ECTOIN
Ectoine is a very special amino acid produced by bacteria that can survive extreme environmental conditions, such as severe drought, UV radiation, or high salt concentrations. This stress-protective ability can also be harnessed for the skin.
First, ectoine has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the skin and increases skin resilience.(1-2) In addition, ectoine is particularly effective at moisturizing the skin by minimizing transepidermal water loss and thus preventing the epidermis from drying out.(2) Ectoin in a skincare cream can improve indicators of skin aging, such as skin hydration, skin elasticity, and skin surface structure. (3) In cell studies, ectoin has even been shown to counteract UVA-induced skin aging at various cellular levels. (3–4)
(1) Marini, A.; Reinelt, K.; Krutmann, J.; Bilstein, A. (2014). Ectoine-Containing Cream in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Comparator-Controlled, Intra-Individual Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(2), 57–65. doi:10.1159/000351381
(2) Ruediger Graf; Soheila Anzali; Joachim Buenger; Frank Pfluecker; Hansjuergen Driller (2008). The multifunctional role of ectoine as a natural cell protectant. , 26(4), 0–333. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2008.01.002
(3) Heinrich, U., Garbe, B., & Tronnier, H. (2007). In vivo assessment of ectoine: a randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 20(4), 211–218. https://doi.org/10.1159/000103204
(4) Buenger, J.; Driller, H. (2004). Ectoin: An Effective Natural Substance to Prevent UVA-Induced Premature Photoaging. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 17(5), 232–237. doi:10.1159/000080216
