New research appears to be the first to isolate microbes associated specifically with signs of aging and skin health, beyond chronological age, revealing that;
Individuals with a diverse skin microbiome show fewer signs of aging including wrinkles, dryness and wrinkle depth, regardless of age.
It is broadly accepted that as we age we see an increase in the visible signs of skin aging; including wrinkles, dryness and increased wrinkle depth. At Darl’ we believe in enhancing the natural health of the skin. We do this primarily by diversifying the microbiome and secondly by fortifying the skin barrier; it just so happens that our prebiotic formulations may additionally slow the development of these classical signs of aging.
Recent findings from researchers at The Center for Microbiome Innovation at The University of California alongside L’Oreal have honed in on a potential link between visible signs of aging and specific microbes on the skin.
The first and most compelling aspect of the study showed that there were specific microbes that appeared to be linked to the grade (wrinkles are graded from fine to severe) of crow’s feet wrinkles, separate from age.
Secondly, they observed a negative correlation between microbiome diversity and transepidermal water loss; the amount of moisture that evaporates through the skin. Suggesting that the more diverse the microbiome, the better the skin is able to maintain its water content, a reflection of improved skin barrier integrity.
Researcher and co-author of the study Rob Knight noted that ‘our skin also changes physiologically with age; for example, we gain wrinkles and our skin gets drier. But there is variation in what this looks like in people, you've probably noticed that there are some people who have younger or older looking skin than many others their age’. "Using advanced statistical methods, we were able to tease apart the microbes that are associated with these types of aging signs for skin, like crow's feet wrinkles, from those that are associated with simply age as a chronological number."
All Darl’ formulations love your microbiome and are designed to bolster that diversity every time you use them. Each product incorporates prebiotic ingredients which provide a food source to the resident microbes of the skin.
Incorporating prebiotic ingredients in skincare can play a role in the diversity of the resident bacteria and also function to crowd out the less beneficial bacteria associated with acne, eczema and other common skin conditions.
At Darl’, we pair these beautiful prebiotic ingredients with zero preservatives if not mild preservative complex (necessary in our serum) to further encourage microbiome diversity and health.
Top prebiotic ingredients to look for;
- Inulin - A naturally occurring fructose polysaccharide found in the roots and rhizomes of several plants, for example, chicory. It is used in skincare for its prebiotic activity, meaning that it reduces the growth of bad bacteria in favor of friendly microorganisms naturally present on the skin.
- Beta-glucan - Naturally derived from yeast, seaweed, fungi or oats, Beta-glucan is a great prebiotic ingredient, especially for sensitive or damaged skin. It soothes, moisturizes, supports the skin barrier and has anti-aging properties.
- Glucomannan - A prebiotic and polysaccharide rich ingredient sourced from the Konjac root, retains water to prolong skin moisturisation. This prebiotic is especially useful in crowding out acne causing bacteria.
- Seaweed Extract - Prebiotic rich, seaweed nourishes the skin's microbiome. Spectacular for moisturising, soothing, and protecting your skin against UV rays and the elements.
There are a myriad of benefits associated with supporting the skins microbiome, including;
This research offers a further benefit for those of us who may wish to harness our healthiest and most youthful skin without the need for invasive and costly treatments.
Love that marvellous microbiome with Darl’!