Behind the science – Of Eucerin AtoControl

Dermatologists often recommend medicinal topical creams for Atopic Dermatitis flare-ups and these usually contain corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are effective and fast-acting ingredients which alleviate the itching of flare-ups. However, their application has to be limited according to doctors‘ advice.

We at Eucerin wanted to find out whether it was possible to develop a dermo cosmetic skin care range for dry and irritated skin that would also be suitable for regular use on minor to moderate atopic skin. After several months of intensive research we were able to launch Eucerin AtoControl.

Eucerin has been using Omega-6 fatty acids in its dry skincare range for more than 15 years and clinical studies have shown that formulas with the combination of Evening Primrose Oil and Grape Seed Oil effectively replenish a damaged skin barrier and protect it from drying out. Dehydration is an important reason why some atopic skin can go from non-flare to flare-up so Omega oils were identified as potential key caring ingredients for the new formula.

"Questi risultati sono stati clinicamente dimostrati con studi dermatologici - quando gli effetti delle Creme Eucerin Complete Repair sono stati testati su  87 donne di età compresa fra 60 e 80 anni, l'idratazione della pelle, misurata con la corneometria, ha mostrato un miglioramento del 37% già 48 ore dopo la prima applicazione ."

Le creme Eucerin Complete Repair stanno diventando in breve tempo le soluzioni per la pelle secca più famose che Eucerin ha da offrire, e questo non ci sorprende poichè incarnano anni di ricerca approfondita da parte degli esperti, sono dermatologicamente comprovate ed è stato dimostrato che sono più efficaci dei loro predecessori.

The next priority was dealing with skin’s irritation. Again, scientists turned to an ingredient that had proved to be effective in Eucerin’s dry and very dry skin ranges for several years. Licochalcone A is derived from the roots of the Chinese licorice plant and is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. When it is applied to irritated skin, Licochalcone A can be shown to visibly reduce redness and soothe the skin.

The final piece in the jigsaw was to find an ingredient that would help the skin to resist the urge to scratch. Menthoxypropanediol is a derivative of Menthol and shares its cooling properties. This cooling effect helps to relieve itching.

As well as hydrating skin, the formula needed an ingredient with an antimicrobial ingredient. Eucerin scientists found Decanediol, which works against staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium which is often found on atopic skin.

“We knew from our research that sufferers, and parents of children with Atopic Dermatitis, were looking for cosmetic care that is also suitable for atopic skin and that could be used during flare-ups as well as in interval periods,” says Gitta Neufang, PhD, Head of Research Eucerin. ”They told us that corticosteroids were often essential during flare-ups but they wanted additional, and complementary, cosmetic skin care to improve the skin‘s appearance”

“We decided to take up this challenge. But it was far from easy.“

We needed a formula which combines key actives to address the specific skin care needs of dry, irritated and even atopic skin.