THE WHAT? New research by Unilever, IBM Research and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) show that vitamin B3 can help boost the skin’s natural defences against skin conditions.
THE DETAILS The research is published in the Biophysical Journal, with scientists at each organization working to find a way to increase the skin’s natural defences.
According to Unilever, “Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, can boost both the numbers and effectiveness of the skin’s natural AMPs. This discovery was first made by Unilever scientists in India, but the team were keen to find out more.”
Using high-performance computing technology at the Hartree Centre and the data from the studies by Unilever scientists, IBM and STFC created computational models of bacterial and human cell membranes, as well as vitamin B3 and AMPs, according to a press release.
Unilever stated, “Simulations were then run using these models to see how the vitamin molecules interacted with the AMPs and the bacterial membrane; and why vitamin B3 boosted their activity.”
THE WHY? The simulations were said to have provided a wealth of detailed insights that could become the foundation for “developing new skin hygiene products and cosmetics using niacinamide – and possibly other peptide-boosting materials, while complying with applicable regulations.”
Dr Michael Hoptroff from Unilever Research and Development, “We wanted to understand if the cooperative effect between vitamin B3 and natural antimicrobial peptides could help us to develop products that would complement the skin’s natural defences against harmful bacteria.
“Our experiments, combined with the STFC and IBM computational simulation work, have shown that this is indeed a possibility.”
Aesthetic products generally refer to a broad category of items designed to enhance or improve one's appearance, often focusing on skincare, beauty, and personal grooming. These products are typically used to maintain or enhance physical attractiveness and may include a wide range of items intended for both professional and personal use. Here are some common types of aesthetic products:
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Skincare Products: Including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments designed to address various skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity.
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Cosmetics: Makeup products such as foundations, concealers, eyeliners, lipsticks, and eyeshadows used to enhance facial features and achieve desired looks.
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Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments to maintain and improve the health and appearance of hair.
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Fragrances: Perfumes and colognes used to enhance personal scent and attractiveness.
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Dental Care Products: Toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening treatments, and dental floss aimed at maintaining oral hygiene and enhancing smile aesthetics.
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Personal Grooming Tools: Including razors, electric shavers, trimmers, and grooming kits used for hair removal and personal hygiene.
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Beauty Devices: Devices such as facial cleansing brushes, LED light therapy masks, and microcurrent devices designed for at-home skincare treatments.
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Nutritional Supplements: Supplements aimed at promoting skin health, hair growth, and overall well-being, often containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
