In vitro modelling and investigation of skin ageing and the impact of negative stimuli

The first aim of this project is to further develop and characterise a methodology for the generation of a panel of differing aged female in vitro skin equivalents. The panel of aged skin will then form a platform on which to investigate skin ageing and the responses of aged skin to potentially negative stimuli such as occlusion and wounding. As aged skin is expected to already have deficits in some barrier factors and function as a direct result of the ageing process, we seek to understand if there is exaggerated or unique effects on normal epidermal differentiation of aged skin by various occlusive, semi-occlusive and wounding environments. Studies in this area could lead to better understanding of skin-product interactions for targeted product design in ageing women skin. Ultimately investigations will increase knowledge in the aged skin space, and lead to the development of a unique assay system capable of pre-clinical screening of anti-ageing or skin health points of intervention using actives or female-specific skin health products. This project will utilise cutting edge technology in the form of aged female human bioengineered skin developed by the group, combined with novel beauty, grooming and skin health applications and will be performed in collaboration with Procter & Gamble.