It’s not clear since when, but there came a time when we became aware that we were immersed in a new universe: that of the skin microbiome. A term that jumped from micro-scientific research circles to the popular scrutiny of social media with the same ease that a flower spreads its petals.
The health of the skin microbiome thus became a target for cosmetic marketing, but also a real concern for clean brands, honest formulators, and consumers who discovered the consequences of a weakened skin barrier (due to excessive aggressive exfoliations that removed both good and bad, or poorly chosen substances to treat the skin).
Adopting a conscious beauty approach: one of the perspectives of clean beauty, involves paying attention to this strategic part of our epidermis. Pampering it, preserving it, and not altering it, to achieve the greatest goal of future beauty: healthy skin.
But what is the skin microbiome and why is it so important?
The skin microbiome is known to be composed of billions of beneficial bacteria and fungi that act like little soldiers keeping the skin's immune system safe and preventing pathogenic attacks (like the bacteria that causes acne). If our microbiome is altered, the barrier function weakens and the skin becomes vulnerable, showing signs of dryness, breakouts, and even rosacea.
“The concept of a healthy barrier, from the beginning, has been the strong core of Twelve Beauty,” says Pedro Catalá, “that's why one of the ingredients I usually include in formulas is saccharide isomerate, present in many Twelve Beauty products (Ideal Moisture Level Serum, Ideal Rebalancing Level Serum, Essential Bio-Technological Moisturiser or Ultra Revitalising Elixir), because it helps keep species like the fungus Malassezia furfur at bay, while increasing the synthesis of key epidermal barrier proteins, such as loricrin, filaggrin and some types of ceramides.”
Saccharide isomerate is an interesting active ingredient that not only retains water, keeping the skin hydrated for longer than usual (compared to other standard moisturizing active ingredients), but can also be metabolized by the skin microbiota, providing unparalleled nourishment to safeguard its strength.
Antioxidant Burst Shower Gel is the botanical alternative to classic shower gels. Its formula is sulfate-free and rich in antioxidants, natural moisturizers such as Saccharide Isomerate, and biodegradable amino acids, which means it is excellent for maintaining a balanced skin ecosystem.
Studies confirm that regular skin hygiene with Saccharide Isomerate also reduced the abundance of coryneform bacteria (Brevibacterium casei and Rothia mucilaginosa), which are linked to skin infections.
Pre, Pro and Post, categories with great pedigree
“The key lies in properly caring for the skin with products rich in antioxidants that protect it from external aggressors and always with a pH around 5 (essential for keeping our microbiome safe and preventing external invasions),” clarifies Pedro. “Substances that promote the growth of good bacteria are called prebiotics, unlike probiotics, which involve adding microorganisms to products, or postbiotics, which are the byproducts of bacteria, such as lactic acid or hyaluronic acid.”
Twelve Beauty has an excellent post-biotic: Essential Bio-Technological Moisturiser, with an optimal concentration of the purest hyaluronic acid. This hyaluronic acid film helps preserve the most important characteristics of young and healthy skin, such as flexibility, elasticity, and tone.
The so-called "pre"-biotics are those nourishing ingredients that become a true delicacy for these beneficial little bugs. One of them is Epilobium extract, the microbiome's preferred natural prebiotic.
Its cosmetic action: it reduces inflammation (redness and irritation) by decreasing levels of bad bacteria, such as Staphylococcus capitis, Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum. It improves the skin's defense, protecting against overgrowth and colonization by pathogenic bacteria, by promoting the growth of beneficial species such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, and Micrococcus yunnanensis.
Ideal Rebalancing Level Serum is a rich cocktail containing Epilobium, which not only balances sebum production and minimizes the size of the pores, but also strengthens the epidermal barrier by nourishing the microbiome, preventing attacks from external agents that disrupt the skin's balance.