STEP 2: TREAT THE SKIN
After growing the skin in the lab, we apply topical products to the skin models and measure their effects at the molecular and structural levels (steps 3 & 4). This is the part of the process that allows us to validate OS-01’s efficacy and compare it to other ingredients on the market.
STEP 3: ANALYZE GENE EXPRESSION
We extract the RNA from the skin models and analyze the expression of up to 20 different genes in the dermis and epidermis. Through this process, we can see which genes have been activated and which have been suppressed by treatment. The goal: activate genes related to healthier skin, such as those that promote collagen, hyaluronic acid, and keratins, and suppress the activity of genes related to aging and skin deterioration, such as inflammatory cytokines, IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-1.
STEP 4: EXAMINE SKIN STRUCTURE
Using an imaging process called histology, we analyze sections of the skin under a microscope to examine the skin structure. A good product will promote epidermal thickness and improve skin cell organization so that it looks similar to young skin under the microscope.