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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Biology of Microbial Communities - Interview
Published on: May 28, 2007
Comprehensive Evaluation of Body Lotion in Alleviating Xerosis: A Multi-Omics Approach to Lipid Metabolism and
Jun Wang1,2, Lu Cheng3, Jiaqi Zhang1,2
1Department of Cosmetics, School of Light Industry Science and Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.
Background:
Xerosis, marked by a compromised skin barrier and disrupted lipid metabolism, leads to dryness, scaling, and itching. Ceramide and natural oil-based moisturizers can improve skin hydration and barrier repair, but their effects on lipid networks and microbiome interactions have not been well understood.
Methods:
A multicenter, randomized, self-controlled study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a body lotion formulated with ceramides and natural oils in the management of xerosis. The lotion was applied daily to one leg for 4 weeks, with the other leg as a control. Skin radiance, skin scaliness, skin smoothness, stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss, and pH were measured at various intervals. Lipidomics and microbiomics analyses evaluated changes in lipid metabolism and microbial structure.
Results:
The body lotion enhanced skin hydration, radiance, and smoothness, while decreasing TEWL and scaling. Lipidomics showed higher levels of essential lipids in the treatment group. Microbiome analysis revealed increased diversity, with more Firmicutes and Cutibacterium and less Proteobacteria, indicating improved skin barrier and microbial balance.
Conclusion:
This body lotion effectively alleviates dryness, significantly improving skin hydration, barrier function, and texture. It achieves these benefits by restoring the skin's lipid balance and optimizing the microbial community, with lipid-microbiome crosstalk identified as a key mechanism. This multi-omics insight provides a foundation for the targeted management of dry skin.
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