Regulatory Considerations Regarding Sunscreen Actives

Yun Shao
Kobo Products, Inc.
June 2024

Summer is here, and it is time to enjoy outdoor activities and the beautiful landscape with friends and family. However, the Sun is bright and scorching, making the weather hot and the use of sunscreen essential. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!

When developing sunscreen products, it is crucial to focus not only on performance and aesthetics to meet consumer expectations but also on regulatory compliance. Sunscreen products are regulated worldwide and are classified as drugs by the FDA. For the US market both the manufacturers of sunscreen products and the actives (considered as Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)) used in these products must comply with FDA requirements, including registration and listing, as well as adherence to ICH Q7A Current Good Manufacturing Practices.

In terms of quality control, all sunscreen actives must meet the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications mandated by the FDA in its sunscreen monograph.¹ However, there can be some confusion regarding the specific details of these requirements.

National Drug Code (NDC)

The NDC, or National Drug Code, is a unique 10-digit, 3-segment number that serves as a universal product identifier for human drugs in the United States. This code is present on all nonprescription (OTC) and prescription medication packages and inserts in the US. Most formulators know that an NDC is required for a finished sunscreen product. But what about the sunscreen actives used in the formulation?

An NDC is not typically required for an API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) used solely as a raw material in the manufacturing of drug products. However, some sunscreen actives in raw material form are listed in the NDC database due to voluntary actions by their suppliers. This practice is common for suppliers who import sunscreen actives into the US to facilitate customs clearance.

USP specification

To ensure compliance, a sunscreen active must be tested against its USP monograph and complies with all specifications. This testing is straightforward for organic sunscreen actives because they are often supplied as pure compounds. You can take a sample, follow the USP test methods, and conduct the tests. However, it is more complicated for inorganic UV filters such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

Most commercial grades of TiO₂ and ZnO used in sunscreen applications have exceedingly small particle sizes and large surface areas. Consequently, they are highly photoactive and can catalyze the oxidation of organic compounds in sunscreen formulations or potentially molecules in the stratum corneum. To mitigate this, especially for TiO₂, surface treatment with inorganic compounds like alumina and/or silica, and organic compounds such as stearic acid or silicones, is common.

As a result, the commercial TiO₂/ZnO powders available to formulators are always a mixture of the active compound and the coating materials. The actives cannot be separated from the coating materials, and the powder, if tested as is, cannot meet USP specifications. USP verification or certification can only be performed by the manufacturer, as they have access to the actives prior to the surface treatment. It is common to see a statement in the Certificate of Analysis (CofA) indicating that the active prior to surface treatment is USP grade, or a separate section in the CofA showing the test results of the active prior to surface treatment.

Due to their large surface area, both attenuation grade TiO₂/ZnO have much moisture absorbed on their surfaces. In the USP specifications for TiO₂, the loss on ignition is set to be less than 13% for the attenuated grade (micronized or nano) TiO₂. However, for ZnO, the specification for loss on ignition is less than 1%. There is no provision for micronized or nano zinc oxide. Therefore, to meet these specifications, the powder needs to be dried before the loss on ignition test.

Zinc Oxide Type

There are three USP monographs related ZnO:

1. Zinc Oxide
2. Zinc Oxide Neutral
3. Zinc Oxide Powder

These monographs specify different purity requirements, with Zinc Oxide having the most stringent criteria. Only USP Zinc Oxide is listed in the FDA sunscreen monograph.¹ While the Zinc Oxide Neutral monograph mentions labeling it for use in sunscreen, its purity level is too low for this purpose. Zinc Oxide Powder also has different, typically lower, purity requirements compared to USP Zinc Oxide. Therefore, it is important to use USP Zinc Oxide for sunscreen formulations to meet FDA standards.

Assaying The Actives

When assaying active ingredients in sunscreen formulations, the method chosen should align with the assay’s purpose. If the goal is to certify compliance of a RM with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a USP method must be adopted. However, once an active ingredient is incorporated into a sunscreen formulation or undergoes surface treatment (as is the case with TiO₂ and ZnO), the mixture is no longer considered a USP active. In such cases, the purpose of the assay is to analyze the active ingredient level, not its USP compliance. Therefore, any effective and validated analytical method can be used.

