Skin biology research forms the basis of skin care product development. A*STAR’s Institute of Medical Biology (IMB) drives a wide range of efforts focusing on skin barrier function, skin immunology, skin genetics, skin ageing, wound healing, and hair and pigmentation disorders as well as prevalent diseases such as acne and atopic dermatitis.

Our research focuses on Asian skin and its related biology. IMB has a dedicated Skin Cell Bank, which is an industry-standard operating unit that provides access to a multi-ethnic collection of cultured cells from different Asian skin types for research. Our skilled technical staff are highly trained in handling and extracting a large number of cell types. We also have the capability to work with common skin conditions from several racial groups. These include atopic dermatitis, acne, pigmentary disorders, rare skin fragility, etc.

IMB has partnered with L’Oreal, which led to the set up of the L’Oreal Advanced Research Centre in Biopolis to help the worldwide leader in cosmetics understand Asian skin types and the effects of the tropics on skin. The establishing of the centre is testament to IMB’s capabilities in skin biology, and is part of L’Oreal’s strategy to internationalise its research and be closer to its consumers.

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