Moisturizer could reduce risk of age-related disease, study finds
- 5 years ago
SAN FRANCISCO — Scientists have found that using a skin moisturizer might reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
A small pilot study by the University of California, San Francisco found that inflammation of the skin may play a role in chronic illnesses.
Around age 50, our skin begins to lose moisture and the skin's permeability barrier starts to break down. The barrier acts as a shield to retain water in our bodies and keep pathogens out.
In younger skin, inflammatory cytokines are released to help repair cracks in the barrier.
As the skin ages and the barrier weakens, more cytokines are released by the immune system.
Cytokines eventually enter the bloodstream, and according to the study can cause inflammation that affects the rest of the body.
The study had 33 participants between the ages of 58 and 95. They were asked to apply moisturizer twice a day for a month.
The moisturizer contained cholesterol, free fatty acids and ceramides — all of which are essential for skin health.
The scientists observed that the cytokine levels of the participants were found to be nearly equivalent with people in their thirties at the end of one month.
In a news release the University of California, San Francisco said the researchers now plan to conduct a large scale study to test if moisturizing creams can actually delay or prevent age-related diseases caused by inflammation.
A small pilot study by the University of California, San Francisco found that inflammation of the skin may play a role in chronic illnesses.
Around age 50, our skin begins to lose moisture and the skin's permeability barrier starts to break down. The barrier acts as a shield to retain water in our bodies and keep pathogens out.
In younger skin, inflammatory cytokines are released to help repair cracks in the barrier.
As the skin ages and the barrier weakens, more cytokines are released by the immune system.
Cytokines eventually enter the bloodstream, and according to the study can cause inflammation that affects the rest of the body.
The study had 33 participants between the ages of 58 and 95. They were asked to apply moisturizer twice a day for a month.
The moisturizer contained cholesterol, free fatty acids and ceramides — all of which are essential for skin health.
The scientists observed that the cytokine levels of the participants were found to be nearly equivalent with people in their thirties at the end of one month.
In a news release the University of California, San Francisco said the researchers now plan to conduct a large scale study to test if moisturizing creams can actually delay or prevent age-related diseases caused by inflammation.