Organic sunscreen actives are often assayed using gas chromatography. The USP method can also be applied to assaying the raw material (RM) as well as the sunscreen composition. For inorganic UV filters, various methods can be used for assaying the treated powder or finished sunscreen products. These methods include X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), titration, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Ion Chromatography (IC), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

All except the titration method offer high sensitivity and are originally designed for trace metal analysis. Each method has specific pitfalls related to interferences, sample preparation, and operational complexity. It is crucial to fully validate the selected method for each type of sample. Subsequently, managing the analytical workload can be a significant challenge for companies with diverse sunscreen product lines. Each sunscreen formulation may require a specific test protocol and validation to eradicate or minimize the potential matrix effect of different formulations on the test result. Therefore, it is necessary for companies to have a well-organized and efficient analytical testing process to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain product quality across their range of sunscreen products.

Active vs. Non-active TiO₂

The distinction between active and non-active TiO₂ can be particularly confusing in color cosmetics with SPF, where both pigmentary and attenuation-grade TiO₂ are utilized. While assaying and reporting the total TiO₂ content is straightforward, the level can fluctuate among different shades, especially when the range of shades is very wide. This variability makes it challenging to determine the suitable active level for labeling purposes.

To address this issue, there is a practice to report only the level of attenuation-grade TiO₂ content. However, this approach can also be complex, as it requires assaying the intermediate product in the production process. This datapoint is then used in the calculation of the final active content, adding to the intricacy of the process.

Environmental Concern

As we all know, the use of oxybenzone and octinoxate in sunscreens has been banned in Hawaii, Key West in Florida, Palau, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Mexico due to their toxicity towards coral reefs. This has reduced the number of sunscreen actives available for formulation in sunscreen products in the US. As a result, the use of TiO₂ and especially ZnO has dramatically increased.

It is interesting to note that ZnO is considered aqua toxic by the EPA and ECHA. According to DOT regulations, a pictogram indicating this aqua toxicity must be included in the SDS and on the shipping label. Nonetheless, studies have shown that the level of ZnO introduced into seawater from sunscreen use by consumers is extremely low. ²   It is well below the Predicted No Effect Concentration of Zn²⁺ and Most Sensitive Observed Effect Levels. ^3,4 Therefore, the use of zinc oxide as a sunscreen active is considered safe for marine species and ZnO sunscreen can be claimed as reef safe.

On the other hand, TiO₂ is insoluble in water and has no toxicity towards any species. Its safety towards coral reefs was suggested by Corinaldesi in comparison to ZnO. ³ Of course, nano TiO₂ is photo-catalytical under UV exposure if uncoated. However, with proper coating, the photocatalytic activity is suppressed, making TiO₂ environmentally friendly. It could be the best sunscreen active from an environmental perspective.

However, TiO₂ has a higher refractive index and often leaves a white cast on the skin if not formulated properly, which presents a significant challenge to formulators. Despite its environmental advantages, it has not been as widely considered for sunscreen formulations as zinc oxide in recent years.

In conclusion, navigating the regulatory landscape and environmental considerations for sunscreen actives is complex. Manufacturers must balance regulatory compliance, environmental safety, and formulation challenges to develop effective and safe sunscreen products.

References:

1. Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 98 / Friday, May 21, 1999 /Rules and Regulations: Sunscreen Drug Products For Over–The-Counter Human Use; Final Monograph.
2. Antonio Tovar-Sa´nchezet al., Sunscreen Products as Emerging Pollutants to Coastal Waters, PLOS ONE, June 2013, Volume 8, Issue 6, e65451.
3. C Corinaldesi, Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.), Sci Total Enviro., 2018 Oct 1:637-638:1279-1285.
4. Ingo B. Miller, Toxic effects of UV filters from sunscreens on coral reef revisited: regulatory aspects for “reef safe” products, Environ Sci Eur (2021) 33:74.
5. Andreas P. Gondikas et al., Release of TiO₂ Nanoparticles from Sunscreens into Surface Waters: A One-Year Survey at the Old Danube Recreational Lake; Sci. Technol.2014, 48, 10, 5415–5422.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Yun Shao joined Kobo Products Inc. in 1996 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President of R&D. With over 20 years of experience, he is a seasoned expert in inorganic sunscreen technology, micro TiO₂ and ZnO development, pigment surface treatment, dispersion technology, specialty cosmetic ingredients, color cosmetics, and global cosmetic ingredient regulations.

Dr. Shao has shared his work at prestigious scientific meetings, including the IFSCC Congress, SCC Annual Scientific Meeting, and FLSCC Sunscreen Symposium. He holds nine patents and has co-authored several book chapters and technical papers on surface treatment and inorganic sunscreen formulations.

