Mary Kay Presents New Findings on Skin Care Advances

Mary Kay Inc. has revealed the results of two research studies.

The first is an antioxidant treatment that can diminish the visible effects of pollution and aging on human skin; the second is a focus on the applications of computational tools to accurately predict the safety and potential reactions of human skin to various cosmetic ingredients.

Mary Kay scientists shared these findings at the 2024 Society of Investigative Dermatology meeting in Dallas, TX for which the company was a silver-level sponsor.

The ongoing partnership with the Society of Investigative Dermatology underscores Mary Kay’s dedication to advancing skincare science. By maintaining collaborative efforts, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to making significant breakthroughs in the field of dermatology, ultimately providing consumers with safer and more effective skincare solutions, officials said.

Air Pollution Effects on Skin

Mary Kay’s research into the effects of air pollution on skin – conducted through multiple academic collaborations since 2016 – revealed that an antioxidant blend of resveratrol, niacinamide and oligopeptide-1 protects natural skin surface lipids from oxidative damage caused by particulate matter (PM) and UV radiation, both alone and combined. Additionally, this blend has been found to prevent free radical formation induced by blue light, demonstrating its potential in mitigating the detrimental effects of multiple environmental stressors on the skin.

Computational Toxicology Tools

Furthermore, Mary Kay is leveraging computational toxicology tools to enhance ingredient safety assessment of cosmetic and personal care ingredients. This innovative approach involves the use of advanced computational methods to predict the safety and potential toxicity of ingredients at an early stage, significantly reducing the need for extensive laboratory testing. Virtual screening allows for the early screening of compounds, ensuring only safe ingredients proceed in the development process. This method not only saves time and resources but also aligns with ethical and regulatory standards. By integrating these advanced tools, Mary Kay underscores its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for product development, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy for its consumers.

Panel Presentations on Skin Health and Aging

Mary Kay’s Dr. Gildea also hosted a panel entitled, “Insights into the Effects of Pollution on Skin Health: Recent Discoveries & Emerging Perspectives,” comprising experts from varied fields of dermatology and molecular biology. Panelists included Dr. Thomas Haarmann-Stemmann, group leader at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, who discussed the link between increased ambient temperature and skin aging.

Dr. Elma Baron, associate professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, emphasized the significance of topical antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress and improving skin health. Dr. Hong Sun, Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, delved into molecular changes in skin cells exposed to environmental stressors, demonstrating the efficacy of antioxidant treatments in reversing gene expression changes associated with skin damage induced by UV and pollution exposure.