A robust sebum, oil, and particulate pollution model for assessing cleansing efficacy of human skin

Abstract

With increasing concerns over the rise of atmospheric particulate pollution globally and its impact on systemic health and skin ageing, we have developed a pollution model to mimic particulate matter trapped in sebum and oils creating a robust (difficult to remove) surrogate for dirty, polluted skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cleansing efficacy/protective effect of a sonic brush vs. manual cleansing against particulate pollution (trapped in grease/oil typical of human sebum). METHODS:The pollution model (Sebollution; sebum pollution model; SPM) consists of atmospheric particulate matter/pollution combined with grease/oils typical of human sebum. Twenty subjects between the ages of 18-65 were enrolled in a single-centre, cleansing study comparisons between the sonic cleansing brush (normal speed) compared to manual cleansing. Equal amount of SPM was applied to the centre of each cheek (left and right). Method of cleansing (sonic vs. manual) was randomized to the side of the face (left or right) for each subject. Each side was cleansed for five-seconds using the sonic cleansing device with sensitive brush head or manually, using equal amounts of water and a gel cleanser. Photographs (VISIA-CR, Canfield Imaging, NJ, USA) were taken at baseline (before application of the SPM), after application of SPM (precleansing), and following cleansing. Image analysis (ImageJ, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA) was used to quantify colour intensity (amount of particulate pollutants on the skin) using a scale of 0 to 255 (0 = all black pixels; 255 = all white pixels). Differences between the baseline and post-cleansing values (pixels) are reported as the amount of SPM remaining following each method of cleansing. RESULTS: Using a robust cleansing protocol to assess removal of pollutants (SPM; atmospheric particulate matter trapped in grease/ oil), the sonic brush removed significantly more SPM than manual cleansing (P < 0.001). While extreme in colour, this pollution method easily allows assessment of efficacy through image analysis. ResumeAvec l'augmentation des preoccupations sur l'augmentation de la pollution particulaire atmospherique a l'echelle mondiale et son impact sur la sante systemique et le vieillissement de la peau, nous avons developpe un modele de pollution pour imiter la matiere particulaire piegee dans le sebum et les huiles creant une robuste substitution (difficile a enlever) de la peau polluee sale. OBJECTIF: Evaluer l'efficacite de nettoyage et de l'effet protecteur d'une brosse sonique vs le nettoyage manuel contre la pollution particulaire (piegee dans la graisse/l'huile typique de sebum humain). M ETHODES: Le modele de la pollution (Sebollution; Sebum Pollution Model; SPM) se compose de l'atmosphere de particules, de la pollution associee a la graisse et aux huiles typiques du sebum humain. Vingt sujetsâges de 18 a 65 ans etaient inscrits dans une etude monocentrique de nettoyage en comparant la brosse de nettoyage sonique (vitesse normale) par rapport au nettoyage manuel. Des quantites egales de SPM ont et...

Facial cleansing with a sonic brush—A review of the literature and current recommendations

“…Vierkötter et al assessed the association of particulate pollution in pigmented spots on the forehead . There is evidence indicating that removal of atmospheric particulate pollutants may reduce complications induced by these substances …”

“…By implementation of a sebum, oil, and particulate pollution model for assessing cleansing efficacy of human skin, Peterson and colleagues were able to demonstrate the efficacy of the sonic brush in cleansing procedures. A significant difference was demonstrated compared to manual cleansing (Figure ) …”

“…Fluorescent makeup methodology used to measure the cleansing efficacy the sonic brush. Amount of SPM (artificial sebum + pollution) remaining on the skin after cleansing with a sonic brush vs. manual cleansing (using same cleanser) . Photographs shown at baseline (2‐1), before cleansing (2‐2) after application of SPM), and after cleansing (2‐3) .…”

“…The presented studies indicate that the use of the sonic brush offers an efficient and safe technique for cleansing and for improvement in skin barrier maintenance . A significant advantage in efficacy in antiaging and anti‐acne skin care regimes has been shown when using the sonic brush compared to typical manual cleansing procedures with and without skin cleansing products …”

The Impact of Pollution on Skin and Proper Efficacy Testing for Anti-Pollution Claims

“…The Sebollution was applied to the cheeks of volunteers and followed by a washing process. The non-invasive evaluation platform was performed based on the photographs and image analysis before and after application of the pollution mixture and then again after washing [43]. The photo imaging technique with the use of pollutant mixture based on carbon particles is a fast and efficient way of evaluating the cleansing efficiency of products in vivo.…”