Proper hydration of the skin is essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier that can protect underlying tissues from dehydration , infection , physical damage and chemical irritation . 1 The outermost layer of the skin ( i . e . epidermis ) plays a critical role in skin hydration via the prevention of water loss . This is achieved in two fundamental ways : 1 ) intracellular lipids form a barrier that prevents water loss , and 2 ) water-soluble substances called natural moisturizing factors ( NMFs ) attract and bind water to the skin . 1

Disruption of the skin barrier due to factors such as aging , genetic predispositions or environmental influences can lead to excessive water loss and the development of dry , rough and flaky areas of skin . 1 The use of moisturizers that contain NMFs , such as urea , alphahydroxy acids and amino

acids , can restore barrier function , promote exfoliation and help maintain the skin ’ s integrity and appearance . 1 , 2 , 3

The case series described here highlights the successful use of Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum ( Enlivaderm Hydrating Serum ) on three patients with hyperkeratosis , a thickening and hardening of the skin ’ s outer layer , and xerosis ( severely dry skin ). Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum is a water-based serum that is formulated with NMF components , including 20 % urea , alpha-hydroxy acid ( glycolic acid ) and amino acid ( L-arginine ).

Patient 1 77-year-old female who was sent by primary care to dermatology for a biopsy , which revealed hyperkeratosis

Treatment Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum

was self-applied once daily for four weeks .

On week 4 , the patient reported that no bandages were used throughout the treatment duration . The patient also noted that hyperkeratotic skin began to reemerge after stopping treatment with Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum .

Patient 2 68-year-old male with a history of lower extremity venous disease and xerosis on the front of the knee and around the ankle .

Treatment The patient was treated with Remedy

Week 2 Week 4

Specialized Hydrating Serum on two separate occasions , as follows :

1 ) The patient complained of discomfort related to the use of compression bandages around the knee area for the management of venous disease . Due to compressionrelated discomfort , the patient was instructed to wrap the knee with noncompressive dressing after application of Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum twice daily for 2 weeks .

2 ) The patient used compression bandages around the ankle area .

Patient 1

Left : 2-week post-application of Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum

Right : 4-week post-application of Remedy Specialized Hydrating Serum

8 Healthy Skin