Nivea Cream

[Guest guest]

This little gem was buried in the skin sensitivity article posted by

Matija:

" Using the lactic acid assay [the test used to determine presence and

degree of skin sensitivity], researchers have demonstrated that

emollients can be used to prevent the stinging response. The results

of those studies also show that there is a hierarchy of

protectiveness, with the benefit provided increasing with growing

hydrophobicity of the emollient agent. In addition, it has been

possible to convert stingers to nonstingers after several months of

twice daily treatment with Nivea cream. "

Am I reading this correctly? Nivea cream can decrease skin

sensitivity?

Here's the ingredients:

Water, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Isohexadecane,

Microcrystalline Wax, Lanolin Alcohol, Paraffin, Panthenol, Magnesium

Sulfate, Decyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Stearate, Fragrance,

Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Citric Acid,

Magnesium Stearate

Ouch! Lots of stuff that doesn't look good. This is for the body,

but their Nivea Visage line for the face doesn't look like it has

anything related to Nivea Cream.

This was the sole reference to Nivea Cream that I found in Medline:

Acta Derm Venereol 1999 Mar;79(2):115-7

Correlation between the greasiness and the plasticizing effect of

moisturizers.

Jemec GB, Wulf HC.

Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of

Copenhagen, Denmark. ccc2845@...

" Moisturizers are used as cosmetics and as adjuvant therapy in

dermatology. The strength or relative efficacy of moisturizers is

poorly described and thus advising patients is difficult. It has been

suggested that lipidization of the skin by moisturizers and the

changes in skin mechanics following the application of a moisturizer

may be useful measures of outcome. The aim of this study is to

describe the relative efficacy of 5 different moisturizers, a barrier

cream and a gel in terms of changes in skin mechanics and electrical

capacitance before and after application. Assessment of the

greasiness or absorption of the cream was made by standardized

blotting of unabsorbed residue. Lipid-rich creams (Vaseline, Locobase

and Decubal creme) caused increased skin distensibility, while no

differences were found in hysteresis changes. In contrast, the

relative efficacy in increasing skin capacitance was significantly

greater in the moisturizers with a lower lipid content (Clinique,

Nivea) and gel. The results suggest that lipidization is of major

importance to the plasticity of the skin. When moisturizers are used

to improve skin plasticity it is suggested that lipid-rich

formulations be used. Cosmetically more acceptable creams and gel

were however better at increasing skin capacitance which has been

interpreted as a measure of skin hydration. The difference may

reflect a design adaptation of these creams to a specific outcome

measure and our results raise the question of appropriate outcome

measures in future moisturizer studies. "

I'm not exactly sure what they're saying, so I emailed the address

given above, for explanation. I'll let you know what I find out.

Marjorie

Marjorie Lazoff, MD