Maintaining epidermal hydration is a cornerstone of canine skin health. Disruption of the stratum corneum barrier is associated with increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), xerosis and increased skin sensitivity—effects that may be exacerbated by repeated use of topical antiseptic shampoos commonly used in dermatology protocols.

While antimicrobial bathing remains an important tool in many skin management plans, there is increasing interest in adjunctive topical products that support skin hydration and barrier condition as part of an overall approach to skin care.

Why Post-Bathing Skin Support Matters

Topical antiseptic shampoos are widely used in practice. However, repeated bathing can be associated with temporary changes in skin surface lipids and hydration. In some patients—particularly those requiring frequent bathing—this may contribute to skin dryness or reduced skin comfort.

Proactive post-bathing use of a leave-on moisturising spray is a practical option to help support hydration without adding complexity to the bathing routine.

Overview of the Evidence

A peer-reviewed study published in Veterinary Dermatology evaluated the effect of a spray containing occlusive agents, humectants and physiological lipids (Sensiderm® Spray) on skin hydration of healthy dogs when applied after bathing with a chlorhexidine 2% / miconazole 2% shampoo.

Read the full paper (open access PDF): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/vde.70025

Study design at a glance

• Population: 12 clinically healthy, privately owned dogs
• Protocol: Standardised bathing with chlorhexidine 2% / miconazole 2% shampoo
• Intervention: Sensiderm® Spray applied to one lateral thorax site; control sites were untreated or shampoo-only
• Outcome measure: Objective skin hydration assessment using corneometry (electrical capacitance)
• Timepoints: Baseline and multiple points up to 72 hours post-application

Key Findings

• Skin hydration increased significantly at the Sensiderm-treated site.
• Hydration rose within 1–2 hours, peaked at 6 hours, and remained elevated for at least 24 hours.
• The effect was site-specific, indicating a direct effect attributable to the spray application.
• No treatment-related adverse effects were observed.

These results support the role of a leave-on post-bathing spray in helping to maintain skin hydration following antimicrobial washing in healthy canine skin.

Formulation Rationale

Sensiderm® Spray combines three complementary approaches to support skin hydration:

• Occlusive agents to help reduce water loss from the skin surface
• Humectants to attract and retain moisture within the stratum corneum
• Physiological lipids that align with the skin's natural barrier structure

This multimodal formulation reflects current understanding of barrier-aware skin support approaches used in both human and veterinary settings.

Conclusion

This study provides objective evidence that Sensiderm® Spray can increase skin hydration following antimicrobial bathing in healthy dogs, with an effect that remains evident for at least 24 hours and good tolerability. In practice, it offers a simple, protocol-friendly option to support skin hydration and comfort following bathing as part of a broader dermatology care approach.