Scientists from the Faculty of Science of Palacký University Olomouc are collaborating with world-class research and innovation experts in the cosmetics industry. Based on previous successful cooperation, experts from the Department of Biophysics have joined a new three-year project, the main goal of which is to investigate biophotons, which are a key indicator of skin aging, in more detail. The research, which connects top experts in the field of skin biology and biophysics, aims not only to better understand the mechanisms of aging, but also to verify the possibilities of slowing down this process using cosmetic active ingredients. The results will be used by French luxury cosmetics Maison Guerlain, part of the LVMH group, which also systematically cooperates with renowned scientific institutions to develop innovative skin care products.
The collaboration began in 2022, when LVMH RECHERCHE Parfums & Cosmetiques established a partnership with the University of Olomouc. Following this initial partnership, a new three-year agreement was signed to go further by identifying mechanisms that imply a modulation of these biophotons. The research team, led by Ankush Prasad from the Department of Biophysics of the Faculty of Science of the University of Olomouc, also includes Professor Pavel Pospíšil, an expert in free radical biology, Phaniendra Alugoja, an aging specialist from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and doctoral students from the Department of Biophysics in Olomouc, Rena Kushwaha and Richa Sharma.
„Biophotons can be described as weak light signals emitted by skin cells. Our work to date suggests that photon emission by certain skin cells may be a key indicator of aging. This discovery, made possible by a unique technological device, opens up new possibilities in dermatological research,” said Ankush Prasad. The new project focuses on the correlation between biophoton activity and aging of different types of skin cells, which are crucial for maintaining the youthful appearance of the skin.
„In this new applied research project, we are trying to fill critical gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of skin aging and pigmentation that have not been described before. We expect that this research will open a new path to understanding cellular longevity and also to applying these findings in practice,” added Ankush Prasad, the leader of the research team.
LVMH RECHERCHE Parfums & Cosmétiques is the Research and Innovation entity of LVMH Beauty Division pioneering novel approaches in fields such as biotechnology, skin biology, advanced materials, new manufacturing processes, agroecology and artificial intelligence to develop innovative skincare, perfumes and make-up products offering exceptional sensoriality for each house of the LVMH group Beauty Division.