French personal care active ingredients maker Gattefossé is partnering with compatriot CRO (contract research organisation) Ambiotis to explore the anti-ageing role of pro-resolving lipids.
The collaboration aims to design and develop innovative cosmetic solutions to combat skin ageing.
Gattefossé and Ambiotis have combined their scientific expertise to study the role of pro-resolving lipids found in the secretome, in interaction with macrophages – true sentinels of the immune system – and fibroblasts, the key architectural cells of the dermal extracellular matrix.
The duo has characterized and modelled the alterations of pro-resolving lipids observed in aged skin, revealing that these changes disrupt the interactions between macrophages and dermal fibroblasts.
As a result, dermal fibroblasts become abnormally activated, adopting a pro-inflammatory and pro-degradative phenotype marked by increased secretion of matrix metalloproteinases.
The collaboration paves the way for innovative cosmetic solutions focused on a more integrative approach to ageing.
“It is becoming essential to rethink cosmetic intervention through the lens of more integrative anti-ageing approach,” said Gattefossé head of skin biology research Nicolas Bechetoille.
“The tissue integrity of the skin can no longer be viewed solely in terms of the balance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components,” he added.
“Targeting pro-resolving bioactive lipids is now a key strategy to preserve skin health and effectively combat ageing within a holistic healthy ageing framework”.
Ambiotis CEO Marc Dubourdeau said: “Maintaining homeostasis is a fundamental element of human physiology. Fortunately, our bodies, tissues and skin are well equipped to do it, thanks in particular to the so-called specialized pro-resolving mediators.
“These lipids play a key role in enabling the body to move from a state of imbalance to a restored state of equilibrium. Encouraging the increased synthesis of these lipids is tantamount to reinforcing the skin's own beneficial mechanisms, helping to prevent ageing and preserve the skin's vitality.”
