Q1: Which Esse products are safe to use during pregnancy?

All Esse retail products are safe to use during pregnancy. We generally recommend avoiding body treatments that have a stimulating effect, so avoid body treatments that incorporate the Body Exfoliator, Detox Body Mask, Hand & Foot Exfoliator and the Hand & Foot Mask, but your trained therapists will advise you of this when booking an Esse treatment.

Q2: Why do you recommend that the live probiotic products are only used in combination with other Esse products?

Esse products are designed to work synergistically. This means that all our products are developed to contribute to a positive shift in the skin microbiome. Other products might contain ingredients that will negatively impact the skin microbiome such as preservatives, alcohol or parfum – all of which will kill live microbes. So, using live probiotic products in combination with other main-stream products may negate the benefits of the live probiotics.

Q3: Why are some Esse products in jars instead of in an airtight pump?

We prefer glass and have formulated our products accordingly. We try to use as little plastic as possible, even if it is approved by EcoCert. In some instances, we have chosen plastic, but this would be where we deem it necessary for the products to be carried around more regularly.

Q4: Is your packaging sustainable?

As a certified organic brand, all packaging needs to meet the standards set by EcoCert. Esse prefers glass because it is indefinitely recyclable, but also does not leach into the finished product as some plastics can. In landfill, glass is also inert. Any plastics we do use are easily recyclable and clean from a leaching viewpoint. We are constantly looking for greener, cleaner options and are trying to reduce the amount of packaging and single use plastic where possible.

Q5: Do I need to keep the Esse range in the fridge once opened?

This is not necessary, even for the Esse products containing live probiotics. The bacteria are stable at 25˚C for 18 months. Refrigeration will increase the life of the product though.

Q6: Are there any differences between the probiotics one can eat and those in skincare?

Yes, there are. Our relationship with microbes is intricate and each one co-exists with us to occupy a specific niche and perform a beneficial function that makes us happy to host them. It is a partnership that must work both ways. Because our gut and skin perform different functions, the microbes that reside in each space are different. In fact, microbial populations differ significantly between different skin areas too. It is a little like biomes on the planet – deserts and forests host completely different plants and animals. The microbes that exist under your arms are very different from those that exist on your hands, and even more different from those in your gut.

Q7: Why does Esse use Lactobacillus?

We use four species that are widely distributed in nature … in plants, soil and in the human body.

• They produce Hyaluronic Acid and Lactic Acid which help to moisturise skin and maintain its acid pH.
• They are tolerant to the high salt and acid pH conditions of skin.
• They produce bacteriocins that are selectively toxic to pathogens.
• They are the first microbes that would normally colonise skin as they are the dominant microbes in the vaginal tract.

Q8: What qualifies Esse as a sustainable natural beauty brand?

Esse is passionate about looking at the bigger picture which is why the range is centred on sustainability:

• The range is certified organic to COSMOS standards by EcoCert.
• The range is cruelty free, administered by Beauty Without Cruelty.
• The range is vegan, accredited by the vegan society in the UK.
• The range is fair-trade in that a very large percentage of the ingredients we used are purchased through programmes that ensure the fair remuneration of rural people for the collection of plant material, as well as sustainable harvesting to ensure an ongoing income and healthy plant populations.
• Esse audits its carbon emissions on an annual basis and offsets any extra carbon load by investing in programs that actively sequester carbon from the environment.
• The range is plastic neutral. We calculate all the plastic we use and then purchase an equivalent or higher amount of kgs back by partnering with Cleanhub. This assists local communities to setup small businesses while removing plastic from our oceans.
• In terms of health benefits, Esse is organic and microbiome-friendly to ensure no long-term health risks.

To find out more about Esse, visit www.esseskincare.com.

WHAT HAPPENS TO SKIN AS WE AGE?

To fully understand how probiotics assist in reducing the effects of ageing, it’s important to first unravel the fundamentals of skin ageing. This way, we can better understand the problems skincare specialists are trying to solve. When it comes to skin ageing, there are four major aspects to consider:

1. Changes in skin physiology

This is looking at the chemical and structural changes of the skin as you age, and how they result in the signs of ageing we all know well. We consider both:
• Intrinsic ageing: the inescapable biological processes that result in ageing; and
• Extrinsic ageing: avoidable external accelerators of the ageing process.

2. Inflammation

It’s no real surprise that inflammation has a role to play in accelerated ageing. When it comes to inflammation, there are two types:
• Acute inflammation – this is the short-term inflammation that your body needs to deal with immune threats.
• Sub-clinical chronic inflammation – this is low-grade inflammation that extends over a long period of time. This type of inflammation accelerates ageing and leads to negative health outcomes.

