The millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which make up the skin microbiota are increasingly thought to hold the key to enhancing skin appearance – addressing the causes of different conditions rather than just the symptoms. But what does a healthy skin ecosystem really mean for the personal care industry?
In 2018 DSM started taking a closer look. An in-depth market-related study revealed that consumers are becoming less squeamish about bacteria and more receptive to the idea of balance in the skin microbiome as part of a broader, natural or holistic beauty regime. In parallel, original scientific research, to investigate the skin microbiome landscape in more detail, led to some promising discoveries about the way two established skin care actives interact with bacteria on the skin.
The story did not end there though. DSM’s experts believe that many of the bacteria on the skin work for it rather than against it. So, for the first time in one clinical study, they have sought to deepen their understanding of the complex relationship between normal, dry and oily skin, barrier function, and the skin microbiome.
Skin microbiome research for a better understanding of specific skin conditions
The interaction between the epidermis and skin microbiome has an important role to play in a holistic beauty regime. As this significance is still underestimated, DSM’s scientists have taken a unique opportunity to combine two complimentary approaches:
• MICROBIOME RESEARCH, which is deeply embedded in the company’s innovation culture;
• CORNEOCARE™, DSM’s approach to achieving the ultimate skin appearance and sensation by building a strong epidermal barrier.
Together, these two strands form DSM’s EPIBIOME BEAUTY™ approach. EPIdermal microBIOME beauty focuses on the interplay between the skin barrier and microbiome, to explore new ways to preserve, reinforce, and restore healthy skin at its root.
In their new clinical study, DSM’s scientists have demonstrated a link between changes in the composition of the skin microbiome and changes in physical skin conditions. To begin, they identified more than 200 different species of bacteria. Next, they selected the three which have the greatest impact on dry, oily and normal skin:
- Cutibacterium Acnes – an important gatekeeper that influences sebum production.
- Staphylococcus Epidermidis – a keystone for healthy skin.
- Corynebacterium Kroppenstedtii – a novel target for the control of skin redness
Their study found that treatment with the skin care actives, OXY 229 PF , SYN-UP®, and ALPAFLOR® ALP®-SEBUM , had both a visible and invisible impact on these skin conditions.
DSM is a key player in microbiome gut health solutions, offering a wide range of products within the probiotic, prebiotic, and enzyme sectors. They are also recognized industry leaders in epidermal science, especially in relation to the skin barrier – the home of the skin’s microbiota. By combining expertise and knowledge in microbiology and epidermal science, we can continue to create new innovative skin microbiome solutions.
