Mary Kay presented new research and also announced a new partnership with the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR). The beauty comapny will award grants to researchers to advance the study of “droopy eyes.”

The announcement was made at the 51st Annual ESDR Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on September 28 – October 1, 2022.

Mary Kay will be awarding two $20,000 grants to researchers conducting groundbreaking and innovative studies in skin health or skin diseases, for which eligible applicants can apply through December 9, 2022.

Winners will be announced during a special virtual event in March 2023, preceding the inaugural meeting of the First International Societies for Investigative Dermatology conference in May.

With these funds, Mary Kay hopes to empower researchers to uncover new perspectives and interventional strategies in dermatology.

Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer, Product & Science at Mary Kay (shown above), commented, “Women are seeking more advanced at-home beauty treatment options and our Upstream Innovation team is meeting this need by designing new products that provide compelling skin benefits.”

Gildea added, “Participation at international conferences like ESDR is one way we share and learn about the latest advancements in skincare science to remain relevant in our research efforts and build industry-wide connections.”

Mary Kay presented exciting new findings at the 51st annual ESDR meeting, as part of its ongoing research focused on the biology of skin aging.

Botanical Extracts to Target ‘Droopy Lids’

Mary Kay’s team also presented exciting new findings at the 51st annual ESDR meeting, as part of its ongoing research focused on the biology of skin aging.

The team explored the changes over time that impact the eye, specifically the upper eyelid. Over time, the upper eyelid contours begin to sag, leading to a droopy or hooded appearance. Currently, only in-office options have been shown to significantly improve the appearance of droopy lids.

At the annual meeting, Geetha Kalahasti, Associate Principal Scientist, Upstream Research, Clinical & Scientific Credentialing at Mary Kay shared the results of a clinical study that evaluated the effectiveness of a cosmetic formulation containing botanical extracts as a topical solution to treat droopy lids.

Botanical extracts targeted three main components that contribute to the effect – dermal matrix degradation, weakening of the upper eyelid retractor, and shifting of upper eyelid fat pads. The findings showed significant improvement in eyelid droopiness and contouring, providing a promising at-home cosmetic solution to the droopy eye concern.

Two independent board-certified dermatologists evaluated the clinical images and confirmed the results to be compelling.

More About the ESDR

The ESDR supports investigative dermatology with the goal of improving the health of patients who are suffering from skin disorders. The annual European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) Conference is held in Europe each year every September.

Eli Sprecher, Chair of the Scientific Program Committee of ESDR (shown above), said, “A key objective of our Society is to promote innovative research in investigative dermatology and to support researchers’ activities in translational skin research. We are honored, grateful, and delighted to have Mary Kay as part of this effort.”