Fast reaction under stress
Ectoin is used in various ways today, in everything from nasal sprays to eyedrops, but especially in the cosmetics industry. Since the year 2000, Merck has been supplying it as RonaCare® Ectoin, which is a purified solute that can be processed further for cosmetic products. RonaCare® Ectoin is now used around the world as an ingredient in day creams, combined with UV blockers in sunscreens, or incorporated into anti-wrinkle products. "Cosmetics is concerned with preserving the condition of the skin," says Dr. Hansjürgen Driller, Head of Marketing Cosmetic Actives at Merck. "So the goal is to support the existing protective mechanisms of the skin, and ectoin does that extremely well." Ultraviolet radiation, for instance, leads to damage. In the biochemical cycle of the skin, there are systems that ensure that this damage is repaired. But under stress, these natural systems are no longer able to react quickly enough. "When exposed to sunlight, for example, the Langerhans cells, which are the defense experts of the skin, disappear into the lower epidermal layers and are no longer available as an immune system. If ectoin is applied to the skin, these cells no longer disappear, because they are protected by ectoin." The ectoin itself forms a special water system in the skin. The proteins of the skin, which initiate the biological processes, are stabilized with water and concentrations of salt. Ectoin ensures that the water envelope of these proteins lasts longer. That makes them more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, for example. A natural protective shield rises up—and ectoin enables this.
Ectoin is used in various ways today, in everything from nasal sprays to eyedrops, but especially in the cosmetics industry. Since the year 2000, Merck has been supplying it as RonaCare® Ectoin, which is a purified solute that can be processed further for cosmetic products. RonaCare® Ectoin is now used around the world as an ingredient in day creams, combined with UV blockers in sunscreens, or incorporated into anti-wrinkle products. "Cosmetics is concerned with preserving the condition of the skin," says Dr. Hansjürgen Driller, Head of Marketing Cosmetic Actives at Merck. "So the goal is to support the existing protective mechanisms of the skin, and ectoin does that extremely well." Ultraviolet radiation, for instance, leads to damage. In the biochemical cycle of the skin, there are systems that ensure that this damage is repaired. But under stress, these natural systems are no longer able to react quickly enough. "When exposed to sunlight, for example, the Langerhans cells, which are the defense experts of the skin, disappear into the lower epidermal layers and are no longer available as an immune system. If ectoin is applied to the skin, these cells no longer disappear, because they are protected by ectoin." The ectoin itself forms a special water system in the skin. The proteins of the skin, which initiate the biological processes, are stabilized with water and concentrations of salt. Ectoin ensures that the water envelope of these proteins lasts longer. That makes them more resistant to ultraviolet radiation, for example. A natural protective shield rises up—and ectoin enables this.
