The Future of Integrative Health: Advanced Science for Skin & Hair Longevity

At the IMCAS Congress 2026 in Paris, Vichy Laboratoires partnered with L’Oréal Research & Innovation to showcase the practical science behind technologies recommended by 80,000 dermatologists worldwide. Our goal is to provide the best options to treat patients and reduce signs of aging proactively.

This approach is built on Integrative Health, treating the skin as a dynamic organ, the largest in the body constantly conversing with the internal biological systems and the external environment. Instead of treating the skin in isolation, we focus on the intersection where conventional medicine meets advanced innovation and lifestyle. This holistic framework stands on three main pillars :

1. Conventional Medicine : Proven classical dermatological treatments.

2. Advanced Innovation : Leveraging science, big data, and AI to unlock new biological pathways.

3. Lifestyle : Managing the skin’s complete exposome—from sleep, nutrition, and physical activity to the impact of stress, environmental factors, and hormones.

Treating symptoms only provides short-term relief; preventing them leads to longevity. By merging clinical precision with lifestyle intervention, Vichy is connecting the dots to unlock the true potential of skin and scalp health.

To achieve true longevity, we must address the biological root causes of aging rather than just correcting visible signs. At L’Oréal R&I, we have adopted and tailored the "Wheel of Longevity" (inspired by Lopez et al.) to identify 9 hallmarks of aging specifically for skin and scalp health.

As Pascale Mora (Director of Scientific Communication, L’Oréal R&I) explained during the symposium, these hallmarks are clustered into three critical groups:

• Structural alterations: Degradation of the skin’s matrix.
• Signaling dysfunction: Communication breakdowns between cells.
• Metabolic dysfunction: Impaired energy and repair processes.

Pascale Mora emphasized that "a single ingredient or product is not enough in dermatology." Longevity is only attained through integrative health management and formulas that can target these three clusters simultaneously to extend the skin's "youthspan."

Modern science is reshaping our understanding of collagen, and the reality is more complex.

The 1% rule : We lose ~1% of our collagen every year starting at 40 years old. By 50, the impact on firmness and structure is already significant. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for as much as 30% of the total protein mass and 70% of the dry weight of the skin.

4 families, not just one : Among the 28 types of collagen in the body, L'Oréal R&I has highlighted 16 types of skin collagen clustered in four essential families working in complementarity junctional, initiator, pillar and bonding collagens.

A network in decline : Aging means less collagen, but also lower-quality collagen. Fibers fragment and lose organization over time. Vichy's science goes beyond replacement: it aims to restore collagen network through a dual IN & OUT approach.

Nutrition is a critical pillar of our integrative approach to skin rejuvenation.  Certified nutritionist and dermatologist Dr. Thiviyani Maruthappu shared her expertise on collagen supplementation.

Eggshell Collagen for Superior Skin Support

Vichy co-developed the Liftactiv Collagen Supplement with a panel of dermatologists and nutritionists to ensure medical-grade efficacy.

• The Dosage : While traditional collagen supplements require massive doses, this formula is highly effective at a dosage of only 300mg per day.
• The Source : We use eggshell membrane collagen. This specific source was selected because it is a natural ingredient, obtained in a sustainable and environmental-friendly manner and an effective source available.
• The Versatility : This supplement is designed to suit every diet and lifestyle, ensuring high patient compliance.
• The ingredients : Eggshell membrane collagen + HA + Elastin +vitamins and microelements (check the full formula)
• The Efficacy : Robust clinical studies compared to placebo proved its efficacy not just on the face, but also on body skin firmness and nail strength.

Topical care remains the frontline of dermatological intervention. Elisa Caberlotto (Global Scientific Director, Vichy) presented the latest knowledge on cell’s protein balance, posing a vital question: "Did you know that we lose 1% of our collagen every year throughout adulthood?"

Collagen represents 30% of total protein mass and 70% of total skin proteins. To address this, we introduced the Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16 serum, which addresses 16 signs of aging and represents a new era in topical collagen stimulation.

Unlike traditional products that target a single collagen type, our serum targets the complete collagen network:

• Technology: It uses a plant-based, 3-ingredient Co-Bonding technology to reinforce the dermis structure.
• Complete Action: The serum stimulates all 4 collagen families in the skin, allowing it to treat 16 distinct ageing signs.
• Synergy: Beyond collagen, it improves skin proteins and hyaluronic acid levels simultaneously.
• Comparison: In vitro testing, it showed superior in vitro efficacy compared to industry benchmarks like Retinol and Vitamin C.

Hair longevity is a major focus of our latest scientific research. Sébastien Thibaut (Global Scientific and Technology Lead, L’Oréal R&I) and Dr. Natalia Kovylkina (Dermatologist and Global Director of Medical Relations, Vichy) highlighted the importance of addressing the aging process before signs become visible. We are moving from reactive "anti-hair loss" (correction) to proactive "hair longevity" (prevention and extension).

The Aminexil REGEN Protocol for Follicle Health The Dercos Aminexil Longevity REGEN Booster targets the root causes of follicle exhaustion to optimize hair health.

• The Blend: A powerful combination of Aminexil, Gingerol, and Niacinamide.
• The Action: It acts both inside and outside the hair bulb to to simulate hair growth and prevent hair loss.
• The Result: Users see a spectacular increase of 14,000 hairs in only 12 weeks.
• Tolerance: It is proven to be as effective as the 2% golden standard solution but with significantly superior tolerability and cosmeticity for daily use.