Product Feature: EnergiNius™

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The Digital Life: Understanding the Impact of Screen-Emitted Light on Skin

By Amélie Clairet, Gattefossé

Screens are part of our daily life

According to a recent study, the time spent on smartphones by millennials is estimated at one day (22 hours) per week, or 49 days a year.¹

Another report indicates that US consumers own four digital devices on average and spend 60 hours a week consuming content through digital media.² This is in addition to the time spent in front of screens for professional activities.

The use of electronic devices is growing everywhere and across all generations. In less than 30 years, this digital revolution has fundamentally changed how we spend our days.

The effect of artificial visible light

Screens emit artificial visible light (AVL) constantly. Daily use of electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, computers and tablets) thus leads to increasing exposure to LED sources emitting in visible light wavelengths. Even if the amount of energy emitted by these electronic devices is weak, users are very close to the light source and spend a lot of time in front of these screens.

While the effects of screen exposure on eyes or on sleep quality have already been investigated, the impact on the skin is far less understood.

Does artificial visible light affect the skin?

Curious to discover the potential consequences of such an environment on skin health, Gattefossé initiated a two-year investigation with CYTOO, a biotechnology company, to determine the direct effects of screen exposure on the skin.

For the first time, researchers have precisely characterized this screen-emitted AVL and developed unique equipment to accurately recreate the light screens emit.

Impact on the mitochondrial network…

Mitochondria, also called the powerhouse of cells, produce energy (adenosine triphosphate, or ATP) essential to proper biological function of cells. CYTOO and Gattefossé discovered that exposure to screens significantly weakens mitochondrial function and dynamics, combined to a diminished capacity to produce ATP.

The energy machinery of skin cells is thus altered; their mobility and communication properties are impaired, resulting in increased cellular fatigue.

… visible at the skin surface

Screen-emitted AVL really acts as an additional environmental stress for our skin, induced by our modern lifestyle. As a result, the complexion appears faded and lacks vitality. The skin is tired.

Protective active against artificial visible light

Gattefossé has recently launched EnergiNius™, a 100% natural active that protects skin cells from screen‑emitted artificial visible light.

Derived from Indian Ginseng (Withania somnifera) roots, this new active is organic-certified and obtained using the innovative Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NaDES) technology.

Sourced in Oregon, USA, Withania  somnifera  is an emblematic plant of Ayurvedic medicine and has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. The active contains amino acids and withanolides; the synergetic action of these two phytochemical families supports its high level of efficacy.

Its efficacy has been demonstrated at both genomic and cellular levels:

• It fights against the decrease of gene expression related to mitochondria and actin cytoskeleton in fibroblasts exposed to artificial visible light. This protects the transcriptome of dermal fibroblasts against the damaging effects of artificial visible light and consequently, maintains the dermis health after such a stress.
• It preserves the mitochondrial network from fragmentation, allowing full normalization of ATP production.

• Screen light exposure no longer affects the mobility and communication properties of fibroblasts. Cellular activity as well as the production of key matrix components are maintained.

Strongly reinforced, the skin is visibly revived and the signs of fatigue disappear in favor of a natural healthy glow.

This new active was tested in vivo by over 200 panelists, in Thailand and France, in order to:

• evaluate their interest in a product specifically designed to protect skin cells from screen-emitted artificial visible light and fight against digital pollution;
• evaluate the efficacy of a cream containing the active at 1%.

The concept appeals to consumers, with an overall opinion of 8.2/10 in Thailand and 8.0/10 in France. Respectively 94% and 99% of them believe EnergiNius™ brings novelty and differentiation to facial care.

The efficacy of EnergiNius™ is clearly perceived on Asian and Caucasian skin (overall satisfaction after usage: 8.6/10 in Thailand and 8.1/10 in France).

A solution for each generation

Gattefossé has developed skin care solutions adapted for each generation and their digital usage. Formulated at 1% in emulsions, EnergiNius™ protects the skin from AVL.

• Baby boomers are looking for a comfortable cream that respects and protects their skin from daily aggressions like the sun. They feel using all those new technologies attacks the skin even more. They want a light and easily-absorbed day cream to nourish and hydrate their skin. Discover “Wide Screen SPF 30“, our cream specifically developed for baby boomers.
• In their thirties, women believe new technologies have an impact on their skin and sleep. They are looking for a cream that would accommodate their busy lifestyle. Discover our Evening Skin Charger, a night cream with anti-fatigue benefits. It acts during the night for fresh, revitalized and protected skin in the morning.
• Generation Y is interested in natural products that will help express a unique style. They love cosmetics that will give the same perfect face as Snapchat filters. Our Selfie Stick is easy to use to enlighten the face and obtain a perfect glow.
• Generation Z was born with technology and social media. More informed, they like to choose brands that share their values. They express their open-mindedness and want to change the world thanks to activist purchases. Still young, they like to pick beauty products which treat sensitive and reactive skin, often prone to breakouts. They also have strong preferences for day creams that are natural and gender neutral. Discover our Augmented Neutrality gender-neutral cream.

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Sponsored Products

EnergiNius™ protects skin cells from screen-emitted artificial visible light. Strongly reinforced, the skin is visibly revived and the signs of fatigue disappear in favor of a healthy glow. We recommend to use ENERGINIUS™ at 1% in facial care formulations.

Emulium® Mellifera MB is a natural, PEG-free, O/W sensory emulsifier. This innovative emulsifier adapts to climate and creates active textures, bringing moisturization and pleasure on application. Created from beeswax and jojoba wax, Emulium® Mellifera MB is extremely flexible and is characterized by a particularly low residual film and light skin feel. Emulium® Mellifera MB is well-suited to products for Asian-inspired beauty products, men’s care, problem skin, daily wear products, and long wear make-up applications. Certified natural by ECOCERT and NPA, and is substantiated in vivo. Emulium® Mellifera MB is certified RSPO Mass Balance.

Acticire® MB is a natural, active texture agent based on Jojoba, Mimosa, and Sunflower waxes. In skin care, Acticire® acts as an emollient, bringing softness to the skin, and as an active, repairing, protecting, and moisturizing dry, damaged skin. Acticire® also brings thickening, richness, and luxury to skin care formulations. In lipsticks and anhydrous balms, Acticire® has the unique ability to enable the inclusion of water or water soluble actives, while maintaining a stable formulation. Substantiated in vivo, and preservative free. Acticire® MB is certified RSPO Mass Balance.

Lipocire™ A SG is a natural, sustainable texture agent and emollient, bringing distinct sensory properties to cosmetic formulations. Because it melts at body temperature, Lipocire™ A SG brings melting sensation, softness, and spreadability to face and body care, lipsticks and balms, and pencils. Certified natural by COSMOS/ECOCERT, NPA, and NSF. LIPOCIRE™ A SG is a RSPO SEGREGATED certified grade.

Gatuline® Radiance is a naturally derived active, inspired by TCM, and designed to improve all aspects of a perfect complexion. By boosting micro-circulation just beneath the skin’s surface, Gatuline® Radiance improves skin tone, brightening/lightening and illuminating the skin and reducing shine. Substantiated in vivo. Preservative free.

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Paid content provided by Gattefossé.

References:

1. Kantar DNS: Millennials spend one day a week on their phone (in French)
2. Nielsen: The U.S. Digital Consumer Report 

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