Newswise — Dry skin damage caused by cleansing manifests itself as dry, itchy, flaky and tight skin. Some existing body washes address this damage by adding moisturizing ingredients, called occlusives, that sit on top of skin. While these additives help mask dry skin damage, they do not address the deeper problem of lipid damage caused during the cleansing process. Now with the introduction of NutriumMoisture, moisture loss caused by cleansing no longer has to be a skin care concern.

NutriumMoisture: A Breakthrough in the Body Wash Category

NutriumMoisture fuses the mild cleansing benefits of DEFI (Directly Esterified Fatty Isethionate) technology found in the iconic Dove Beauty Bar with a new, unique moisturizing complex that cares for surface skin ten layers deep. Unlike other body washes, this first-of-its-kind body wash technology takes a dual approach to healthy skin by preserving both proteins and lipids during cleansing which is critical for optimal skin health. The formulation is comprised of sodium lauroyl isethionate, a mild cleanser that reduces protein damage, and 100% skin-compatible natural moisturizers, including stearic acid, soybean oil and glycerin, that fully absorb into skin to replenish lipids lost during cleansing.

Dove has been at the forefront of research and breakthrough cleansing technology since the brand's inception. This dates back to the launch of the Dove Beauty Bar in 1957 which revolutionized the way women cared for their skin by providing the first alternative to soap that was less drying to skin. Now, Dove is once again bringing category-changing technology to the personal wash category.

"For over fifty years, Dove has led innovations in the skin care industry and the introduction of NutriumMoistureâ„¢ technology continues that tradition," said K.P. Ananth, Unilever principal research scientist. "We are thrilled our extensive research and testing has allowed us to be the first brand to minimize lipid damage with a liquid cleanser in order to provide intensive moisturizing benefits that strengthen and smooth skin."

NutriumMoisture: Most Effective Natural Nourishment

Dove NutriumMoisture contains the highest level of natural moisturizers in a body wash, making it the most effective natural nourishment ever. While moisturizers in other body washes sit on top of skin, new NutriumMoisture penetrates surface skin deep down to replenish skin where it is needed most. By absorbing into the skin, the moisturizing complex is able to deliver hydration for skin barrier components and processes to help skin maintain a healthy and resilient state.

"This technology represents an important change in the body cleansing paradigm. Until now, body wash products have only masked dry skin damage rather than effectively addressed it," said Dr. David Leffell, M.D.; professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine. "By targeting skin directly where damage occurs (within the surface layer), NutriumMoisture technology helps build a foundation for the stratum corneum to become stronger and the skin smoother."

NutriumMoisture: Clinically Proven to Deliver Results

The new Dove Body Wash collection with NutriumMoisture is clinically proven to deliver noticeable results. Results from a four-week clinical study show:

Significantly reduced dryness and improved moisturization in just three weeks. Both expert visual grading analysis and objective computer image analysis of high-resolution digital images of the subjects before and after three weeks of treatment, confirmed the effects were significant and noticeable.

Dryness reversed in one week (after switching from regular body wash)

Softer, smoother skin all over

More even skin tone

The new NutriumMoisture technology will be offered in Deep Moisture, Sensitive Skin and Gentle Exfoliating variants. The body washes will be available in August 2009 at food, drug, mass and club retailers. For more information visit dove.com

About Dove

The Dove mission is to make women feel more beautiful every day by challenging today's stereotypical view of beauty and inspiring women to take great care of themselves. Dove, manufactured by Unilever, is the No. 1 personal wash brand nationwide. One in every three households uses a Dove product, which includes beauty bars, body washes, face care, anti-perspirant/deodorants, body mists, hair care and styling aids. Dove is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores.

About Unilever

Unilever's mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. Each day, around the world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever products.

In the United States, the portfolio includes major brand icons such as: Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs nearly 12,000 people in both the United States and Puerto Rico " generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2008. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.

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