Low Humidity Alters Epidermal Gene Expression In Vivo

The study investigated the effects of low humidity on epidermal gene expression in mice and the potential mitigating role of an emollient. Mice exposed to low humidity (15%) showed downregulation of 159 genes and upregulation of 105 genes, particularly affecting pathways related to viral protein-cytokine interactions and cytokine-cytokine interactions. The application of an emollient in these conditions resulted in the upregulation of 195 genes and downregulation of 280 genes, enhancing pathways related to fatty acid metabolism and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that low humidity significantly alters epidermal gene expression, and emollients can help manage these changes, supporting their use in dry skin management in low-humidity environments.