Ectoin has emerged as a game-changer in the world of skincare, offering numerous benefits for various skin types and concerns. From protecting the skin against environmental stressors to promoting hydration, reducing inflammation, and providing anti-aging effects, Ectoin stands as a versatile and effective ingredient.
As we continue to explore the potential use of natural compounds in skincare, Ectoin undoubtedly holds promise as a vital component in achieving healthier, more radiant skin. The outstanding stabilizing and protective characteristics of Ectoin lead to visible and long-term anti-aging results for our skin.
What is Ectoin in skincare?
Ectoin ingredient is a natural compound that is found in several bacterial species. Ectoin is naturally present in bacteria and helps them to survive in extreme environmental conditions such as high salinity, high temperatures, and extreme dryness.
Ectoin was first identified in the halophilic microorganism that is found in highly saline environments such as salt flats and salt marshes. In 1985 Dr Erwin A. Galinski and his colleagues found that this bacteria produced Ectoin to protect itself from osmotic stress caused by high salt concentrations in its environment.
Since then various studies have been done on Ectoin and its various benefits have been uncovered.
Ectoin shields the skin from extrinsic and intrinsic factors of skin aging and cell damage like pollution particles, UV sunlight rays, temperature, and chemical stress. At the same time, it naturally enhances and restores cell functions, which are responsible for the skin's health and beauty.
Numerous independent scientific research groups and universities in Germany and worldwide had studied the efficacy of Ectoin. Today, the fascinating natural protection properties of Ectoin natural are applied in health care, life science, and cosmetics.
Ectoin Uses & Benefits in Skincare Products
Ectoin is a new ingredient in skincare and not used by most Indian skincare brands Skyntox being an Indian Skin Detox Brand has seen the efficacy of this product and its growing popularity in the International Market and has decided to bring it to Indian Market. See below the different skin care products in which Ectoin is used with their benefits.
1. Moisturizers
One of the most significant uses of Ectoin in skin care is its incorporation into moisturizing products. Ectoin acts as a natural water-binding agent, aiding in the retention of moisture in the skin's epidermal layers. By forming a protective shield on the skin's surface, it helps prevent water loss, making it particularly effective for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.
2. Anti-Aging Properties
Ectoin has been shown to have anti-aging benefits in skincare products. It combats oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants and UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging. Ectoin's antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals, reducing the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
3. Sunscreen
The combination of Ectoin in skincare products like sunscreen offers a dual protective effect against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Ectoin forms a protective film on the skin's surface, reducing the penetration of UV radiation, while sunscreen agents provide an additional barrier against sun-induced skin damage. It also protects from Blue light which is present in screen light.
4. After-Sun Products
After-sun products formulated with Ectoin ingredients with skin benefits repair sun-damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate redness and irritation caused by excessive sun exposure, promoting a faster recovery process.
5. Eye Creams
The delicate skin around the eyes is susceptible to dryness and fine lines. Ectoin's moisturizing and anti-aging properties make it a suitable ingredient for eye creams, which can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue.
Note: Clinical studies have shown a long-lasting enhancement of the skin condition like an increase of elasticity, reduction of wrinkle volume, or skin roughness. By repairing the skin barrier, and restoring and regulating the moisture content of the skin, Ectoin naturally raises the hydration level, and preserves the skin moisture for seven days without any re-application! Furthermore, Ectoin naturally soothes irritated and damaged skin. Because of its excellent anti-inflammatory properties, the molecule is also used in healthcare products (OTC medical devices) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (neurodermatitis) or allergic skin conditions.
Ectoin Benefits in Sunscreen
As the awareness of sun damage and its detrimental effects on the skin grows, the demand for effective and reliable sunscreens has skyrocketed. Including Ectoin in skincare products like sunscreen enhances sunscreen performance and provides skin benefits by unparalleled protection against harmful UV rays.
