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Unilever partners with UK university for microbiome wellbeing research

Unilever has joined forces with the University of Liverpool to explore the impact of the skin microbiome on wellbeing.

The duo will combine the latest advances in microbiome science with new psychological methods, creating the scientific capability to link changes in the skin microbiome to wellbeing over time.

This in turn could pave the way for new product approaches and technology targets.

“It’s often true that a good hair day can make us smile, while an acne breakout can leave us feeling lacklustre. But getting a scientifically proven measure of how our complexion can affect our confidence or mood has always been a challenge,” said Unilever.

“That’s because analysing how wellbeing and the skin microbiome interconnect is impossible without collecting longitudinal data – a scientific study that tracks the same data points over extended periods of time. For example, a tough Tuesday could affect the microbiome a day or two later, resulting in a skin reaction by the weekend,” it added.

“Conversely, a skin breakout could still impact your wellbeing even once the breakout has cleared. And that’s where our new research comes in.”

The project between Unilever and the university’s Microbiome Innovation Centre and Brain & Behaviour Laboratory is being funded by a UK Research and Innovation grant.

“As scientists, we talk about the skin–brain axis – the connection between how our skin feels and how we feel overall,” said Mike Hoptroff, microbiologist at Unilever’s Port Sunlight lab.

“Skin is an organ of emotional expression. If you’re stressed, it manifests on skin and the other way round. If your skin doesn’t feel good, it has an impact on how you feel in terms of wellbeing,” he added.

"The opportunity of this research will be finding out if we can develop products that could help to lessen the impact of stress to skin before it upsets the balance of the microbiome. It’s about prevention rather than cure. Making the skin microbiome more resilient.”

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Upcoming Events

in-cosmetics Global

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
16th – 18th April 2024

NYSCC Suppliers' Day 2024

Javits Center, New York
1st - 2nd May 2024

9th Anti-Ageing Skin Care Conference

Royal College of Physicians, London
25th - 26th June 2024

in-cosmetics Korea 2024

Hall C, Coex, Seoul, South Korea
24th - 26th July 2024

in-cosmetics Latin America 2024

São Paulo, Brazil
25th - 26th September 2024

IFSCC 2024

Recanto das Cataratas Thermas Resort, Iguazu Falls, Brazil
14th - 17th October 2024

Access the latest issue of Personal Care Magazine on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Personal Care Magazine app from your device's App store

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