Improving skin health to lower inflammation in older adults
Official title: A pilot trial of skin barrier restoration to reduce systemic inflammation
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11055443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using a special moisturizing cream or ointment can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation in older adults aged 70 and up, and we want to hear how easy and comfortable it is for you to use these products over eight weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $255,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR082620-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 70 years and above who may be experiencing age-related skin issues and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 70 or those without skin barrier issues or systemic inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how restoring the skin barrier can help reduce systemic inflammation in older adults, a condition known as inflammageing. The study will involve applying a ceramide moisturizing cream or petrolatum ointment to participants aged 70 and older for eight weeks, with a focus on measuring changes in skin barrier function and inflammatory markers. Participants will also provide feedback on the acceptability and feasibility of using these moisturizers. The goal is to understand the relationship between skin health and overall inflammation in aging individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing inflammation and improving health outcomes in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using skin barrier restoration techniques to improve health outcomes in older populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abuabara, Katrina Elaine — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Abuabara, Katrina Elaine
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.