Kao Launches Babywell Check for Infant Sebum Testing
- Chaileedo Press
- Apr 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 7, 2023
This Babywell Check testing service enables parents to gain knowledge about their child's skin condition and the suitable measures to ensure their child's healthy development.
Kao officially announced that it will conduct a "Baby Skin Barrier Test" with Health Care Systems to examine the impact of changes in parents' skin care awareness and behavior on the baby's skin.
The new venture, called Babywell Check, will provide parents with a non-intrusive way to collect sebum and obtain information on the barrier functions of their babies' skin.
It is reported that this experiment will be carried out in Gamagori City, Japan in April. Using Kao's developed sebum RNA monitoring technology to conduct a skin barrier test during a one-month-old baby's health check-up. A second test will be conducted when the baby reaches seven months, and the skin's condition will be compared.
Kao is set to expand into the health testing field and will begin by launching this service. They will utilize sebum RNA monitoring technology and other proprietary technologies developed in-house.
Kao has created a method for preserving and transporting SSL-RNA obtained from sebum, which would otherwise break down due to enzyme activity if not handled properly at room temperature. This makes it possible to collect SSL-RNA from sebum in any location, including homes, and send it to a testing facility for analysis.
Healthcare Systems is a venture capital firm that was established by Nagoya University. They specialize in developing and selling mail-in test kits that aim to prevent future diseases and maintain good health. They will work with Kao to collect and analyze RNA data.
Studies have shown that sebum contains around 10,000 RNA expressions that can help identify various skin and body conditions. With this technology, early detection of childhood atopic dermatitis or Parkinson's disease may be possible.
Kao stated that when the skin barrier function is impaired, the risk of developing atopic dermatitis is high, and atopic dermatitis that occurs during infancy may be the main cause of food allergies and asthma. Therefore, it is necessary to detect skin barrier damage early and provide moisturizing care.
Gamagori City stated that parents should figure out the baby's skin condition, raise skin care awareness and develop exclusive skin care habits at an early stage.
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