In conjunction with AOCS, SCC has planned a special current events briefing for Dec. 9 in New York City covering the study of trans-fats in skin care. The course, “Is non-edible non-applicable? The study of Trans-fats in Skin Care Applications-Biochemistry, Biology and Physics” will be held from 1-5:30pm. 

The FDA is stating on its website that it took a “step to remove artificial trans-fat from the food supply. This step is expected to reduce coronary heart disease and prevent thousands of fatal heart attacks every year.” In addition, deficiency in essential nutritional fatty acids may be of equal magnitude for cause of disease. It is often mistakenly thought that if compounds are edible they are also necessarily safe to be applied to skin and that digested beneficial nutrients are as valuable topically. However the skin presents a very different environment when compared to the digestive system and functions as a semi-autonomic organ; therefore, exposure to skin should be viewed in relation to its characteristics and means of application. When this dogma is presented from a different angle; pointing toward non-healthy food being potentially harmful to skin or healthy nutrients digestion contributing to skin health; is it valid?
This question will be discussed in this newly formed workshop focusing on trans-fats in skin care applications and role of essential fatty acids in skin health. Trans-fats are hydrogenated fatty acid that lost their double bond to become solidified and more stable to oxidation. Essential fatty acids are omega 3 and 6.  The workshop will further delve into compounds properties; skin interaction, health aspects, bioavailability and biochemistry paths.

More info: www.scconline.org