GENEVA, Switzerland, November 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

For the first time at a global level, it is now possible to really know how cosmetic products could improve life ! A new measuring tool, BeautyQol, has been specifically developed to scientifically establish that cosmetic products and good physical appearance can improve Quality of Life.

The new study published today in the Archives of Dermatology (JAMA Network - USA) confirms that cosmetic products and good physical appearance significantly improve Quality of Life (QOL). In order to be able to investigate this topic, the authors have developed a new international QOL measuring instrument called "BeautyQol". This instrument has been tested on 3231 subjects confirming the validity and reliability of the measure in 13 countries in the world representing 16 languages: France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Russia, USA, Brazil, Japan, India (Hindi and Indian English) China and South Africa (Zulu, Sotho and South-African English). The instrument provides one overall QOL score, as well as five sub-scores according to five key dimensions of QOL: Social life, Self confidence, Mood, Energy and Attractiveness.

Dr Ariel Beresniak, MD, MPH, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Data Mining International said: "The positive impact of cosmetics on self esteem and well-being has been well-known since the Antique period, but this is the first time we are able to scientifically measure this impact on the key dimensions of Quality of Life. This new instrument will allow numerous comparative research according to populations, products and situations".

Pilot application studies have been carried out to assess the impact in QOL of pigmentary disorders, camouflage products, oily skins, hair colour, make up, etc.

Co-author of the study, Yolaine de Linares, Director of the Department of Social and Innovation Prospective Research, L'Oréal, moderator of the BeautyQol international scientific committee, said: "This research will allow a growing body of evidence about the value of cosmetic products. This is the reason why the BeautyQol instrument is going to become a gold standard in perceived effectiveness assessment". By measuring how much cosmetic products improve QOL, BeautyQol allows to evaluate how much they also improve general health, according to the World Health Organization definition of health: "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

The BeautyQol instrument is going to be adapted to more countries in order to better assess cultural differences in the use of cosmetic products.

About Data Mining International

Data Mining International SA is an independent international research agency based in Geneva (Switzerland), specialized in Outcome Research, advanced simulation modelling for decision-making, risk assessment, health technology assessment and business model innovation.

Our ambition is to bring innovative solutions to international organizations (such as the World Health Organization and the European Commission through the management of several international projects), national health organizations from the public and private sectors, including learned societies, leading pharmaceutical, cosmetic and medtech companies, and other interest groups and stakeholders.

Ariel Beresniak, MD, MPH, PhD
aberesniak@datamining-international.com
Cell : +33-688-283-588
barret@mediacom-consulting.com