Nutrients that promise a healthier and better life are already a trend. In other words, everyone is talking about probiotic substances. Yogurts and fitness drinks are extremely popular. Something that is good in foods cannot be bad for the skin. Henkel researchers’ took up this idea in their quest for new concepts for the care of blemished skin. However, rather than probiotics, that is, the utilization of living bacteria, they were more interested in finding substances that promote the multiplication or metabolic processes of useful bacteria – i.e. prebiotics.

Prebiotics for the skin
The idea of applying the principle of prebiotics to the skin was a totally new approach to the treatment of skin impurities. The aim was to find substances that selectively promote the multiplication of beneficial bacteria and simultaneously inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Ginseng and Epica have the desired effect. After just one week, the skin flora of volunteers showed improvement. These active ingredients restore the protective function of the skin flora and decrease the undesirable inflammation associated with impure skin.
The prebiotic technology constitutes a breakthrough in the care of blemished skin. These products also make it easier for people with sensitive skin to maintain a flawless complexion. This is because, in contrast to conventional purely antibacterial products for treating impure skin, the prebiotic active ingredients are better tolerated by the skin. Their action is more targeted, and their effect is long-lasting.

Delicate balance
A variety of types of bacteria protect the skin by preventing harmful bacteria from establishing themselves and multiplying. A balance in the number of individual types is, however, essential. Two species of bacteria, in particular, maintain this balance on facial skin: coagulase-negative staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes. Coagulase-negative staphylococci prevent harmful strains of bacteria from populating the skin. Propionibacterium acnes produces antibacterial fatty acids which protect the skin. If this bacterium is present in excess, however, it produces too much fatty acid, causing inflammation of the skin. “Blackheads” serve as a breeding ground for Propionibacterium acnes. In this enclosed habitat, the microorganism can multiply especially profusely, as Propionibacterium acnes depends on sebum as a source of nutrients. The consequence is unsightly, pimply skin. Not only adolescents suffer from this. Men and women over 20 also have to fight blackheads and pimples. Many of those who are affected experience blemished skin as a serious problem. Until now, the bacterial flora of impure, greasy skin have been treated with antibacterial substances. However, these substances disrupt the alance of the skin’s natural flora. Possible skin irritation is ameliorated by the inclusion of soothing ingredients in such products.