Dr. Shao earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his B.S. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China. He is a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists and a founding member of the Chinese American Cosmetic Professional Association.

Gut Microbial Metabolites of Dietary Polyphenols and Their Skin Health Benefits

Author:
Hang Ma, Ph.D.
Research Unit for Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical Applications (RUNCA), Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Rhode Island

Imagine your gastrointestinal tract as a sophisticated biochemical laboratory, where the vast community of gut microbes metabolizes polyphenols— plant-derived compounds widely found in fruits, vegetables, coffees, and teas. Through complex enzymatic processes, these microbes break down polyphenols into a variety of smaller, bioactive compounds known as polyphenol microbial metabolites (PMMs). These metabolites are important to overall human health: they enhance antioxidant defenses, modulate inflammatory responses, and may even alleviate diseases.

Figure 1. Illustration of gut microbial biotransformation of dietary polyphenols to their metabolites.

A fun fact about PMMs: they can act like a natural “skincare” from within your body!

Here are some common PMMs you can intake from your foods and their potential skin-beneficial effects:

1. Urolithins: They are PMMs derived from ellagitannins and ellagic acid found in various fruits (e.g. pomegranate) and nuts. They have been studied for anti-cancer and neuroprotective effects. For instance, urolithin A (UA) is reported to be safe and can improve mitochondrial and cellular health in humans [1]. In addition, UA can exert anti-aging effects on human skin fibroblasts [2] and protect skin cells from UVA-induced cellular damage [3].
2. Equol: This compound is produced from the isoflavonoid daidzein found in soy and other legumes. It exerts estrogenic activity and has been studied for its potential benefits in alleviating menopausal symptoms and reducing bone loss. A microarray/protein-based study showed that equol and its isomers protect human skin cells by modulating the expression of aging and inflammatory genes [4].
3. Enterolactone and enterodiol: These are PMMs produced from the microbial fermentation of lignans, a group of unique phytochemicals found in flaxseeds, sesame seeds, maple syrup extract, and other plant sources. These metabolites have been linked to potential benefits in reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers [5].
4. Hydroxyphenylvalerolactones: These PMMs are formed from the breakdown of tea flavonoids (known as catechins) and are thought to contribute to the health benefits of tea. Human clinical studies showed that green tea catechin metabolites including hydroxyphenylvalerolactones can be detected in the skin tissue with skin protective effects against UV-induced inflammation [6].
5. Simple phenols: These compounds include tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, which are PMMs of olive and jasmine phenolics, such as oleuropein. A reported study showed that hydroxytyrosol and its parent compound oleuropein are skin permeable and they can inhibit elastase and collagenase (enzymes that cause skin wrinkles) as well as protect skin cells in a synergistic manner [7].

PMMs hold significant promise for skin health. Partially, this is due to their promising biological effects such as antioxidant properties. PMMs can protect the skin from premature aging by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory capabilities may soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Some of these metabolites also exhibit antimicrobial properties that can prevent skin infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogens. Beyond these benefits, phenolic metabolites enhance the skin’s barrier function, improving its natural defenses and moisture retention. Incorporating phenolic-rich foods into one’s diet can support the production of these beneficial metabolites, potentially enhancing skin health from within. For example, a recent randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study showed that a pomegranate supplement (i.e. Pomella^®) can promote skin health and beauty from within properties by improving biomarkers that are associated with visible wrinkles and moisture in a healthy population. Interestingly, polyphenols in pomegranate and their PMMs are thought to exert synergistic influence on both gut and skin microbiomes [8].

Although the potential of PMMs in skincare is promising, several challenges hinder their application and effectiveness. First, the variability in individual gut microbiota composition means that not everyone produces these beneficial metabolites at the same levels. Additionally, the complexity of accurately studying these metabolites in skin tissue remains challenging. These factors add layers to the barrier of developing PMMs-based topical skincare products. Research and development efforts are directed to effectively deliver these compounds to the skin and to ensure the stability and absorption of PMMs. Lastly, regulatory hurdles related to proving the health claims of such products can slow down their introduction to the market.

The future of utilizing PMMs in skincare is an exciting frontier with immense potential. Efforts are needed to advance our understanding of how these compounds interact with the skin’s microbiome and cellular structures, aiming to enhance their bioavailability and stability for effective topical applications. Collaborative research from all angles including microbiology, dermatology, and cosmetic science is crucial to developing new skincare formulations that harness these promising PMMs. Additionally, the industry is expected to innovate with sustainable and scientifically-backed products that leverage the health-promoting potential of PMMs.

