In cosmetics as in dermatology, acne is a phenomenon that affects both teenagers and adults. In addition to being unsightly, it is often the cause of psychological discomfort. Fortunately, innovative solutions are available to treat this skin condition.
Acne: definition
Acne is a minor skin condition. It affects a majority of adolescents (90%) and a significant proportion of young adults (20-30%). It is characterised by the appearance of pimples and redness. Discomfort and/or pain may be experienced.
In France alone, around 6 million people are affected! Acne occurs most often on the face (99%), which explains its negative impact on self-esteem and well-being. However, pimples and redness can also appear on other parts of the body, including the back, chest, neck and shoulders. This is because the majority of functional sebaceous glands are located in these areas.
Focus on acne in cosmetics
Although acne is one of the most common cosmetic problems, it is still a difficult phenomenon to deal with. The appearance of pimples is in most cases the result of hyperproduction of sebum. This can be due to inadequate cleansing (inappropriate choice of cosmetic products) and/or insufficient skin cleansing. Stress, smoking, eating habits, etc. can also be the cause.
In fact, the pores are clogged because the dead cells are not properly eliminated and the sebum is not evacuated as it should be. Inflammation is then an automatic reaction of the skin.
People with acne-prone skin look for anti-seborrheic treatments to stop the condition from developing. Solutions that soothe the skin are also in high demand.
Focus on acne in dermatology
Acne is the number one reason for consulting a dermatologist. The outbreak of pimples can have different origins: thickening of the upper layer of the skin, causing obstruction of the follicular channels through which sebum should be naturally eliminated; inflammation caused by bacteria; hormonal imbalance, etc.
A personalised diagnosis is obviously essential to define an appropriate treatment plan, the aim being to limit the psychological repercussions and physical consequences of acne. Here too, anti-seborrheic and/or anti-inflammatory treatments are strongly recommended.
Do you know the company Phenocell ?
Phenocell is an organisation that devotes its know-how to preclinical research. The work carried out in the laboratory aims to develop dermatological solutions that act effectively on all types of skin. To achieve these objectives, the team carries out high throughput tests that study in depth the different active ingredients compatible with tailor-made treatments.
Indeed, it is possible to request that a personalised test be carried out in order to adjust the treatment protocol.
The role that Phenocell’s technology can play in acne
This research organism reproduces sebocytes, the cells that make up the sebaceous glands in the dermis, on which in-vitro tests are performed. For this purpose, the team uses stem cell-derived models (iPSCs). High-throughput screening is then used to identify the various seborrhoeic dysfunctions with extreme precision, leading to the identification of a targeted treatment protocol.
The work carried out by Phenocell is also based on the ethnic characteristics of the skin. Caucasian skin is not the same as African or Asian skin, which means that the right solutions are not the same.
Acne is the main dermatological and cosmetic problem. Although a large majority of the population is affected, it is still an inconvenience and causes psychological distress. The development of truly effective treatments is therefore essential and Phenocell has set itself the mission of helping to discover effective active ingredients thanks to its innovative technology.
