During the World Congress of Dermatology (May 24–29, 2011) in Seoul, Korea, P&G Beauty and Grooming is presenting new findings in acne, male grooming, dandruff and turmeric based on a broader "omics"—i.e., genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, research tool.
Advances in genome sequencing, i.e. genomics, and what the company calls other "omics" tools are reportedly enabling biologists to not just study individual parts within a particular biological system, but also to map the entire system from the genome to the proteome to the metabolome. According to the company, more than 20,000 genes—as many as one million proteins—and thousands of metabolites underlay fundamental skin and hair processes; and for the first time, scientists have developed an omics tools to piece it all together.
The tool allows researchers to monitor 9.4 million gene changes and hundreds of protein expression changes or metabolites in a single experiment, including the platforms of: genomics, the study of gene activity or expression describing how genes function, interact with one another and respond to environmental stimuli; proteomics, i.e., the study of proteins and how they change as a result of gene activity; and metabolomics, which study how changes in genes and proteins impact biochemical processes within the cell. The company reports that taken together, this tool allows scientists to open up insights into the molecular pathways associated with common concerns in skin and hair biology, to ultimately create new skin care and hair care products that better address the needs of consumers.
Based on this overarching omics tool, the company's 29 posters and four symposia presented at the event describe findings in acne, male grooming, dandruff and anti-aging. Regarding acne, research has demonstrated that continual treatment with an anti-acne regimen designed specifically for adult women can lead to significant, noticeable skin clearness. In addition, male grooming is an increasing focus among dermatologists, and the company showed how razors must address a complex interaction of hair and skin to achieve a close, comfortable shave.
Further, in sequencing the genome of Malassezia globosa, the fungal cause of dandruff, scientists have discovered how ZPT works at a molecular level within the cell to inhibit growth of this fungus. Finally, turmeric is a well-known spice that has long been used in ayurvedic medicine and the company has demonstrated the anti-aging benefits of topical turmeric extract in moisturizing formulations.