New treatment claims to reduce skin shine by 55 per cent

French based cosmetic ingredient developer, Sederma, has developed the treatment based on the medicinal effects of plant extract,Enantia Chlorantha that contains, protoberberines, associated with anextract from olive tree leaves.

This extract has been selected for its ability to absorb excess oil on the skin's surface.

The company states that the treatment will be revolutionary on the skin care market due to the plant extract's potential to control sebum flux, the fluid that is excreted from the sebaceous glands to create the oily texture and appearance.

Oily skin is created by over active sebaceous glands that are present in the facial area, with exfoliation and over washing of oily complexions being the main cause of the outwardly shiny appearance.

22 panelists took part in tests over a 28-day period with the company stating that results showed the skin care treatment had reduced the sebum flow by 29 per cent with the number of active glands being reduced by 49 per cent.

However, the results that will interest consumers are the decrease in skin shine by 55 per cent and pore sizes being reduced by 36 per cent. Figures that will no doubt encourage cosmetic manufacturers to use the treatment in skin care formulas.

In 2005 Euromonitor International estimated that the total market for skin care products was valued at $38.3 billion globally, a figure that is second only to the hair care sector in size.

The overall size of the cosmetics market for 2006 is forecast by Euromonitor to stand at $26 billion (€20 billion), with the skin care market leading the pack at $58 million (€44 million).