A novel moisturizer with high sun protection factor improves cutaneous barrier function and the visible appearance of rosacea‐prone skin

BACKGROUND: Consensus guidelines advocate general skincare for rosacea patients. OBJECTIVES: Two independent studies were performed to assess whether a tinted daily SPF‐30 facial moisturizer (DFM30) improves barrier function of dry skin and the efficacy and tolerability of DFM30 on rosacea‐prone skin. METHODS: In study 1, electrical capacitance (EC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after a single application of DFM30 and on a control site in 21 healthy females with dry skin. Study 2 evaluated 33 females with mild to moderate rosacea and nontransient erythema. Efficacy and tolerability after once‐daily DFM30 were assessed using a chromameter, image analysis of photographs, and trained rater and patient evaluations up to day 22. RESULTS: In study 1, EC showed statistically significant increases at 2, 4, and 8 hours, and TEWL showed statistically significant decreases 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours after DFM30 application to healthy females compared to baseline. In study 2, covering skin redness improved significantly after DFM30 application on day 1; 33.3% showed improved covering skin redness compared to baseline. Patients reported significantly less redness on day 8 than day 3. Feelings of dryness and tightness/tension were lower 30 minutes after first application. Feeling of dryness was lower than baseline after 3 days, 1 and 3 weeks. Image analysis suggested redness was significantly lower on day 22 compared to baseline. Chromameter readings showed significantly lower erythema on the cheek compared to baseline. All patients stated that DFM30 relieves and neutralizes visible redness who also indicated that they would purchase DFM30, and the product was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that DFM30 is suitable as part of the skincare regimens advocated by ROSacea COnsensus (ROSCO) for rosacea patients. DFM30 is an effective moisturizer that improves cutaneous barrier function and the appearance of rosacea‐prone skin.