1. Superior UV Protection
The primary role of ectoin in sunscreen is to bolster its UV protection capabilities. When applied to the skin, Ectoin forms a protective barrier that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause premature aging and skin damage by penetrating deep into the skin while UVB rays cause sunburns. Ectoin's ability to absorb and reflect these harmful rays significantly reduces the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, providing more robust sun protection.
2. Natural Photostability
One of the unique attributes of Ectoin is its natural photostability. Unlike some chemical sunscreen agents that may degrade and lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight, Ectoin remains stable under UV radiation. This property ensures that the suncream maintains its protective abilities for an extended period, offering reliable and continuous defense against the sun's harmful rays.
3. Anti-Inflammatory and Soothing Effects
Prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin inflammation and irritation, even with sunscreen protection. Ectoin in sunscreen provides skin benefits with anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent addition to sunscreen, as it helps to calm and soothe the skin. This reduces the risk of redness, itching, and discomfort, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive or sunburn-prone skin.
4. Hydration Retention
Sun exposure can deplete the skin's moisture levels, leaving it dry and prone to damage. Ectoin acts as a powerful water-binding agent, capable of retaining moisture in the skin. When incorporated into sunscreen, it prevents excessive water loss, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and supple even during sun exposure.
5. DNA Repair and Cellular Protection
UV radiation can cause damage to the skin's DNA, leading to various skin issues and premature aging. Ectoin's unique ability to support DNA repair helps combat this damage, preserving the skin's cellular integrity. By protecting the skin's DNA, Ectoin in sunscreen maintains healthy skin cells and reduces the risk of long-term sun damage.
6. Enhanced Longevity and Effectiveness
By adding Ectoin to sunscreen, manufacturers can extend the product's shelf life and overall effectiveness. The ingredient's stability and compatibility with other sunscreen actives ensure that the sun cream maintains its potency over time. This aspect benefits both consumers and producers, as it leads to a longer-lasting and more reliable sun protection product.
7. Anti Pollutant & Blue light Protection
Specific studies were done ( full details below ) which proved that Ectoin ingredient is capable of shielding the skin from the whole spectrum of air pollution components including heavy metals and PAHs as well as all particle sizes (including PM0.1 and smaller).
Ectoin provides skin benefits with instant protection from aging, skin pigmentation and pollution-induced skin damage. Pollution–stressed and irritated skin is soothed and the compromised skin barrier is repaired.
Ectoin in sunscreen also protects the skin from Blue light. Most of the light from the LEDs used in smartphones, TVs, and tablets has blue light. Blue light induces oxidative stress responses and DNA damage in the epidermis and dermis. Ectoin ingredient naturally reduces this stress and DNA damage.
Skyntox Ectoin-based sunscreen for all Skin types
1) Skyntox Mineral Sunscreen for Kids & Babies
Benefits:
- 2 in 1 sunscreen that provides sun protection plus moisturisation to children’s delicate skin
- UVA, UVB, IR & Blue light Protection (SPF 30 Pa+++)
- Suitable for Baby & Kids ( 0-15 years)
- Water Resistant
- Organic Moroccan Argan Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Ectoin and more Ingredients are used for hydrating the skin.
2) Skyntox Sunscreen for Dark spots
Benefits:
- It Reduces Dark spots
- De-tan efficacy with No white cast
- Long Term Hydration
- Ultra-light texture.
- Broad spectrum protection
- Detoxify the skin using different active ingredients including Ectoin
How Ectoin compares to other skincare ingredients
The actual name of Ectoin used in Skyntox products is Ectoin Natural. This is a patented ingredient that is sourced Internationally. While other skin care ingredients may offer temporary relief, Ectoin goes the extra mile by deeply hydrating and nourishing the skin, promoting long-term benefits. Its exceptional ability to reduce inflammation and sensitivity makes it ideal for all skin types, even those with sensitive or allergic skin.
Ectoin, the natural wonder ingredient, is suitable for everyone! Its gentle and non-irritating properties make it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. If you battle with environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, or dryness, Ectoin's protective shield has got you covered.
