Old Ingredient, New Discovery!
Ectoin has been a long-time favourite ingredient because it’s excellent in restoring barrier function, which means it is great for everything. Even if you don’t consider your skin sensitive.
It has an interesting discovery story, found in microorganisms thriving in a desert salt lake. It protects them from harsh environmental conditions, conferring cellular protection to our skins – reducing redness, inflammation, dryness and oxidation (multiple signs of ageing).
Little did we know it does more! A few years after its release, additional studies demonstrated its ability in reducing hyperpigmentation.
If we’ve been using ectoin in your formulations (we have been since before 2017!), it’s likely been also reducing or suppressing your dark/age spots or scarring all this time, in addition to skin-repairing.
How amazing is that!
If you haven’t been given this particular ingredient, don’t worry you’re not missing out. I am sure something in your bespoke formula is also doing more than we thought or knew it could.
While science is an amazing foundation, sometimes it falls a little behind because proof comes after an earlier inkling or intuition that is without evidence.
I use both for a firm feeling-understanding of what and how to best formulate for every skin, to achieve the best results seamlessly and comfortably for you.
You use both all the time too. 🙂 If you’re feeling drawn or simply curious about us, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. The easiest way to start, is by taking a skin test!
New is not always better, especially with skincare. Sometimes old is gold, and only requires our consistency and openness to what your products can do.
References:
Chung YC, et al. Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Hydroxyectoine via MITF Inhibition by JNK, p38, and AKT Pathways in B16F10 Melanoma Cells. Natural Product Communications. 2019;14(6).
Hseu YC, et al. The Skin-Whitening Effects of Ectoine via the Suppression of α-MSH-Stimulated Melanogenesis and the Activation of Antioxidant Nrf2 Pathways in UVA-Irradiated Keratinocytes. 2020 Jan 10;9(1):63.
Graf R, et al. The multifunctional role of ectoine as a natural cell protectant. Clin Dermatol. 2008 Jul-Aug;26(4):326-33.
Buenger J, Driller H. Ectoin: an effective natural substance to prevent UVA-induced premature photoaging. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2004 Sep-Oct;17(5):232-7.
