Everyone’s skin is different, reacts differently, ages differently. This is an observable fact. But why?

Skin researchers analyzed the differences in the gene regulation of young and old skin. Through molecular comparisons of skin cells they found over 20,000 different genes. Of these, several hundred exhibited age-specific reactions to external influences.

The skin’s structure and its overall appearance change with age. Traditionally, anti-aging cosmetics have been designed to combat typical, visible, aging effects such as wrinkles. In contrast, the goal of an interdisciplinary team of skin specialists from Henkel and the product development team for skin care is new: cell renewal.

Nutrients that promise a healthier and better life are already a trend. In other words, everyone is talking about probiotic substances. Yogurts and fitness drinks are extremely popular. Something that is good in foods cannot be bad for the skin.

Modern techniques accelerate research for active agents. One such method is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) from Vermicon AG in Munich.

Hairs do not grow continuously but in cycles. Why?

Until recently, there were no meaningful test systems with which substances and mixtures that have an active impact on hair biology could be rapidly analyzed to demonstrate their effectiveness in the cells of the hair root in an exact and cost-effective manner. Henkel therefore developed a three-dimensional in-vitro model of the human hair follicle as a test system.

Even before the hair follicle model was available to Schwarzkopf & Henkel’s hair specialists in the product development departments in Hamburg, Germany, dermatologist and hair expert Dr. Edo Hoting of the Hamburg team was searching for substances that stimulate hair growth.

One of the first findings obtained by the scientists with the help of the life cycle simulator was how the type and quantity of the lipid composition on and inside the hair varies over time. Lipids are natural fats, which make the hair surface shiny and supple. To do this, the scientists studied the hair after the artificial aging procedure using biochemical methods.

The hair of older people becomes thinner, weaker and more brittle. To find the cause of this, Henkel scientists plucked a number of hair follicles from male and female volunteers in a study of men and women under 25 and over 50 years of age. They then examined the follicles for genetic differences between younger and older hair.