PREBIOTIC SKIN CARE

WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOME?

The microbiome is an ecosystem which consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Being the first barrier, our skin microbiome is constantly attacked by the harsh environment. The delicate balance of our skin microbiota can be disturbed by pollution, excessive UV, domestic chemicals and aggressive cosmetics. Their only survival kit are dead corneocytes, sebum and oxidized skin lipids. Sometimes this is simply not enough to cope with the “attacks” that our skin undergoes on a daily basis.
The epidermis and more specifically the stratum corneum (also known as the “horny layer”) forms a shield that keeps out undesirable chemicals and bacteria. When this barrier weakens, our skin becomes sensitive, dry, infected, itchy and wrinkled: the skin ages. Recent scientific research has discovered that this barrier, in it’s turn, is protected by a far more impressive shield: a layer of microorganisms covering the epidermis. This layer clearly outnumbers the amount of skin cells, while each skin cell is guarded by a unit of at least 10 beneficial microorganisms: 90% of our skin is formed by this microbial skin flora. This microbiotic film forms an impenetrable labyrinth for foreign/harmful microorganisms. The discovery of this final and most important barrier is a game changer. Skin imperfections and skin discomfort are actually caused by a disturbance of our protective microbial flora. A classic cosmetic approach does not consider the needs of this crucial barrier. The solution to slow down skin aging and to keep the skin in a healthy shape is to energize and to protect this precious skin microbiota barrier.

WHAT ARE PREBIOTICS?

Prebiotics are nutrient fibers that stimulate the growth of probiotics and beneficial resident bacteria on skin, inducing the natural defence mechanisms to inhibit the pathogens. In other words, prebiotics are ‘’food’’ for the microbes and have the unique capacity to optimise, maintain, restore and protect the precious skin microbiota barrier.
The prebiotics (fructose and inulin, polychlorinated manganese extract extracted from chicory roots, cichorium intybus) that have been added to our formulas are scientifically proven to make our skin microbiota more resistant to the aggressive environment, pollution, excessive UV, and domestic chemicals. At the same time these prebiotics feed the beneficial microbial flora, while preserving the healthy appearance of the skin. Protecting, reinforcing and balancing the human skin microbiota is essential in preserving our skin’s health and beauty.