Anti-aging ingredient from Arch Personal Care harnesses power of UV light

According to the company, BioLumen Firm uses photodynamic UV light therapy to stimulate cell activity below the skin’s surface, which increases fibroblast activity and promotes skin and cell repair.

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Absorption of UV energy​

The theory behind the development of the ingredient concerns the ability of sunscreens to absorb electromagnetic radiation in the UV range and protect skin by changing the energy into heat.

The company believed that if a product could absorb and transform one form of electromagnetic radiation, such as UV light, it may be possible to turn a damaging event into one that actually benefits the skin.

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BioLumen Firm contains proanthocyanin fluorophores isolated from Morinda citrifolia ​or noni extract, which are then coated onto an inert tricalcium phosphate substrate -making them able to effectively absorb UV energy, the company said.

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In vivo ​trials show efficacy​

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In vivo ​trials were carried out on the ingredient, where a double blind, full face in use study was conducted over a 60 day period.

Eighty-six panelists were divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2 and 3 applied a SPF 8 organic sunscreen lotion daily and spent at least two hours in natural sunlight.

Group 1 used a placebo lotion, and Groups 2 and 3 applied a BioLumen Firm-containing lotion at a 2 percent and 5 percent dosage level respectively. Group 4 was a control group, applying the ingredient-containing lotion only at night.

Increase in skin elasticity and improvement in skin tone​

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Results showed that 82 percent of subjects who applied BioLumen Firm at 5 percent showed an increase in skin elasticity after 60 days. Similarly, 100 percent of panelists who used the 2 percent concentration demonstrated a ‘statistically significant’ improvement in appearance, the company said.

In contrast, the nightly dosage treatment of group 4 showed no improvement in skin tone or radiance, which indicated that, when exposed to light; BioLumen Firm provides ‘a notable benefit’ in skin appearance.

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According to Arch, the in vivo ​trials ‘confirm the ability of UV light to energize the BioLumen Firm product and elicit repair processes on the skin’.

Biolumen Firm can be used in any SPF daily wear product such as anti-aging skin care, sun care and face make-up. Its application potential is not limited to anti-aging products however; as the company says it may offer light induced healing to post-surgical skin.