Unlike certain chemical additives, Ectoine natural is non-toxic and free of harmful side effects. When compared to conventional skincare ingredients, Ectoin's natural origin and scientifically proven efficacy make it a superior choice for those seeking healthy, radiant, and protected skin. Embrace the power of nature with Skyntox’s Ectoin-infused products and experience the difference it brings to your skincare routine!
Case study of Ectoin Ingredient on different Skin Concerns
Before diving deep into the specific studies done, here are some terms used in the case study that are not general.
Placebo: In clinical trials, participants are often divided into two groups: one group receives the experimental treatment, while the other group receives a placebo. The group receiving the placebo is referred to as the "placebo group" or "control group." This setup helps researchers determine if the observed effects of the experimental treatment are due to its inherent properties or if they might be the result of psychological or contextual factors.
In Vivo: Experiments or studies that are conducted within a living organism
In Vitro: Experiments conducted outside of a living organism, often in controlled laboratory settings.
1. ANTI-AGING EFFICACY (CLINICAL STUDY)
Study protocol:
- double-blind, intra-individual, placebo-controlled clinical study
- 24 female volunteers (30-60 years old) with normal, dry, and sensitive skin using cream
- Contains 2% Ectoin ingredient and placebo cream 2 times per day for 28 days
- measured parameters:
- skin surface parameters like smoothness, wrinkle depth, scaling, and roughness.
- measured by the SELS method (Visioscan®) on day 0 and day 28
- visco-elasticity & biological elasticity measurement with Cutometer® (in AU) at day 0 and day 28
Results
After four weeks of treatment with Ectoin® natural, a visible and significant improvement of the skin microrelief was observed. Deep structures were smoothed. The skin looked healthier and rejuvenated.
100% of the subjects demonstrated a significant effect for all measured parameters. The wrinkle volume was improved by up to 23% after four weeks of treatment with
Ectoin ingredient. Skin scaling was reduced by -76%, and roughness by up to -86%. The skin's elasticity increased.
Skin smoothing and reduction of wrinkle depth after 28 days.
Reduction of skin scaling and roughness after 28 days
Long-lasting hydration (7 days) (IN VIVO)
Study protocol:
- double-blind, placebo-controlled application test
- Total of 5 female volunteers with normal to dry skin
- cream with 0% (placebo), 0.5% and 1% Ectoin® natural
- applied 2x/day for 12 days on the forearm
- From day 8 to day 12, skin hydration was measured by the volunteers.
- on day 12, the application of cream was stopped for 7 days
- on day 19: detecting the skin hydration again for the final result
Results
In comparison to placebo-treated skin, the skin's level of moisture rose by up to 200% during the testing.
Ectoin's long-term hydration effectiveness is based on its healing qualities, which increase and restore the skin barrier as a result. After 10 days of application, the increased hydration level remained nearly constant until the end of the study period (day 19).
2. AIR POLLUTION EFFICACY
PROTECTION FROM POLLUTION-INDUCED SKIN DAMAGE
The goal of the study was to demonstrate the anti-pollution effectiveness of Ectoin® natural in a particular, dependable, and objective in vivo environment.
This in vivo study was conducted in Germany by a specialised dermatology facility. The study's methodology is the most advanced, carefully monitored, and uniform in vivo pollution test approach currently in use.
Study Protocol
- in vivo study (placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind) on the volar forearm of six volunteers.
- 2x/day application of placebo or 1% Ectoin® natural for 5 days
- on day 5: the skin was stressed with cigarette smoke as a pollutant for 15 min using a standardized pollution chamber system
- Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined in untreated, unstressed skin (neg. control), stressed skin that had received a sham treatment, and stressed skin that had received Ectoin® natural treatment.
MDA results from lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the skin and is one of the reactive electrophile species that cause toxic stress in skin cells. Therefore, it can be used as a marker for air pollution-induced skin damage.
