Visitors to the next edition of In-Cosmetics, that will take place at the Gran Via Fira Barcelona Exhibition Centre, on 17-19 April 2012, won’t have to venture too far for a break on the beach. Indeed, for the first time in the show’s history, a real-life beach is being created inside the exhibition centre to tie in with the event’s Solar Beauty theme.

This beach will house an innovation platform, combining different interactive and entertaining areas, designed to help industry players evaluate the latest developments and anticipate future trends. An “AdGallery” on the history of sun care, charting the evolution of advertising campaigns from the 1930’s to the present day, will take centre stage, alongside a “SkinClinic” run by SkinLabs, with experts who will screen visitors’ skin and diagnose potential damage due to UV exposure. In addition, “NanoWorld” organised by EcoMundo, will update visitors on the life cycle of nanoparticles in a sun protection cream and their regulatory status around the world, whilst Attraction and Planetinnov’s “WebInsight” will reveal the results of an exclusive study on nanoparticles in sunscreen and how they are viewed by different online communities.

To ensure that visitors are easily able to identify exhibitors with Solar Beauty innovations and formulations, a dedicated Solar Beauty Trail will also be outlined on the In-Cosmetics website and in a guide distributed at the event.

Eventually, the in-focus educational programme will host a scientific seminar entitled “Spotlight on Sun Protection” on 17 April (14:00-18:00) that will provide opportunities to learn about the work being done by the International Standard Organization (ISO) cosmetic committee on sunscreen, about regulations governing sun protection products and sunscreens in the EU, US and Asia Pacific. Attendants will also be given updates on market evolutions and on the use of nano particles in sun protection.

On the Innovation Zone, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care will shine a light on innovation in sun care from around the world.