05.24.23
DSM-Firmenich has released the outcome of the first clinical study exploring the benefits of UV filters for the skin microbiome from UV exposure. The study, conducted by dsm-firmenich researchers, is the first to demonstrate the protective role of sunscreen for the skin microbiome and the role of the bacteria L. crispatus in helping to preserve and strengthen the skin’s natural resilience to UV exposure.
“This innovative research is more than a rich source of new insights into how the skin functions. More practically, it provides valuable guidance for developing enhanced sun care formulations that protect and nurture the skin microbiome – and ultimately lead to enhanced overall skin health,” said Michele Marchini, head of global marketing photoprotection.
Despite growing recognition of its importance, researchers lacked data on the protective role of UV filters on the microbiome.
To address the gap, dsm-firmenich undertook the first study to explore the benefits of UV filters on the skin microbiome when exposed to UV radiation. The study confirmed both the impact of UV radiation on microbial composition and the active benefit of sunscreen to preserve its protective function.
• Protection of beneficial skin bacteria: DSM-Firmenich’s research specifically found that the bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus helps to preserve microbial diversity, thereby maintaining skin barrier function and resilience. Notably, it is especially sensitive to UV exposure but can be protected by applying sunscreen with a combination of selected UV filters— Parsol 340, Parsol ZX, Parsol 1789 and Parsol EHT. These combinations are proven to support beneficial skin bacteria and maintain L. crispatus abundance in the UV radiated skin microbiome. This means the skin microbiome is able to fulfil its role as a line of defense against UV radiation, said DSM-Firmenich.
• Inhibition of harmful skin bacteria: C. acnes bacteria, occurring in the skin microbiome, has been linked to inflammatory acne formation. Our research determined that potential overpopulation of these bacteria could be mitigated with certain UV filters (such as Parsol 1789, Parsol EHS and Parsol 340). The research thus paves the way for developing sun care formulations customised for acne-prone skin, said DSM-Firmenich.
“A sun-protected skin microbiome ultimately strengthens natural skin resilience – which translates into a more youthful appearance and better skin health over the long term,” noted Marchini.
Building on the research, DSM-Firmenich can provide sun care developers with guidance on which microbiome-friendly UV filter combinations that can be used to create a new wave of skin resilience-strengthening formulations, ready for the increasingly microbiome-conscious consumer. UV filters Parsol 1789, Parsol Shield and Parsol EHT all allow SPF to be maximized while protecting symbiotic bacterial species, noted the company.
According to DSM-Firmenich, Flor’Active Defense SPF 30, a first-to-market microbiome-friendly sunscreen formulation (certified by MyMicrobiome.info), is also proven to respect the skin’s microbial diversity, protect against UV irradiation and support skin health.
Skin Microbiome and UV Radiation
The skin microbiome has been gaining increasing attention within beauty and personal care for its role in human health and wellbeing, and it may now become a new frontier in sun care.Despite growing recognition of its importance, researchers lacked data on the protective role of UV filters on the microbiome.
To address the gap, dsm-firmenich undertook the first study to explore the benefits of UV filters on the skin microbiome when exposed to UV radiation. The study confirmed both the impact of UV radiation on microbial composition and the active benefit of sunscreen to preserve its protective function.
Key Findings
• Protection of beneficial skin bacteria: DSM-Firmenich’s research specifically found that the bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus helps to preserve microbial diversity, thereby maintaining skin barrier function and resilience. Notably, it is especially sensitive to UV exposure but can be protected by applying sunscreen with a combination of selected UV filters— Parsol 340, Parsol ZX, Parsol 1789 and Parsol EHT. These combinations are proven to support beneficial skin bacteria and maintain L. crispatus abundance in the UV radiated skin microbiome. This means the skin microbiome is able to fulfil its role as a line of defense against UV radiation, said DSM-Firmenich.
• Inhibition of harmful skin bacteria: C. acnes bacteria, occurring in the skin microbiome, has been linked to inflammatory acne formation. Our research determined that potential overpopulation of these bacteria could be mitigated with certain UV filters (such as Parsol 1789, Parsol EHS and Parsol 340). The research thus paves the way for developing sun care formulations customised for acne-prone skin, said DSM-Firmenich.
Takeaways for Sun Care Formulators
Ultimately, DSM-Firmenich says the research shows that the appropriate combination of UV filters both protects from serious skin health issues and helps support the natural properties of the skin by keeping the microbiome in healthy balance.“A sun-protected skin microbiome ultimately strengthens natural skin resilience – which translates into a more youthful appearance and better skin health over the long term,” noted Marchini.
Building on the research, DSM-Firmenich can provide sun care developers with guidance on which microbiome-friendly UV filter combinations that can be used to create a new wave of skin resilience-strengthening formulations, ready for the increasingly microbiome-conscious consumer. UV filters Parsol 1789, Parsol Shield and Parsol EHT all allow SPF to be maximized while protecting symbiotic bacterial species, noted the company.
According to DSM-Firmenich, Flor’Active Defense SPF 30, a first-to-market microbiome-friendly sunscreen formulation (certified by MyMicrobiome.info), is also proven to respect the skin’s microbial diversity, protect against UV irradiation and support skin health.
