Recommendations on the Use of Moisturizing Products Prepared by Spanish Dermatologists Using the Delphi Method

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Evidence-based medicine
• Clinical practice guidelines

Background:

• Moisturizing products are crucial for skin hydration but lack standardized recommendations.
• Variability in professional advice impacts patient care and product use.
• A consensus document was needed to unify recommendations for moisturizing products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate evidence-based recommendations for moisturizing product use.
• To unify and facilitate the application of moisturizers in clinical practice.
• To address discrepancies in current professional recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A 49-statement questionnaire on moisturizing products was developed.
• Twenty-two expert dermatologists participated in a 2-round Delphi methodology.
• The survey covered product concept, characteristics, usage, and special populations.

Main Results:

• Consensus was achieved on 27 out of 49 statements (54%), primarily through agreement.
• Highest agreement was observed for quantity, product use, and application areas (77.8%).
• Consensus varied significantly across different skin conditions, with higher agreement for xeroderma (71%) than atopic dermatitis (64%) or inflamed skin (33.3%).

Conclusions:

• Consensus recommendations can enhance the evidence base for moisturizing product use.
• Standardized guidelines can assist prescribers in routine clinical practice.
• These recommendations aim to improve patient outcomes through consistent moisturizing strategies.