ECTOIN: The new must-have in skin care
When it comes to effective skin care, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, aloe vera or vitamin C are usually in the spotlight. But among all the well-known stars of cosmetics, there is one active ingredient that is quietly gaining more and more attention: EctoinBut what exactly is Ectoin, and why is it a real game changer for the skin?
What is Ectoin? A natural protective shield for the skin
Ectoin is a so-called amino acid derivative and belongs to the group of Extremolyte – Substances that provide protection under extreme environmental conditionsBut how does this work exactly? Imagine a scorching hot desert where there is almost no water. Nevertheless, there are microorganisms, so-called halophiles, that survive in these salt lakes. They owe their survival to Ectointhat protects them from heat, dryness and UV radiation.
Ectoin works by attracts water from its surroundings and forms a protective hydration shell around cells without penetrating the cells themselves. This shell stabilizes cell membranes and proteins, protects it from stress factors such as dryness and UV radiation and at the same time supports regeneration.
For the skin this means: Ectoin preserves moisture, strengthens the skin barrier and protects from external influences. This keeps the skin optimally hydrated, soothed and resilient - almost as if it had its own little desert protection.
Applications in cosmetics: A multi-talent for every skin type
Ectoin has quickly secured a firm place in the beauty industry. It is often used in creams, serums and masks, but a particularly innovative application is products such as silicone pads with EctoinThese pads combine the benefits of Ectoin with the occlusion technology, which ensures that the skin absorbs active ingredients more intensively.
Ectoin impresses with its ability to skin barrier not only to protect, but also to repair and skin regeneration to promote. This makes it ideal for all skin types, while especially sensitive, dry or mature skin benefits from its soothing and moisturizing properties.
How can you best integrate Ectoin into your skincare routine?
Ectoin can be easily integrated into your daily skin care routine. An example of what this can look like is Ectoin silicone pads.
Step-by-step application:
- Cleaning: Start with a thorough cleansing. The skin should be free of makeup, dirt and excess sebum. Important: Do not use any creams or serums before using the pads.
- Apply silicone pads: Place the pads on the desired areas of skin. Depending on your needs, you can wear them for one hour or even up to eight hours. During this time, Ectoin regenerates and soothes the skin.
- Care with retinol or AHAs: After removing the pads, the skin is optimally prepared for intensive active ingredients such as retinoids or AHAs.Thanks to the protective and regenerative properties of Ectoin, the skin barrier remains stable and irritations are minimized.
This combination of care and preparation maximizes the effectiveness of your skin care and supports the long-term health of your skin.
Ectoin: Effects on the Skin
The list of benefits that Ectoin offers for the skin is impressive:
- Repair after UV radiation: Ectoin helps repair damage caused by sun exposure and protects against long-term effects.
- Moisturizer: By binding water, Ectoin prevents transepidermal water loss and ensures long-lasting hydrated skin.
- skin regeneration: Ectoin promotes skin renewal and supports the healing of damaged tissue.
- Anti-Aging: It smoothes fine lines, improves skin elasticity and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Calming properties: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it particularly suitable for irritated or reactive skin.
- Protection from blue light: Ectoin protects against oxidative stress caused by blue light emitted by screens, thus preventing premature skin aging.
- Team player: Ectoin harmonizes perfectly with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide or retinoids by enhancing their effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
Ectoin vs. other active ingredients: The team player among the ingredients
Hyaluronic acid provides intensive moisture, niacinamide soothes and strengthens the skin barrier, and retinoids promote cell renewal. But Ectoin has a special superpower: It not only reduces skin irritation, but also supports the regeneration of deep skin layers. And the best part? Instead of replacing other active ingredients, Ectoin complements them. It protects the skin from irritation caused by stronger ingredients such as retinol, AHA or BHA making even demanding skin care routines gentler and more effective.
Conclusion:
Ectoin may not be as well known as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, but it should be part of every skincare routine – try it yourself and discover the benefits of this all-rounder!
Sources:
Graf, R., Anzali, S., Buenger, J., Pfluecker, F., & Driller, H. (2008). The multifunctional role of ectoine as a natural cell protectant. Clinics in Dermatology, 26(4), 326–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2008.01.002
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
'Microbial production of extremolytes — high-value active ingredients for nutrition, health care, and well-being' (2020) Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 65, pp. 118–128. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2020.02.010.