Plastic Surgery - What is Malasse-Zia Globosa?

Do you have “Malasse-Zia Globosa”?

What is it? Where does it come from?

Sounds like some dreaded disease from the tropics but it could be the culprit in causing dandruff.

Read on:

In 2007, a team of Procter & Gamble researchers published results using genetic technology to sequence the genes of the 'dreaded' Malasse-Zia Globosa fungus. This is a fungus that grows on everyone’s scalp (yuk) but can cause dandruff on those individuals who have an inflammatory response to it.

Because of this, P&G has reformulated its famous Head and Shoulders shampoo to improve its performance. Researchers are looking into how its genetic make-up interacts with genes in humans. They are looking into how the fungus changes its genetic expressions when it is on someone’s scalp.

The above research was recently published in the Journal, “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." P&G researchers have published papers in about 40 peer-reviewed journals. This allows them to recruit top notch scientists to advance science and come up with new and innovative consumer products.

They are now conducting genetic research on gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and their hope is this will improve on the well-known Crest toothpaste and Oral B toothbrushes.

This research is carrying over into the development of new skin care products. They are looking into how skin reacts at the molecular level to product ingredients and environmental changes, as well.

P&G’s main competitor, L’Oreal SA claims its Lancome Genifigure is the “first to apply protein testing to skin care,” based on their analysis of 4,400 genes. Another company using genetic technology is Estee Lauder. All the companies are looking into comparisons of old skin to new skin to see what molecular responses to ingredients are necessary to make old skin act like younger, more youthful skin.

So, the next time you go to the store to buy some skin cream realize there may have been countless number of scientists spending thousands of hours researching what will make it better.

Skin care is definitely going “hi-tech”.