The use of emollients as sophisticated therapy in dermatology

Emollients are agents designed to make the stratum corneum softer and more plant by increasing its hydration. A large number of preparations are available today, many of which are marketed as cosmetic and therapeutic moisturizers. They are the most prescribed products in dermatology. Their structure and function are surprisingly complex and sophisticated, and many are equidistant between cosmetics and drugs. The use of the emollients corrects the problems in scaling disorders. It is well known that the electrical properties of the stratum corneum change after application of an emollient. It is also possible that they have suppressive effects on epidermal thickening. Emollients have an anti-inflammatory activity and also give some transient relief from irritation. In clinical use emollients are employed as treatments for ichthyoses, xeroderma and disorders of keratinization, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and photodamaged skin. Emollients of the new millennium include agents that mimic natural ingredients and function as botanicals, including vitamins, hydroxy acids, and retinoids. Emollients can cause a few side effects, such as irritant dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, fragrance allergy or allergy to other constituents (preservatives or additives), stinging, cosmetic acne, and pigmentary disorders. We can conclude that emollients, continuously evolving to ever more sophisticated products, are very important in the treatment of different dermatoses.