References

1. Andreux, Pénélope A., et al. “The mitophagy activator urolithin A is safe and induces a molecular signature of improved mitochondrial and cellular health in humans.” Nature Metabolism 1.6 (2019): 595-603.
2. Liu, Chun-feng, et al. “Antiaging effects of urolithin A on replicative senescent human skin fibroblasts.” Rejuvenation Research 22.3 (2019): 191-200.
3. Liu, Wenjie, et al. “Urolithin A protects human dermal fibroblasts from UVA-induced photoaging through NRF2 activation and mitophagy.” Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology 232 (2022): 112462.
4. Lephart, Edwin D. “Protective effects of equol and their polyphenolic isomers against dermal aging: microarray/protein evidence with clinical implications and unique delivery into human skin.” Pharmaceutical Biology 51.11 (2013): 1393-1400.
5. Adlercreutz, Herman. “Lignans and human health.” Critical reviews in clinical laboratory sciences 44.5-6 (2007): 483-525.
6. Rhodes, Lesley E., et al. “Oral green tea catechin metabolites are incorporated into human skin and protect against UV radiation-induced cutaneous inflammation in association with reduced production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoid 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid.” British Journal of Nutrition 110.5 (2013): 891-900.
7. Li, Huifang, et al. “Dietary polyphenol oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol are moderate skin permeable elastase and collagenase inhibitors with synergistic cellular antioxidant effects in human skin fibroblasts.” International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition 73.4 (2022): 460-470.
8. Chakkalakal, Mincy, et al. “Prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study of oral pomegranate extract on skin wrinkles, biophysical features, and the gut-skin axis.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 11.22 (2022): 6724.

The acceleration of climate change driven events is creating an increasing pressure on the environment and living organisms that depend upon it with consequences that will be hard to fix or reverse in the future. Every living organism that is exposed to environmental changes is impacted. We need to understand the scenario to put in place effective actions to mitigate the changes that will affect the environment we know and the way we source natural ingredients for cosmetic use. The call for action is now.

Global Warming
We exist in a thin layer of the atmosphere, 7 miles above sea level. Life has been preserved for thousands of years with the right conditions of temperature and air, mostly nitrogen and oxygen, but also greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide that released in the atmosphere contributed to stabilize the right temperature for living organisms. However, since the industrial revolution in the late 1800s, increasing burning of coal, oil, and natural gas, has caused more carbon dioxide to be released in the atmosphere, eventually trapping the heat, with the consequence of increasing its temperature, a process referred as global warming. Extreme weather has also triggered melting of glaciers, ice caps and contributed to sea level rise. In the US, greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming, have been associated with transportation, electricity production, industry, residential/commercial heating, and agriculture practices.1

Climate Change and its Effect on Plant Growth
A plant needs water, air, sunlight, optimal temperature, and the right soil to properly grow. Climate change is affecting all the above, except for sunlight.

With most of the water being saltwater from the ocean, only 3% is fresh (glaciers, groundwater, lakes, rivers, etc.). A warmer climate is causing an increased water evaporation, eventually trapped in the atmosphere. Cycles of rain are altered; dry areas are getting drier and wet areas wetter. Plants would find it difficult to adapt to these changes and in dry areas, farmers would need more and more ground water to sustain irrigation.

With carbon dioxide increasing in the atmosphere, plants are growing faster, but weeds also, with the difficulty to control them. Plant-feeding insects are proliferating due to the decrease in plant nutritional value and increase in sugar content when plants are grown under a higher carbon dioxide atmosphere. This decrease in nutritional value is a concern for the human diet but also for other uses (such as cosmetics and supplements and their ingredients quality). Plants contain less protein, zinc, iron, and vitamins, especially B vitamins.2,3

Temperature changes during nighttime or daytime alter the normal growth of the plant and its reproductive stage. With increased heat some plants grow faster, and farmers would need to manage irrigation, planting, harvesting, etc., but extreme heat would harm plants, especially during pollination, and the yield would decrease dramatically. Many plants like winter exposure and warmer winter will also reduce yield or select out many plant varieties. In general, because of increasing heat, the plant cultivation geographical map is shifting, moving northern.

