DSM-Firmenich has revealed the outcome of the first clinical study exploring the benefits of UV filters for the skin microbiome from UV exposure.
The study, conducted by in-house researchers, is the first to demonstrate the protective role of sunscreen for the skin microbiome and the role of the bacteria L. crispatus in helping to preserve and strengthen the skin’s natural resilience to UV exposure.
Despite growing recognition of its importance, researchers lacked data on the protective role of UV filters on the microbiome.
To address the gap, DSM-Firmenich undertook the first study to explore the benefits of UV filters on the skin microbiome when exposed to UV radiation.
The study confirmed both the impact of UV radiation on microbial composition and the active benefit of sunscreen to preserve its protective function.
The key findings include:
• Protection of beneficial skin bacteria: DSM-Firmenich’s research specifically found that the bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus helps to preserve microbial diversity, thereby maintaining skin barrier function and resilience.
• Inhibition of harmful skin bacteria: C. acnes bacteria, occurring in the skin microbiome, has been linked to inflammatory acne formation.
Michele Marchini, DSM-Firmenich head of global marketing, photoprotection, said: “This innovative research is more than a rich source of new insights into how the skin functions. More practically, it provides valuable guidance for developing enhanced sun care formulations that protect and nurture the skin microbiome – and ultimately lead to enhanced overall skin health.”
He added: “A sun-protected skin microbiome ultimately strengthens natural skin resilience – which translates into a more youthful appearance and better skin health over the long term.”
Building on the research, DSM-Firmenich can provide sun care developers with guidance on which microbiome-friendly UV filter combinations that can be used to create a new wave of skin resilience-strengthening formulations, ready for the increasingly microbiome-conscious consumer.
The company said its UV filters such as PARSOL 1789, PARSOL Shield and PARSOL EHT, for example, all allow SPF to be maximized while protecting symbiotic bacterial species.
Flor’Active Defense SPF 30, a first-to-market microbiome-friendly sunscreen formulation (certified by MyMicrobiome.info), is also proven to respect the skin’s microbial diversity, protect against UV irradiation and support skin health.
