Study: R&R Complex Superior to Ceramide Moisturizer for Dermatoporosis

Results from a split-arm study suggest that use of a new product (ReFORM & RePAIR COMPLEX with TriHex Technology® [R&R]) resulted in more skin improvements than a ceramide moisturizer in patients with dermatoporosis (DP).

Conducted over 24 weeks, the trial included 38 participants who applied R&R on one arm and a ceramide moisturizer on the other, evaluating multiple skin health parameters.

The study results showed that the R&R product outperformed the ceramide moisturizer arm across all tested metrics. The authors reported significant improvements in skin barrier function, particularly in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) recovery. Ultrasound imaging showed improvements in dermoepidermal junction (DEJ) undulation in 83% of study participants treated with R&R (compared to 17% in the ceramide-treated groups).

The authors also conducted a histological analysis that showed robust collagen formation in biopsies from the R&R-treated arms; ceramide moisturizer showed minimal improvements, primarily in early elastin formation. Participants treated with R&R also reported greater resilience, fewer purpura episodes, and reduced bruising.

"Dermatoporosis is a condition that takes years to evolve, and recovery is expected to take time," the study researchers concluded. "That noted, this study revealed that the DEJ is the first anatomic area to demonstrate improvement in DP status. This was evident in the R&R-treated arms. In addition, skin functionality related to TEWL measurements, overall texture, crepiness, and biopsy changes were all improved to a larger extent in the R&R-treated arms compared to the comparator arms, demonstrating the logical use of R&R for DP management."

Source: Markowitz O, et al. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2024;23(12). Doi:10.36849/JDD.8177