P#51  Soymilk Reduces Hair Growth And Hair Follicle Dimensions

M. Seiberg, J-C. Liu, L. Babiarz, E. Sharlow and S. Shapiro. Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center Consumer Products and Personal Care Group Skillman, NJ USA

Soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors and soybean extracts were shown earlier to alter skin pigmentation. This suggests that soymilk could be used as a natural alternative to skin lightening. Studies were initiated to examine the possible effect of STI, BBI and soymilk on hair pigmentation. Interestingly, we found that these agents affect not only hair pigmentation, but also the rate of hair growth, the dimensions of the hair follicle and hair shaft, and the appearance of the hair. We show at both morphological and histological levels, that soymilk and the soybean-derived serine protease inhibitors could be used as effective agents for hair care and management. These agents reduce the rate of hair growth and decrease the size of the hair shaft. Moreover, they alter the pattern of melanogenic gene expression, resulting in lighter and less visible hair shafts.