soothe and calm the irritated skin.

Ingredients –

Oats – Prebiotic colloidal oats which enhances microbiome diversity, Restores the skin’s barrier function prevents Trans-Epidermal water loss.
Shea butter – provides Moisturisation

Salient Features –

24-hour moisture lock
Enhances microbiome diversity
Soothe and calm irritated skin
Skin Barrier strengthening and repair

Apifil Lotion

Apifil lotion repairs severely impaired skin by stimulating fillagrin expression. It is a non-steroidal, ceramide-based formula with hesperidin, GLA, and sodium PCA to help repair the impaired skin barrier.

– Ingredients

Hesperidin – Activates gene expression for filaggrin production.
Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) – Anti-inflammatory agent
Sodium PCA – supports and protects skin barrier by preventing water loss.

Salient Features –

Smooth spreadability
Provides round-the-clock moisturization
Clinically proven efficacy & safety

Apifil oil-free Lotion

It minimizes the severity of oily skin in acne & rosacea. Formulated with rosa centifolia, Vitamin E, and Octyl Hydroxy-stearate. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and provides intense moisturization with UV protection.

Ingredients

Rosa centifolia – Tightens the skin pores, provides a soothing and toning effect and provides moisturisation.
Vitamin E – Acts as an antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Octyl Hydroxystearate – to relieve various conditions of the skin.

Salient Features –

Effective sebum control
Non-Comedogenic
Lightweight consistency
Easy Absorption

Acnin oil-free moisturizer-

For acne barrier repair after isotretinoin treatment.

Formulated with Ceraskin P, Rosa centifolia, and Sandalwood. It works as a natural toner with the benefits of ceramides and rose water.

Ingredients –

Ceraskin P – strengthens impaired skin barrier , Rosa centifolia – Tights the pore and even tones the skin

Sandalwood – Assists in fading dark spots,
Aloe vera – Moisturize

Salient Features –

deeply hydrates the skin
Fast – Absorbing
Non-greasy
For oily and acne-prone skin

Emolliz Cream

It contains essential ingredients to help manage calloused feet and elbows. It has Glycolic Acid, Urea, Vitamin E, Olive Oil, and Cetylated Fatty Ester Complex for effective exfoliation, moisturization, and rejuvenation of the affected areas.

Ingredients

Glycolic Acid – Exfoliation of the horny layer or keratolysis, increases the synthesis of collagen reconstruction of the elastin fibers, and Thickening of the dermis.
Urea – Moisturizes dry skin, reduces water loss from the epidermis, softer and more supple skin
Cetylated Fatty Esters – Maintain the elasticity and water content of cells

Salient Features

Maintains a pH condition of 3.25
Enhances exfoliation, moisturization, nourishment and repair.
Efficient protection of dry ,rough , fissured and calloused feet.