TAGS: Skin Care
The Skin Care Laboratory, Material Science Laboratory, and Analytical Science Laboratory of Kao Corporation (President, Michitaka Sawada) have jointly developed a novel formulation based on effective combination of large water-content α-gel with a unique polymer that is selectively absorbed in skin micro-scaling regions.
The application of this formulation is targeted on individuals who suffer from skin roughness caused by dry skin.
A Survey Conducted to Study Dry Skin Problems
Kao Corporation conducted a survey to study the actual skin state and awareness of working women with dry skin problems, more than 90% were found to have micro-scaling on the skin surface. Corneocytes show moderate adherence to each other and form a well-ordered structure on the surface of healthy smooth skin. However, when skin is rough or damaged, micro-scaling appears where corneocytes exfoliate, thus it is considered that water evaporation has been accelerated, making the skin susceptible to outside stimuli.
New Formulation Technology
The new formulation technology is a combination of large water-content α-gel and OXP-SI polymer.
Large Water-content α-gel
Large water-content α-gel features a structure that is modeled on that of intercellular lipids of the corneocyte and provides a high water-holding capacity, for moisturizing areas of dry skin roughness and with wide application in a variety of skin care products. Researchers tested their technology developed for conditioning skin to provide smoothness within a short time period, as working women want to experience skin care effects within a shorter period, possibly 3 to 7 days.
OXP-SI Polymer in a Liquid Solution
Following an intensive screening process, a unique polymer termed OXP-SI (oxazoline-modified silicone) was shown to form a flexible membrane as well as a capability to be combined with "large water-content α-gel". For confirming the characteristics of the formula, fluorescent microscopy examinations of OXP-SI polymer modified with fluorochrome were performed and confirmed that the polymer formed a unique complex surrounding the "large water-content α-gel" and then were dispersed in the aqueous phase.
Kao researchers successfully developed a novel technique for combining "large water-content α-gel" with a unique OXP-SI polymer in a liquid solution. This novel formulation was found to improve the skin surface condition soon after beginning applications, as selectively adherence was shown in areas of micro-scaling. It is considered that a smooth skin surface improves not only skin dryness but also provides an excellent condition for makeup finish.
Source: Kao