FRANZISKA WANDREY*, DANIEL SCHMID, ESTHER BELSER, FRED ZÜLLI
*Corresponding author
Mibelle Biochemistry, Bolimattstrasse 1, 5033 Buchs, Switzerland

Abstract

Two big issues for many men are hair loss and rashes after shaving. Discovering cosmetic actives that help in treating these problems are important for developing men’s grooming products. Here we show that an extract from the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica improves skin condition by reducing skin irritation after shaving. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies show that hair loss caused by the hormone dihydrotestosterone can be reduced by scalp treatment with an extract from Ocimum basilicum.

INTRODUCTION

While some women’s and men’s skin care needs overlap, such as the necessity for moisturisation, there are some distinct issues that each gender has to face. For example, men are much less likely than women to develop cellulite due to a different cutaneous composition and connective tissue arrangement. On the other hand, men experience hair loss more often and to a greater degree and, for many men, a daily facial shaving routine leads to skin irritation. It is important to consider the specific physiology of male skin to target skin care for men. Here, we present two cosmetic actives that tackle these two issues that are prevalent in men.

Sensitive skin in men - exacerbated by shaving
More than 1 in 3 men feel that they have sensitive or very sensitive skin (1). Sensitive skin tends to be more susceptible to some environmental factors. People with sensitive skin report exaggerated reactions such as redness, itching or rashes when their skin is in contact with certain cosmetics, plants, fabrics, or temperature.
At a molecular level, an irritating stimulus on keratinocytes leads to a signal ...