Transplanting microbiomes: Dermala lands US patent for skin & gut solutions against skin aging

14 Sep 2021 --- Dermala has received a US patent for solutions that utilize the skin and the gut microbiome to slow down the skin aging process. The company’s technology uses microbiome formulations and delivery methods to restore biologically “younger” skin and gut microbiomes in older adults.

This includes transplanting “younger” skin and gut microbiomes or their biosynthetic equivalents and components, including prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics to older skin.

The result is a rebalanced microbiome, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin hydration, increased ceramide and collagen production. Also, reduced inflammation, improved skin barrier function, and skin elasticity are achieved.

Microbiota for the skin
This patent adds to Dermala’s extensive intellectual property portfolio that covers the skin and gut microbiomes and data analytics to treat various skin diseases and conditions, including acne, eczema and skin aging.

“Skin aging is associated with changes in skin and gut microbial communities,” says Lada Rasochova, CEO of Dermala and the patent inventor.

“Differences between younger and older microbiomes can be striking. Optimizing the microbiome composition by transplanting biologically younger microbiome components onto an aging skin to slow down aging is a novel concept that is poised to revolutionize the skincare industry.”

Replacing “old” with “new”
Aging inevitably results in changes in the skin, the company says. Wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, skin sagging, blemishes and hyperpigmentation are natural parts of growing older. The skin and gut microbiomes can also change with age.

Maintaining a balanced microbiome plays a critical role in achieving and retaining healthy, glowing and radiant skin, Dermala supports.The use and importance of probiotics and prebiotics for skincare has continued to grow.

Recently, the company also launched OAT So Sweet, a daily moisturizer formulated with prebiotics and postbiotics that targets blemishes on the skin.

Skin microbiome solutions
The use of probiotics and prebiotics in the “beauty space” continues to soar. According to Innova Market Insights, microbiome personal care products are gaining momentum as they respond to consumer demands for safety, naturality and effectiveness.

Personal care products that feature a prebiotic and/or probiotic claim have witnessed an average annual growth of 73 percent these past five years (Global, CAGR 2016-2020).

In this space, Givaudan Active Beauty unveiled Mangixyl, an ingredient that resolves oily skin and is microbiome-friendly.

In August, Florajen Eczema’s probiotic blend improved skin symptoms of redness, itchiness and inflammation by restoring balance and connecting microbes in the gastrointestinal system.

Meanwhile, beauty-focused companies are also tapping into gut health as “increasing scientific evidence connects gut health with beauty benefits.” Probi and Oriflame, a Swedish D2C cosmetics and wellness company, partnered in June to launch a probiotic supplement targeting general gut health.

By Nicole Kerr