Amway doubles Yale research agreement as quest for targeted skin care continues
Initially the exclusive agreement was set up for three years, but this has now been set up through 2016 enabling Amway scientists and Yale Lab Associate and Research Faculty Member Dr John Pawelek to continue advancing their collective understanding of the molecular biology involved in skin pigmentation; specifically hyperpigmented spots.
This will then lead to the development of more targeted treatments, and for Amway, a new line of skin care products focusing on skin brightening.
"Partnering with a global skin care leader like Amway is especially exciting – our collective research will inspire targeted scientific advancements that will empower women around the world by bolstering their confidence," notes Dr Pawelek.
Targeted products
The confidence that Pawalek speaks about relates to psychological and emotional impacts that are linked to hyperpigmented disorders rsulting from highly increased melanin.
In some cases, melanin is located in spots like solar lentigenes (age spots) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and in others; it covers larger regions of skin, as in melasma.
At present topical treatments assume all disorders are equal and respond to treatment as such; however Amway says that this isn’t the case and that each case needs to be individually diagnosed and treated; hence the collaboration with Yale.
PIH and melasma have a relatively high improvement rate, whereas age spots are much more difficult to treat, so this new research will seek to understand and develop models that predict more successful treatments, ultimately translating into targeted products that improve consumer satisfaction.
Research network
The research team will develop these products along with the Artistry Scientific Advisory Board, with which Amway has been working with to develop new products since 2007. Pawalek himself, is also one of the experts that makes up the skin care research network.
"This exclusive partnership with Yale aligns the key pillars of the Artistry brand – discovery, imagination and invention," notes Catherine Ehrenberger, Amway vice president of research & development.
"We're elevating our scientific credibility with forward steps that boost skincare technologies in Artistry brightening products and, ultimately, improve the lives of women everywhere."
