Marie Drago, founder of UK-based Gallinée, has observed a change in the Asian consumers’ interest in microbiome beauty products since launching her brand in Asia last year.
Previously, she said the trend was driven by the link between the microbiome and the fermented foods, which are commonly believed to have health benefits in Asia.
However, more consumers are starting to see microbiome beauty products as effective products that are backed by scientific research.
This has been further accelerated by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has stressed more emphasis on skin defence.
“Microbiome skin care is really good for sensitive skin and for repairing the skin barrier, two things that with over-washing has become really important for people,” said Drago.
Sandie Gervason, microbiology researcher at Greentech, agreed, stating that the ingredient supplier expected to see interest in microbiome increase as it is strongly linked to skin health.
She added that the industry can expect more demand for products such as soothing creams with microbiome properties to help combat COVID-19 related issues such as sensitised skin from frequent use of protective face masks.
Gervason noted that researchers are just beginning to discover the potential of the skin microbiome and highlighted that the firm has also studied its effects on hair, scalp and concerns such as alopecia.
“When talking about the microbiota, people generally refer to bacteria, however, the microbiota is far more complex. We have to deal with all these kinds of micro-organism if we want to develop effective solutions to preserve skin and hair health.”
The gut-skin relation
One area of the microbiome both experts agree will become more prominent in the future, is the link between the gut microbiome and skin health.
“Talking about microbiota means talking about health. Studies on the gut-skin axis is paving the way to the development of beauty from within products,” said Gervason.
Drago agreed: “As far as I am concerned it’s going to be a lot about inside out beauty and the gut-skin axis; how the gut microbiome can influence the skin and what kind of supplements can help that.”
For more insights from our experts on the skin microbiome, check out the video above.
