MARIA-JOSE LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ^1*, NURIA GARCÍA^1*, MAGDALENA NIKOLAEVA¹, VERÓNICA RIVERO¹, ANA SEMPERE¹, TRACEY PIRALI², ARMANDO GENAZZANI², ASIA FERNÁNDEZ-CARVAJAL³, ANTONIO FERRER-MONTIEL³, ISABEL DEVESA¹
*Corresponding author
1. AntalGenics S.L. Scientific Park – University Miguel Hernández. Avda. De la Universidad s/n. Alicante, Spain
2. Università degli studio del Piemonte Orientale “Amadeo Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
3. IDiBE, University Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain

Abstract

The scalp is a very sensitive and highly innervated area of the body. Sensory neurons in the skin are implicated in the unpleasant sensations of irritated scalp, manifesting as redness, inflammation, and itchiness. In addition, irritated scalp induces the vicious cycle of itching-scratching that leads to scalp desquamation, provoking scalp flakes and dandruff. To relieve scalp from itchiness and irritation, we have developed Hydroxymethoxyiodobenzyl Glycolamide Caprate: a novel neurocosmetic ingredient designed to act over sensory neurons and skin cells providing a better scalp care.

INTRODUCTION

Scalp is one of the most sensitive regions of the body. It has been described that 36% of people suffering from sensitive skin have also increased scalp sensitivity. The skin of the scalp has a unique neuronal structure containing highly innervated hair follicles and dermal vasculature, as well as specific neuromediators and receptors that create a sensitive environment for itchiness (1, 2).

Different internal and external factors like pollution, hairdressing treatments or stress, can irritate the scalp. When this happens, the scalp is accompanied by redness, itch, altered barrier function, and dandruff, as result of the inflammatory environment and sensory neuron reactivity in the skin. The increased sensitivity is a consequence of this inflammatory environment.

Irritated scalp can facilitate transdermal penetration of irritant substances, leading to altered neuronal innervation, peripheral and central sensitisation of sensory afferents (3). In addition, scalp desquamation is due to altered corneocyte cohesion and lesser corneodesmosome junctions (4). In this sense, alterations in scalp desquama ...