SABINE PAIN*, FLORENCE TROMBINI, AURÉLIE COURTOIS, VALÉRIE ANDRÉ
*Corresponding author
BASF Beauty Care Solutions France, Lyon, France

Abstract

Sebaceous glands in the skin help to preserve healthy skin by producing sebum, an oil-like substance that, among other functions, waterproofs and lubricates the skin and hair. However, overproduction of sebum can cause seborrhea, better known as oily skin. 35% of the world population suffer from this phenomenon and its associated clinical signs: shininess, enlarged pores, comedones and blemishes. BASF’s new active ingredient – an extract from Bixa orellana seeds – reduces sebum production by restricting the proliferation of sebocytes, without dehydrating the skin. In addition, it blocks the signal that induces hyperkeratinisation, helping to refine pores. Because it keeps microbiome virulence at bay, the agent also aids in reducing skin blemishes.

Oily skin, also known as seborrhea, is a common skin problem affecting up to 80% of people in their teens and early twenties (1).
But even into their thirties and beyond, oily skin remains a concern for 35% of people, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Various factors are known to trigger oily skin, including hormonal changes, high dairy protein intake, increased stress and exposure to airborne pollutants such as particulate matter. Often, those affected by seborrhea suffer from a negative self-image and report feeling like their skin is dirty (2).

NEW ACTIVE ACTS ON THREE LEVELS

Sebaceous glands in the skin are located all over the body, both in hair-covered and hairless areas, but are most prevalent on the scalp and face where we have up to 400-900 glands/cm².
Their main function is the secretion of sebum, the oil-like substance that prevents the skin and scalp from becoming dry.
Sebum helps keep the skin supple and prevents water loss.
However, if seborrhea occurs, the sebaceous glands’ specialised cells, sebocytes, become hyperactive and produce excessive amounts of sebum. This causes the ski ...