“Maskne” & irritations of hands

For close to a year, the COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed our behavior and has imposed strict preventive measures in order to limit the virus propagation. In this exceptional context, the skin is subjected to unusual conditions and the population is faced with certain skin issues related to the application of protective measures. In order to deal with this situation, SILAB proposes to the cosmetics industry some “rescue solutions” combining naturality and safety and guaranteeing the health and well-being of the skin.

“Maskne”: treat and prevent skin problems resulting from wearing a mask

“Maskne” is acne caused by friction, heat and humidity related to the wearing of a mask. The "masked" areas of the face are subjected to hyperkeratinization that leads to the accumulation of dead cells on the surface of the skin and the progressive obstruction of pores. The warm and moist environment under the mask favors excessive sebum production. Cutibacterium acnes, a commensal anaerobic bacterial species responsible for acne, is now in favorable conditions for its proliferation and this causes skin inflammation and imperfections. Finally, repeated friction by the mask can also lead to skin abrasions and sensations of discomfort.

With the COVID-19 and the resulting appearance of skin blemishes on the face, the position of the anti-acne segment has been reinforced as a driving force of the cosmetics market. In August 2020, Fortune Business Insights reported that this category of products could reach a value of $7.19 billion by 2027 with a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) of 4.6%. Recently, there have been launches of specific cosmetic products to treat “Maskne”.
Based on these observations, SILAB decided to select three active ingredients in its portfolio in order to overcome skin issues caused by the daily wearing of masks.

ACNESIUM® is a natural, effective and safe active ingredient combining rapid action and efficacy in the daily treatment of slight to moderate acne in adults. It restores the skin’s homeostasis by targeting the four major components of this pathology. This innovative ingredient improves not only the quality and appearance of skin with a tendency to acne, but also self-perception and the quality of life of subjects.
Active ingredient available in powder form, without preservatives

Obtained from the roots of red sage, NEUROFENSE® is a soothing, bioinspired concentrate that acts on the three biological components causing cutaneous sensitivity: it neutralizes neuronal hyper-reactivity, restores the quality of the skin barrier and limits inflammation of the skin. Our tests in vivo have shown that after using this active ingredient, the skin is less sensitive, redness is attenuated and sensations of discomfort are reduced.

GLYCO-REPAIR® is an active ingredient obtained from carob seeds that accelerates the reconstruction of damaged skin and promotes the recuperation of its essential functions. It also considerably reduces the roughness of chapped lips after two days of application.

Irritation of hands: care for hands exposed to frequent washing

World health organization hygiene guidelines have led to the more frequent use of hand sanitizers and detergents to limit the virus propagation. The side effect of these chemicals is to weaken the delicate equilibrium of the skin. They in fact could interfere with the cutaneous barrier function and cause a disequilibrium of the microbiota, thereby leading to dryness, irritation and sensations of discomfort.
The detergents and cleansing products markets therefore provide added vitality to the market of care products for the hands. New care concepts are not limited to only moisturizing solutions but are tending toward multifunctional products combining protective, repairing and soothing effects. Consumers also desire products that can reinforce the immunity of their skin and protect its microbiota damaged by repeated washing and contact with disinfectants. This more holistic approach has therefore progressively led to a “premiumization” of this category.

SILAB proposes three natural active ingredients to repair and strengthen the barrier function of the hands skin.

AD-RESYL® is a purified natural active ingredient, developed specifically to restore homeostasis in atopic skin. It significantly improves the integrity of the cutaneous barrier by activating epidermal cohesion and differentiation, as well as the organization of lipids.
In addition, the expression of specific mediators and water content are improved to optimize skin hydration. Finally, the balance of the microbiota is ensured by strengthening the skin's innate immunity.
Its clinical efficacy has been demonstrated under dermatological control on three cohorts of volunteers (children and adults of Caucasian origin and adults of Asian origin), suffering from atopy.
More than 90% of the volunteers who tested AD-RESYL® approved a sensation of comfort and an improvement in skin hydration. Their skin is softer and suppler.
Active ingredient available in powder form, without preservatives

LACTOBIOTYL® is a postbiotic concentrate targeting skin dryness. It reinforces the integrity of the skin barrier by boosting the production of markers of cohesion and of protein and lipid structures, and activates epidermal renewal, while leaving the microbiological equilibrium of the dry skin intact.
Active ingredient available in powder form, without preservatives

FILMEXEL® is a biomimetic film-forming product that creates a natural barrier against harmful exogenous agents. It reduces sensations of discomfort caused by the penetration of irritants and limits the adhesion of certain microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Active ingredient available in powder form, without preservatives

Camille DESPERIEZ

Marketing project leader
As a biologist engineer, I am fascinated by the benefits of Nature on well-being and on the skin. At SILAB, within the marketing and communication department, my creative spirit is expressed in the production of thematic and trend presentations. In an international environment, my job requires to be continuously attentive to the current and future needs of consumers.

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