Finally, climate change is also affecting the quality of the soil, so essential for life development. A healthy soil is a living system that sustains plants, animals, and humans.4 It contains billions of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, spiders, and many other organisms interacting together and with the plant’s roots. Soil contains organic matter, often derived from living organisms but also from plant decay (humus). This organic matter is vital for life, it absorbs water optimally. The symbiosis between the soil and the plant’s root is very important, and it helps keep the plant healthy. The quality of the soil translates in the quality of the plant and its products, the massive cleaning of forest for land cultivation is depleting the soil and carbon is released in the atmosphere instead of being kept in the soil.

Some examples of Plants disruption
Many plants providing ingredients for our cosmetic products grow in coastal zones, such as 70% of coconuts trees. These zones are threatened by rising seas. Moreover, scientist studying coconuts plants have shown a negative impact on growth by rising temperatures.5 The cultivation and yield of Lavender, Jasmine, and Rose, in Grasse, France, have been seriously affected recently by more extreme weather, including droughts.6 These plants are essential to produce essential oils for the fragrance industry. Medicinal plants are more and more popular in our industry due to a wellness push. Many species of medicinal plants grow on mountains and many of them are difficult to cultivate. Warmer temperatures are threatening most species, pushing species to adapt and grow to higher altitudes to remain viable with species not able to adapt and possibly to disappear.7 Basic life is changing in the ocean, too. Phytoplankton and Algae are declining due to a warmer ocean and efficiency in photosynthesis is affected.8 With declining fishing and algae availability in the arctic sea due to climate change effect on temperature and on El Nino driving stream, global sourcing of omega-3 has been challenged with main production shifting to indoor algae cultivation and fermentation.9

Conclusions
Climate change is real and we, as an industry, need to work with our suppliers to sustain our ingredients sourcing. Development of climate change resistant species, vertical and cellular farming to balance the pressure on cultivation and wild picking, and finally optimization of plant usage by improved extraction and process methodology, are urgently needed to reduce the demand on classical supply chain and implement a more sustainable use of resources.

References
1. Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. EPA, 2015
2. Samuel S et al. Increasing CO2 threatens human nutrition. Nature 510 (7503):139-42, 2014
3. Chunwu Zhu, et al. Carbon dioxide levels this century will alter the protein, micronutrients, and vitamin content of rice grains with potential health consequences for the poorest rice-dependent countries. Science Advances 4(5); 2, 2018
4. Soil Health. USDA, 2019
5. Sunoy J, et al. Impact of climate change on plantation crops: coconuts. In Impact of Climate Change on Plantation Crops, ed. KB Hebbar et al., 2017
6. Quito A. The top luxury company in the world is fighting to save the flowers that go into its perfume. Quartz, 2019
7. Das M, et al. Impact of climate change on medicinal and aromatic plants: review. Indian J Agric Sci 86: 1375-82, 2016
8. Roxy MK, et al. A reduction in marine primary productivity driven by rapid warming over the tropical Indian ocean. Geophysical Research Letters 43(2): 826, 2016
9. Cheung W, et al. Climate change exacerbates nutrient disparities from seafood. Nature Climate Change 13: 1242-49, 2023

About the Author

Giorgio Dell’Acqua is passionate about the environment and sustainability. He has given many lectures in the past on sustainable supply chain, natural ingredients and upcycling as well as publishing several articles for the industry on this topic (see below for references). Giorgio is currently Chief Science Officer at Nutrafol, a company specialized in natural based supplements and topicals for healthy hair and scalp. After obtaining his PhD in Cell Biology in 1989, Giorgio worked in Academia for 15 years as an investigator in applied medical research. Moving to the private sector in 2000, he has spent the last 20+ years as an executive and cosmetic scientist in the personal care industry. During his career, he directed R&D, Innovation, Science, and Product Development at multiple companies. He has helped bring 200+ successful active ingredients and finished products to market, has authored more than 90 publications in medicine and cosmetic science, and he holds 2 patents. Giorgio is also on the executive board of the US Society of Cosmetic Chemists (SCC) as its 2024 secretary, he is the chair for the NYSCC outreach committee and he is a member of the NYSCC Scientific Committee.

