Analysing skin benefits of a heilmoor extract

Wound healing factors, skin barrier integrity and resistance to inflammation are determining factors for healthy skin. Additionally, a clean, pro-aged skin that is free from irritation and acne is cosmetically attractive. Alpin Heilmoor Extract (AHE), a natural (organic) active ingredient extracted from Austrian healing Moor (Heilmoor) deposits at 500m above sea level, was investigated for its efficacy in maintaining and enhancing these key-parameters of healthy and beautiful skin. A series of in vitro tests involving HaCaT cells and reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) revealed that AHE improves wound healing, enhances membrane barrier integrity and supresses skin inflammation and prevent oxidative stress and ageing. An open, intra-individual in vivo efficacy study confirmed the multiple beneficial effects of AHE: a pronounced pro-ageing effect, remarkable cleansing/anti-pollution efficacy, both, an immediate and a preventive soothing effect, and a convincing anti-acne efficiency. Furthermore, AHE demonstrably balanced the skin microbiome. Notably, AHE was generally very well tolerated and appreciated by study subjects.

Historically, peloid has been indicated for the treatment of chronic rheumatic processes, degenerative osteoarthrosis, sequelae of osteoarticular injuries, fractures, dislocations, disorders following vasculopathies, dermatological diseases, etc.1 These therapeutic benefits were already hypothesised centuries ago, for example by Abbot Thomas von Lambach in 1364, and the finding of a medieval bathtub is considered the oldest evidence of a moor bathing facility. Even now, mud therapy (considered as natural pelotherapy) is in practice, such as the popular mud packs and baths practiced at the Dead Sea, Palestina, and the Urumieh Lake, Iran, as well as mud packs and baths that are practiced in rehabilitation centres in Austria, Germany and Hungary

Cosmetic peloids, on the other hand, have a positive impact on the maintenance of healthy and pro-aged skin. Our objective was to investigate and demonstrate the dermocosmetic properties of Alpin Heilmoor Extract (AHE). AHE is a micronised dark powder which concentrates the healing properties of medicinal peloid in a pure and potent form. It was sustainably extracted from a natural (organic) peloid of an accredited Austrian healing moor deposit (Heilmoor) at 500m above sea level. We conducted a series of in vitro studies to determine the effect of AHE on skin barrier enhancement, wound healing factors and anti-inflammatory efficacy as well as in vivo clinical studies to ascertain pro-ageing (elasticity, hydration, radiance under eye), soothing, and cleansing efficacy of cosmetic grades of Alpin Heilmoor Extract (AHE). AHE was also investigated for its skin acceptability and future use.