IMCAS World Congress 2025
Program

Objectives: To develop new routes to skin care through a deep understanding of the changes in the skin microbiome associated with aging.

Introduction: Through over 18 years of research, Unilever has amassed one of the largest collections of skin microbiome data in the world. This data has revealed the characteristic changes in the skin microbiome associated with aging and how these changes impact both skin condition and care regimens. Through this knowledge we have developed innovative product technologies which work with the skin microbiome to unlock new skin care benefits through prebiotic care and technologies which respect and support the skin microbiome.

Materials / method: Large cohort in-vivo studies have demonstrated consistent changes in the skin microbiome associated with aging and how these changes can impact skin condition.
In-vivo intervention studies coupled to targeted in-vitro mechanistic investigations have then been completed to assess the impact of product intervention on skin condition and the microbiome.

Results: Aging is associated with characteristic and reproducible changes in the skin microbiome impacting skin condition. These insights and the results of targeted intervention studies support the efficacy of product interventions which address the needs of both skin and the skin microbiome.

Conclusion: The skin microbiome is intrinsically linked to skin aging and skin condition and both can be positively affected by the use of well designed skin care products.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Unilever Ltd

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Unilever Ltd

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Unilever Ltd

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Unilever Ltd

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro protective efficacy of the Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate (LCC) on cellular and phenotypic endpoints against pollutant- and UVB-induced challenges and explore the mechanistic understanding on LCC as topical GSH precursors through a multi-omics approach.

Introduction: Glutathione (GSH) is a crucial antioxidant in the human body. Low GSH levels are linked to skin damage and aging. Increasing GSH in the skin can enhance resilience and provide benefits. However, topical application is challenging due to stability and penetration issues. Lysine Carboxymethyl Cysteinate (LCC) is a GSH precursor that offers depigmentation benefits. This study evaluates protective efficacy of topically applied LCC against pollutant- and UVB-induced damage and explores its mode of action through a multi-omics approach.

Materials / method: Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were treated with LCC, with and without menadione or UVB. GSH and ROS levels were quantified. UV challenged living skin equivalent (LSE) models were cultured with LCC. Various parameters, including epidermal delivery, surface lightness, melanin content, cytokine levels, and transcriptomic analysis, were measured. Human skin explants were treated with LCC, and a spatial metabolomic study was conducted.

Results: LCC rapidly boosted GSH levels in keratinocytes, reducing oxidative stress and ROS production. In vitro and ex vivo evidence confirmed LCC's delivery into the epidermis and increased GSH signal. It mitigated UVB induced pigmentation and inflammation, enhancing skin barrier function in LSE model. In addition, LCC reduced melanin content and improved skin lightness in spots-mimic model.

Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that LCC effectively elevated GSH levels and protected skin from oxidative stress; Topical application of LCC significantly protected skin against UVB exposure through multifaceted pathways. Adding glutathione precursor such as LCC in topically applied cosmetic products, forms a promising approach for skin protection.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Unilever

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
Yes
Please specify date...: Published
and status : 2023

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Unilever

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Dermalogica, LLC

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): dermatologica research

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: dermatologica

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermalogica

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermalogica (company)

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Dermalogica

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermalogica

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermalogica

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Dermalogica

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Dermalogica, LLC

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermatologica

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Dermatologica

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Dermatologica