The use of therapeutic moisturizers in various dermatologic disorders.

Moisturizers can serve as important adjunctive therapeutic modalities for patients with various dermatologic disorders, including acne vulgaris, rosacea, retinoid-induced irritant dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and the skin dryness that appears to occur with intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Therapeutic moisturizers, defined as those proven in clinical trials to be both compatible with topical therapies and biocompatible with the skin, not only improve the signs and symptoms of dry skin but also, as research has demonstrated, help maintain hydration and overall integrity of the stratum corneum. The type of humectants and emollients contained in a therapeutic moisturizer can affect the overall tolerability of the formulation. Dermatologists should recommend therapeutic moisturizers that are noncomedogenic, devoid of irritant ingredients, and compatible with many therapeutic regimens.