Abstract: A method of improving the appearance of facial texture may comprise the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of a material that regulates hyaluronic acid synthesis to an area of textured facial skin, wherein the composition is applied for a period of time sufficient for the material to improve the appearance of the facial texture. In some embodiments, the material that regulates hyaluronic acid synthesis is hexyldecanol. The method may also include the step of identifying facial texture on a facial skin surface. In particular embodiments, the facial skin texture is selected from the group consisting of macro-texture, micro-texture, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition formulated for topical application to skin is provided. The composition includes a safe and effective amount of cyclohexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexyl; a safe and effective amount of an N-acyl amino acid compound; and a dematologically acceptable vehicle.

Abstract: A method of improving the appearance of facial pores is provided. The method includes the step of applying a composition having an effective amount of a material that regulates IL-1 and/or hyaluronic acid synthesis to an area of facial pores, wherein the composition is applied for a period of time sufficient for the material to improve the appearance of the facial pores. In some embodiments, the material that regulates IL-1 and/or hyaluronic acid synthesis is hexyldecanol. The method may also include the step of identifying facial pores on a facial skin surface.

Abstract: Gene panels, biomarker panels and microarrays relating to lipid formation in stratum corneum of human skin as a function of extrinsic and/or intrinsic aging conditions, and methods for assessing the age status of human skin, methods for identifying or evaluating an agent as effective for improving stratum corneum barrier maintenance and/or repair properties in aged skin, and cosmetic composition comprising the identified agents are all provided.

Abstract: Methods and cells for producing scattered branched-chain fatty acids are provided. For example, the invention provides a method for producing branched-chain fatty acid comprising a methyl on one or more even number carbons. The method comprises culturing a cell comprising an exogenous or overexpressed polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide that catalyzes the conversion of propionyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA and/or an exogenous or overexpressed polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide that catalyzes the conversion of succinyl-CoA to methylmalonyl-CoA, under conditions allowing expression of the polynucleotide(s) and production of branched-chain fatty acid. The cell produces more branched-chain fatty acid comprising a methyl on one or more even number carbons than an otherwise similar cell that does not comprise the polynucleotide(s). A cell that produces branched-chain fatty acid and the branched-chain fatty acid also are provided.

Abstract: A composition for inhibiting PAR2 activation of keratinocytes is disclosed as comprising a vitamin B3 compound, an N-acyl amino acid compound, and a Laminaria Saccharina extract. In one embodiment, the composition for inhibiting PAR2 activation of keratinocytes comprises niacinamide, N-undecylenoyl-L-phenylalanine, and a Laminaria Saccharina extract. In response to the technical problems identified in the background, the present invention may take other forms including methods for inhibiting PAR2 activation of keratinocytes.