--- title: "Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis…" description: "Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin hydration in elderly individuals with dry skin compared to high molecular weight…" url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.md" canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html" html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html" type: "study" study_key: "d38829483" journal: "Arch Dermatol Res" year: 2024 pmid: "38829483" doi: "10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2" citations: 1 updated: 2026-09-02 author: "Gabriel Radu, DO" author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765." publisher: "Magellan Longevity" content_format: "markdown" --- # Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial [Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis… **HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/d38829483 ## Citation | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Journal | Arch Dermatol Res | | Year | 2024 | | PMID | [38829483](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38829483/) | | DOI | [10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2) | | Study key | d38829483 | ## Takeaway Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin hydration in elderly individuals with dry skin compared to high molecular weight hyaluronic acid or a vehicle. ## The question Does topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) effectively treat xerosis cutis (dry skin) in the elderly compared to high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA) or a vehicle? ## Hypothesis Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) will be more effective in replenishing skin hydration in aging skin compared to High Molecular Weight HA (HMWHA) due to its ability to penetrate the stratum corneum. ## Methods A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 36 nursing home residents in Jakarta, aged 60-80 years, diagnosed with dry skin. Participants applied three distinct, randomized moisturizing lotions (LMWHA, HMWHA, or vehicle) to three separate sites on their legs. Skin capacitance (SCap), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and specified symptom sum score (SRRC) were measured at weeks 0, 2, and 4. ## Results After four weeks, the LMWHA-treated area showed greater SCap values (56.37 AU) compared to HMWHA (52.37 AU, p = 0.004) and vehicle (49.01 AU, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in TEWL and SRRC scores across all groups, and no side effects were reported. ## Conclusion The application of a moisturizer containing LMWHA significantly improved skin hydration in the dry skin of elderly individuals compared to moisturizers containing HMWHA and vehicle, with similar safety profiles. ## Limitations The study was conducted on a specific population (nursing home residents in Jakarta) and focused on leg application, which may limit generalizability. The abstract does not mention other limitations. ## Verbatim from the abstract > application of hyaluronic acid to dry skin of elderly resulted in significant improvements in skin hydration ## Skin Capacitance (SCap) After 4 Weeks of Treatment | Measure | SCap (AU) | | --- | --- | | LMWHA | 56.37 | | HMWHA | 52.37 | | Vehicle | 49.01 | *Skin capacitance values (in arbitrary units, AU) after four weeks of treatment with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA), high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), or vehicle.* ## Where this study is used on Magellan This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions. | Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages | | --- | --- | --- | | Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum | Moderate evidence | [Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/184.md) | ## Reference 1. **Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial** Arch Dermatol Res 2024 · [PMID 38829483](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38829483/) · [DOI 10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2) > application of hyaluronic acid to dry skin of elderly resulted in significant improvements in skin hydration ## Structured data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html#page","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html","name":"Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized…","description":"Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin hydration in elderly individuals with dry skin compared to high molecular weight…","inLanguage":"en","isPartOf":{"@type":"WebSite","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gabriel Radu, DO","jobTitle":"Physiatrist (PM&R)","identifier":[{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NPI","value":"1376861765"},{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"NY medical license","value":"275110"}]},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Magellan Longevity","url":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},"encoding":{"@type":"MediaObject","encodingFormat":"text/markdown","contentUrl":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.md"},"dateModified":"2026-09-02"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research map","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis…","item":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html"}]},{"@type":"ScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d38829483.html#study","name":"Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial","headline":"Effectiveness of topical hyaluronic acid in xerosis cutis treatment in elderly: a double-blind, randomized…","datePublished":"2024","isPartOf":{"@type":"Periodical","name":"Arch Dermatol Res"},"identifier":"PMID:38829483","url":"https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38829483/","sameAs":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03003-2","abstract":"Topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid significantly improves skin hydration in elderly individuals with dry skin compared to high molecular weight hyaluronic acid or a vehicle."}]} ``` ## Related on Magellan Longevity - [Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/184.md) — product graded on this and related evidence - [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s184.md) - [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) - [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md) ## Scope and disclosures Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication. Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases. Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).