Cosmeceuticals Summit adds session on Skin's Immune System.

* IntertechPira's 2009 Cosmeceuticals Summit, which is scheduled for March 9-11 in Orlando, FL, will include a new breakout session on "The Innate Immune System of the Skin." The session will feature presentations by Dr. Kenneth Richman, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; D. Gary Friedman, The Coty Testing Institute; and Dr. Phil Wertz of the University of Iowa.

"For the past few decades there has been an ongoing debate between experts as to whether the modern lifestyle adopted by our society has triggered an imbalance of the innate immune system and brought about new challenges to the medical community," said Christine Groff, conference director. "We wanted to bring this debate to our agenda for attendees and speakers to learn, discuss and offer solutions."

Meticulous hygiene regimens, such as the continuous use of hand sanitizers, anti-perspirants and topical antibiotics and steroids, may lead to the removal of the normal micro flora and support growth of harmful micro flora. New applications in the personal care market created new needs to further remove from the skin resident protective micro flora, as well as skin lipids and peptides. Products such as disinfecting hand gels and liquid antibacterial soaps have posed a new challenge to the skin innate immune system, and its long-term effect is yet to be unraveled. From ethics and over cleansing to antimicrobial lipids at the skin surface, presentations within this session will offer attendees insight into this growing trend. The use of anti-microbial agents and sebum secretion controlling active compounds in anti-perspirants and deodorants is another challenge to protective bacteria. Moreover, repetitive use of personal care products with a pH that is either significantly higher or lower than normal skin pH is offering yet a new challenge of short and long-term adjustment. A common effect to these applications may be the loss of skin hydration with this outcome possibly supporting the gradual growth in the development and market of skin moisturizers.

The conference, which will be held at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, will also include sessions on regulatory issues, scientific and technological developments and skin aging. To date, confirmed speakers include representatives from Ben Gurion University,

CeeTox Inc., Coty Testing Institute, Diffusion LLC, EMD Chemicals, Ernst & Young LLP, Este Lauder Companies, Lipo Chemicals, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, MatTek Corp., National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus Inc., Nu Skin, SEKI Cosmeticals and The University of Iowa.

More info: www.intertechpira.com