SAN FRANCISCO — Scientists have found that using a skin moisturizer might reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.<br /><br />A small pilot study by the University of California, San Francisco found that inflammation of the skin may play a role in chronic illnesses.<br /><br />Around age 50, our skin begins to lose moisture and the skin's permeability barrier starts to break down. The barrier acts as a shield to retain water in our bodies and keep pathogens out.<br /><br />In younger skin, inflammatory cytokines are released to help repair cracks in the barrier.<br /><br />As the skin ages and the barrier weakens, more cytokines are released by the immune system.<br /><br />Cytokines eventually enter the bloodstream, and according to the study can cause inflammation that affects the rest of the body.<br /><br />The study had 33 participants between the ages of 58 and 95. They were asked to apply moisturizer twice a day for a month.<br /><br />The moisturizer contained cholesterol, free fatty acids and ceramides — all of which are essential for skin health.<br /><br />The scientists observed that the cytokine levels of the participants were found to be nearly equivalent with people in their thirties at the end of one month.<br /><br />In a news release the University of California, San Francisco said the researchers now plan to conduct a large scale study to test if moisturizing creams can actually delay or prevent age-related diseases caused by inflammation.
