Molecular Characterization of Xerosis Cutis: A Systematic Review
December 2021
in “
PLoS ONE
”
Studysummary This review summarized multiple molecular markers studied for their association with dry skin, finding considerable variability and uncertainty about which markers best indicate xerosis cutis. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The systematic review on xerosis cutis, or dry skin, identified 72 molecular markers, including lipids, natural moisturizing factors, proteins, and metabolites, from 21 studies. Key markers frequently reported were ceramides, total free fatty acids, triglycerides, and components of natural moisturizing factors. However, the association between these markers and skin dryness was inconsistent, with many reports showing unclear or no association. The review highlighted substantial heterogeneity in marker selection, tissue sampling, and laboratory analyses, making it unclear which molecules are most effective in characterizing xerosis cutis.
