The conference “The Visual Skin, Biology and Beyond” held in New Jersey featured internationally known experts in cosmetic dermatology delivering presentations to provide the industry with up to date information in the skin care sector.
It is three years since the Care Specialties Business Unit of Ashland established the 'Avant Institute' to promote scientific research relevant to the development of technologies for the personal care industry.
In that short time it has sponsored several international conferences covering skin biology, the physical chemistry of hair fibres, stratum corneum enzymology, new advances in synthetic chemistry and dermatology.
“The symposia brings forth some of the brightest minds in the fields of biology and polymer science, and it reaffirms Ashland’s commitment to inspire the personal care industry to look at advanced science and translate that science into highly innovative products,” explains Ashland's senior scientist, Paul Mouser.
“Our intent is to help convert academic and clinical research into commercial opportunities for breakthrough products,” he adds.
Insightful presentations
Amongst those delivering speeches at the event were Dr. Leslie Baumann, director of the Baumann Cosmetic and Research Institute in Miami, who is recognized for her contributions to the field of cosmetic dermatology, and who provided insights into the seven primary causes of aging and their impact on skin appearance.
Dr. Peter Marinkovich recognized for ground-breaking research pertaining to the extracellular matrix of epithelial tissues and the critical role they play in many biological processes such as tissue development, also addressed industry professionals on the role of the epidermal junction in skin physiology.
The Symposium, held twice a year, serves as a forum to advance the latest ideas in science and to apply that knowledge in commercialization activities. The institute will hold its Spring 2013 event in April in Paris and is set to focus on advanced formulation techniques in hair and skin care.