Cigarette smoke application on the forearm after 5 days of treatment with 1% Ectoin.
RESULTS: Reduction of pollution-induced skin damage
Results
After only 5 days of application with 1% Ectoin® natural the pollution-induced MDA content in the skin was reduced by 48% compared to the placebo-treated areas.
A potent antioxidant was only able to lower the pollution-induced MDA level in the skin by 27% in the same research setup.
3. BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION EFFICACY
“Visible light” is a part of the sunlight spectrum and is visible to the human eye. It constitutes around 39% of solar radiation (wavelength: 390-700 nm) and includes high energy visible (HEV) light, better known as blue light (400–525 nm).
In the past years, numerous studies on the effects of blue light on the skin were performed, showing that blue light induces oxidative stress responses and DNA damage in the epidermis and dermis.
Ectoin natural is capable of protecting the cells and preventing DNA damage in the skin induced by visible/blue light. Due to the protection efficacy of Ectoin® natural, the cells of the epidermis show improved cell functions like a faster supply of protection proteins and self-defense reactions.
In an in vitro study, skin cells were exposed to blue light (220 J/cm2) daily for three days to show the protective efficacy of Ectoin® natural.
Study protocol
- normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK, 23 years old, Caucasian woman)
- 0.5% Ectoin® natural in growth medium (Promocell) vs. placebo; incubation for 24 h before and throughout blue light exposure
- blue light exposure: 220 J/cm2 (470 nm), 1 h 50 min daily for 3 days
- measured parameters: immunolabeling of үH2AX
Results
After daily exposure (1 h 50 min) to blue light for three days, a six-fold increase in DNA damage component was observed in the placebo control. This indicates DNA damage by blue light in the keratinocytes. 0.5% Ectoin® natural significantly reduces blue light-induced DNA damage.
4. BRIGHTENING & LIGHTENING EFFICACY (IN VIVO)
Due to environmental factors such as solar radiation, blue light, and air pollution, as well as oxidative stress, the skin can experience hyperpigmentation – unwanted freckles and pigment spots increasingly arise.
The in vivo study aimed to show the brightening and skin-lightening efficacy of Ectoin® natural.
Study protocol:
- in vivo study with 22 female Asian test persons (36-60 years old) with phototype III and IV
- subjects presenting at least one pigment spot with a diameter ≥ 3 mm on the face
- Used cream including 1% Ectoin ingredient on face twice daily for 84 days.
- on days 0, 28, 56, and 84: measurement with Spectrocolorimeter®
- on day 84 subjective evaluation
- Measured variables include the degree of depigmentation, the amount of various pigmentations, and open-ended questions.
Results: Depigmenting effect and skin lightening
- Skin lightness significantly increased by up to 3%, this effect was observed in 100% of the test persons.
- Skin pigmentation decreased up to 28% more than expected.
Results: Reduction of pigmentation
Characterized by a significant decrease in the variation between spot and normal skin. The difference between normal and pigmented skin dramatically lowered by up to 22%. Ectoin® can reduce pigmentation.
Results of the subjective questionnaires
Product efficacy after 84 days of use.
The subjective questionnaire reveals that the majority of the subjects were happy with the characteristics and effectiveness of the Ectoin ingredient.
100% of the test subjects reported lightened skin after 84 days of 1% natural Ectoin application.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, Ectoin stands as a remarkable breakthrough in skincare, hailing from its natural origin and exceptional protective qualities. Its science-backed studies showcase its versatility and efficacy across diverse skin types and concerns. It shows proven benefits like hydration retention, anti-aging effects, and pollutant protection, Ectoin is paving the way for healthier, more radiant skin. As Skyntox brings the power of Ectoin skin benefits to the Indian market, the promise of this natural wonder ingredient in skincare is becoming a reality for all seeking genuine and lasting skin vitality.
Reference:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6312357_In_vivo_Assessment_of_Ectoin_A_Randomized_Vehicle-Controlled_Clinical_Trial
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16117797/
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