References (sustainability)

Han M, Dell’Acqua G. Exploring extremophiles: a novel and sustainable path for innovation in the cosmetic industry. Cosmetiscope 30(2): 1-7, 2024
Dell’Acqua G. Green isn’t enough. Social Progress is the next chapter for naturals. Cosmet. Toil. (Cover page article), 134(7): 28-40, 2019
Dell’Acqua G. Recycling natural by-products from food and agriculture waste into powerful active ingredients for cosmetic applications. H&PC Today 13(3): 16-19, 2018
Dell’Acqua G. Sustainable product development. CTSCC Nutmeg Newsletter 35(3): 7-11, 2018
Dell’Acqua G. Communities under the forest – Can we separate humans from trees? NYSCC Cosmetiscope, 24(2): 15-16, 2018
Dell’Acqua G. Garbage to glamour: recycling food by-products for skin care. Cosmet. Toil. (Cover page article), 132(2): 28-37, 2017
Dell’Acqua G. The challenges of sustainable development. NYSCC Cosmetiscope 23(2):1-6, 2017
Dell’Acqua G. Sustainable ingredients with scientific edge. Midwest SCC Scoop 47(6):7-11, 2015
Dell’Acqua G, Calloni G. Sustainable ingredients and innovation in cosmetics. Cosmet. Toil., 128(8): 528-536, 2013

Defining beauty is a complex and multifaceted task that can be accomplished both topically and from within. Beauty is one of those feel-good life deliverables that both gives and receives, making it a personalized priority for all of us.

Beauty is a matter of interpretation, appreciation, and commitment. It all starts with a strong dedication and willingness to pursue practices that feed overall wellness persistently. Beauty is intricately linked to health, with factors such as restful sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet playing pivotal roles in maintaining radiant skin, bright eyes, and lustrous hair and nails.

As time passes, aging becomes a concern for many people, prompting changes in the way we view our routines, diet, and abilities. The use of topical products is first line defense and a natural progression towards influencing the rate at which you age as it hits on many sensorial notes both on a neural level and through repetitive muscle entrainment, making it easy to create a positive habit toward maintaining your health. The downside is that topical products typically work on or underneath the superficial surface of skin and hair. The epidermis, and the hair cuticle, respectively, are designed by nature to keep things out in an environment that is constantly changing. All of this is a good thing. From a product development perspective, it becomes a never-ending effort to correct and maintain your skin and hair without adding to the everyday stress of imbalance that already exists.

One of the overlooked functions of skin is that it acts as an excretory organ, much of what goes on inside your body has a direct effect on how your skin functions and ultimately looks. Furthermore, being the largest organ, it is privileged with miles of vessels moving nutrients and metabolites of every category to all parts of our skin, hair, and nails. Because of this nutrient flow, many of these nutrients and by-products of their metabolism find their way to the surface of the skin acting in concert with the skin’s topical biochemistry and microbial ecology, influencing immune learning and defense. As all of this occurs, your gut health, mental health, sleep patterns and attitudes are being transmitted through your skin in both acute and long-term ways. Like growth rings on a tree, your skin, hair, and nails, reflect a moment in time and the conditions within that moment.  If beauty is what we seek, I suggest blending all the possibilities there are into the best possible moment in time.

Taking a new perspective on empowering beauty is leveraging the wonders of a comprehensive approach to both topical care and support from within.

Beauty-from-within supplements are becoming more popular amongst consumers. It is one of the fastest-growing categories in the nutraceuticals industry with an above average CAGR.

Internally supporting beauty is a strategy that can address skin and hair at almost every level, leading to lasting results and a more consistent routine resulting in less overall stress.  This integrated approach, focusing on creating a positive feedback loop of promoting overall health and wellness, can lead to healthier, more radiant skin, brighter eyes, and lustrous hair. This exponentially grows the possibilities of intervention in terms of product development and gives the consumer a sense of control over their aging process and creating enduring foundational results with significant benefits over a single armed beauty approach.

Under this approach, beauty is linked to overall wellness, lifestyle, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management, which become additional targets to support through dietary supplementation and lifestyle changes.

I encourage you to visit the events page on the NYSCC website and register for the “Beauty from Within: Next Level Beauty Care & Wellness Strategies” event being held at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ on March 26th. There is a great line up of speakers that will explore and inspire all the wonders of beauty from both sides. I look forward to seeing you there.

Author Bio:

Michael Anthonavage serves as the VP of Innovation at Vitaquest International, dedicated to expanding the supplement market footprint and ensuring their customers gain a competitive edge. With expertise in bringing new technologies to market, championing innovation and growth for all areas of health and nutrition as well as many aspects of skin and haircare product development.  Michael is a seasoned skin biologist, research scientist, educator, and a member of the scientific advisory board for the New York Society of Cosmetic Chemists for the past 5 years.