Amway and Yale Explore Skin Pigmentation

Amway has extended its exclusive research partnership with Yale University through 2016, adding an additional three years to the original agreement. Doubling the length of this collaboration enables Amway scientists and Yale Lab Associate and Research Faculty Member Dr. John Pawelek to continue advancing their collective understanding of the molecular biology involved in skin pigmentation – specifically hyperpigmented spots. Understanding the pathways involved enables the development of more effective, more targeted treatments. Findings will fuel product development in the Artistry Ideal Radiance Collection targeting skin brightening, according to Amway.

“Partnering with a global skin care leader like Amway is especially exciting – our collective research will inspire targeted scientific advancements that will empower women around the world by bolstering their confidence,” notes Dr. Pawelek, a published, patented expert in pigmentation processes, the causes of skin discoloration and the causes of metastatic melanoma.

Shown to have psychological and emotional impacts, hyperpigmented disorders are the result of highly increased melanin, the pigment responsible for producing color in hair, skin and eyes. In some cases, melanin is located in spots like solar lentigenes (age spots) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and in others, it covers larger regions of skin, as in melasma. Topical treatments assume all disorders are equal and respond to treatment as such. However, clinician success requires individualized diagnosis and treatment. PIH and melasma have a relatively high improvement rate, whereas solar lentigenes (age spots) are much more difficult to treat. This new research will seek to understand these solar lentigenes (age spots) and develop models that predict more successful treatments, ultimately translating into targeted products that improve consumer satisfaction.  

Dr. Pawelek is also a member of the Artistry Scientific Advisory Board, a global network of experts in skin health and skincare research. Established in 2007, this distinguished panel of leading academics and expert practitioners advises Amway scientists on a range of topics, while guiding new pathways for research and technology exploration. Amway scientists have implemented research studies with several board members, which have led to game-changing product development initiatives.

“This exclusive partnership with Yale aligns the key pillars of the Artistry brand – discovery, imagination and invention,” notes Catherine Ehrenberger, Amway vice president of research & development. “We're elevating our scientific credibility with forward steps that boost skincare technologies in Artistry™ brightening products and, ultimately, improve the lives of women everywhere.”

In joining forces with Yale, Amway fulfills its best-in-class “open innovation” process that taps into research and development with leading research in academia, government, individual inventors and others on the forefront of cutting-edge science.

More info: Amway, www.amway.com