PROTECTION AND REPAIR OF SKIN DAMAGE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL AGGRESSORS.

• TR Number: 738
• Authors: Chen, S., Idkowiak-Baldys, J., Jacob, T.,  Gonzalez, A. and Santhanam, U.  Global R&D, Avon Products Inc. Suffern, New York 10901, USA.
• Materials Tested: Benzo[a]pyrene, Gamma Oryzanol, Green Tea Polyphenols, Hydrogen peroxide, Phyllanthus emblica Extract, Thiodipropionic acid, Urban dust, UVA, UVB

There is an increasing awareness that environmental factors, such as UV, cigarette smoke, pollution, and extreme temperatures can lead to skin aging. The mechanisms underlying this extrinsic aging effect remain uncertain. Previous studies showed that one of the negative actions from UV and smoke was oxidative damage. Here, we show that each of the aggressors studied can produce free radicals and cause oxidative damage in skin cells and in 3D skin equivalent tissues. To protect skin from damage and/or provide a greater repair potential, we initiated in vitro screening to identify substances that can help defend against environmental aggressors. In the present study, we report identification of several novel substances that can help prevent and/or repair damage caused by environmental aggressors in skin cells and in 3D skin equivalent in vitro. Topical application of a prototype preparation containing these substances  led to an improvement in the appearance of aging skin.