Cosmeceutical research
Synbionyme research focuses on dermatological and cosmetic applications for the bacteria living on the surface of our skin (microbiota*) as well as all of its defense mechanisms that maintain healthy skin to restore and preserve its natural beauty.
We have witnessed a genuine revolution since microbiology discovered that our health depends on the balance of this microbiota. While research was for many years limited by the inability to cultivate the bacteria in laboratories, the technical development of high-speed sequencing of genetic matter gave research on microbiota its true start. Today there is quickly growing interest in research to understand and describe the nature of host-microbiota interaction, that of microorganisms between each other, and their incidence on our health.
Just like the more widely studied intestinal microbiota, our skin’s microbiota acts as a genuine shield against skin infections and makes an essential contribution to the health and beauty of our skin.
We now know that this microbiota evolves and that it is the signature of the individual that hosts it, as well as of the host’s underlying diseases. Microbiota balance depends on very sophisticated regulation mechanisms not only to defend themselves from viruses but also from their peers when assaulted by them. The microorganisms that colonize our skin live in harmony with us and do not normally cause any disease. Their presence protects us from undesirable invaders and forms a barrier against pathogenic bacteria. The various species of bacteria choose their habitats according to humidity, salinity, temperature, acidity (pH), perspiration and sebum content. The place on the skin where each of them settles becomes their habitat.
* (Microbiota refers to all of the microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, parasites, and non-pathogenic, so-called commensal fungi that live on different parts of the body like the intestine, the mouth, the nose… and even our skin. The word microbiome refers to all of the genes present in a microbiota regardless of its microbial composition).The protective role of "good" bacteria
Synbionyme laboratories are particularly interested in Staphylococcus epidermidis which is one of the most abundant commensal bacteria in skin microbiota. Recent studies suggest that it is a mutualist bacteria that actively contributes to protecting the skin and maintaining skin microbiota balance.
While this "friendly" bacteria does not damage the skin, it produces antimicrobial peptides that are toxic to other microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus.
The skin’s epidermis even promotes the growth of this bacteria to give it added protection from pathogenic bacteria (that could cause disease).
This bacteria can also reinforce the integrity of skin defenses by activating immune defenses.
Lastly, it helps activate keratinocyte TLR (innate immune alert receptors) that enable the skin to secrete its own antimicrobial defenses.
However, to maintain this protection, it is important for "friendly" bacteria populations to be numerous and diversified enough.
And, with age, as well as stress and exposure to urban pollution, the diversity of our microbiota tends to diminish and the barrier role it plays is weakened.
And, with age, as well as stress and exposure to urban pollution, the diversity of our microbiota tends to diminish and the barrier role it plays is weakened.
SYNBIONYME RESEARCH
Rather than trying to add live bacteria to the skin, which is often a delicate operation, Synbionyme research focused on the molecular mechanism by which the skin distinguishes good bacteria from bad and how the good bacteria acts positively to protect our skin and strengthen our immunity. Based on these observations, it developed a complex of active agents called Pro-B3, an exclusive combination of agents that stimulates the activity of good bacteria and strengthens the skin’s natural defenses.
Its actions work in synergy on 3 levels:
- It reinforces the beneficial power of skin-friendly bacteria
- It stimulates the epidermis' immune defenses
- And, lastly, it fortifies the skin's physical barrier by increasing synthesis the tight junctions and stratum corneum's essential proteins.
In partnership with European research laboratories, Synbionyme is working to develop new agents able to reinforce our skin's natural defense abilities and keep it beautiful for longer.
