Topical alpha-tocopherol acetate in the bulk phase: eight years of experience in skin treatment.

Clinical practice in dermatology indicates that alpha-tocopherol acetate is beneficial in xerosis, hyperkeratosis, asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, superficial burns, cutaneous ulcers, onychoschizia and, in general, skin diseases in which an inflammatory process is activated. The positive effect results from the combination of biological activity, the absence of adverse reactions, and the physical effect of the alpha-tocopherol acetate oil. The viscosity of this oil in bulk phase accounts for a remarkable moisturizing effect and minimization of transepidermal water loss. This effect combines well with the antioxidant capacity of alpha-tocopherol released from the ester, and the recently emerging effect on reprogramming of gene expression.