Protective and cleansing effect of a skincare product against pollen allergen accumulation in the hair follicle

Environmental airborne elements such as pollutant matters, chemicals, or allergens, such as pollen allergens accumulate on the skin and more particularly in the infundibula of the hair follicle due to its specific form and function. This accumulation can lead to irritation, discomfort or even sensitization and allergic reactions. Thereby, prevention of accumulation or cleansing of these elements within the infundibulum is a key challenge to protect skins submitted to environmental factors. A new study model was set up to mimic pollen allergen deposit onto the skin and test the effect of a skin care product to prevent or cleanse the allergen accumulation.

Explants from a hairy abdominoplasty were prepared and placed on Perfex vivo culture supports (Bio-EC). Recombinant allergen Phl p 5b from Timothy grass pollen (abcam) was applied on the surface of explants for 6 hours and the explants were proceeded for immunohistochemistry to visualize the allergen accumulation. Pretreatment with the skin care product was used to evaluate the preventive effect or a cleansing protocol was used to quantify the curative efficacy.

The skin care product was able to completely prevent accumulation along the hair follicle when applied on the explant prior to allergen exposition. A strong removal (-83%) of accumulated allergens was observed when explants were cleansed using the same product.

In conclusion, a study model was set up to mimic pollen allergens accumulation in the infundibulum. Protective effect thanks to the film forming capacity of the tested skin care product or its cleansing ability could be demonstrated. The product displayed a great double effect, making it an ally to protect skin from environmental airborne elements allowing sensitization processes prevention.