3. Barrier function

This is a fundamental aspect of the skin, which acts as a selective barrier. When the skin is not providing barrier function effectively, there are far-reaching consequences for our bodies. Compromised barrier function results in a higher level of long-term inflammation and an increased rate of ageing.

4. The skin’s microbiome

The 2007-2014 Human Microbiome Project changed our understanding of the role of microbes in our bodies, impacting the way we see skin at a fundamental level. New knowledge is flooding in, with current studies revealing more and more about the roles that our microbiomes perform in skin.

Commensal microbes are deeply entwined with the way our skin works. The microbiome is a driving force when it comes to maintaining healthy skin that ages appropriately. Because there are such deep and complex relationships between microbes and skin, an unbalanced microbiome has implications for skin health at every level.

At Esse, we look at the ways in which these four aspects impact each other, and we create complex products using biotechnology to target each of them. Our goal is to assist skin in achieving the natural balance that our modern lifestyles have disrupted. One of the most effective ways to improve ageing outcomes is by including Esse’s probiotic-based skincare products in your daily routine. Discover our full range of anti-ageing products: www.esseskincare.com/products/

EVOLUTION MEETS MODERN SCIENCE

Esse takes long-term skin health very seriously, and ageing is a long-term process. Our approach has roots in evolutionary first principles, but we use modern science, employing advances in biotechnology, to help us mimic the conditions we evolved for.

Humans evolved as hunter-gatherers, so we must consider the conditions of this lifestyle as most natural for our bodies. Studies on hunter-gatherer communities have consistently indicated that they are happier and healthier than modern humans. There are elements of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle that we have lost in the modern world. It is well-established that many of the changes brought by modernisation have resulted in detrimental health outcomes.

THE REWILDING JOURNEY

 This is why we want to rewild the skin – return it to the microbially rich and diverse state for which it evolved. Unfortunately, we can’t return to this state in a hunter-gatherer context. There is simply not enough left of the natural environments in which our ancestors thrived.  However, with recent advances in biotechnology, we can mimic these conditions, providing skin with exposure to beneficial microbes and building the diversity of our microbiomes.

We believe that there are many aspects and challenges of modern life that have resulted in accelerated ageing. We seek to bring a truly natural solution to this problem, bringing the wild back to clients, even those in the heart of city life. To do this, we use biotechnology, offering skincare that is effective in the short-term, as well as in the long-term.

Esse is driven by sustainability in all its facets, including sustainability for the client. We want people to address the root causes of accelerated ageing, really improving the state of their skin to look their very best in old age.  We don’t sacrifice long-term skin health for short-term results.

UNDERSTANDING THE SKIN AGEING PROCESS

To fully understand how our products improve ageing outcomes, we need to unravel the fundamentals of skin ageing – we need to understand the problems we’re trying to solve. We pay careful attention and explore the concepts of skin ageing by looking at the effects of four major aspects:

• Skin physiology
• Inflammation
• Barrier function, and
• The skin microbiome

We look at ways in which these four aspects impact each other, and we create complex products using biotechnology to assist skin in achieving this natural balance which has been disrupted by modern lifestyles.

ANTI-AGEING HEROES

Whilst the entire Esse range is formulated and geared for reducing the effects of ageing, we want to highlight two of our ageing heroes and how this approach is proving to be highly effective in treating skin.

1. Probiotic Serum

The Probiotic Serum delivers its most notable benefits with three species of live Lactobacillus probiotics. These are stabilised in a Jojoba Oil base and are activated when exposed to the water on the skin’s surface.

Jojoba Oil contains fatty acids and wax esters that mimic sebum composition and provide a nutrient source for beneficial skin microbes. All three Lactobacillus species in the Serum have been shown to:

• Improve barrier function by increasing the quantity and quality of tight-junctions;
• Protect from pathogens by secreting antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and by competitive exclusion; and
• Attenuate inflammatory responses by reducing production of inflammatory cytokines, and/or by downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

During independent studies, the Probiotic Serum has been tested for skin firmness and skin elasticity to show its effects on anti-ageing. Results show:

• An increase in skin firmness by 16% in 28 days.
• An increase in skin elasticity by 9% in 28 days.

2. Resurrect Serum

This multi award-winning serum is the anti-ageing solution for sensitive skins. The Resurrect Serum makes use of an extract of Myrothamnus flabellifolia, the ‘resurrection plant’, wild harvested in Namibia.

This plant can survive long periods of drought and will revive when water becomes available again. To avoid DNA damage during these desiccation periods, the plant employs a high level of antioxidant protection. The population of Myrothamnus used by Esse has an extremely high content of the polyphenol 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic Acid, which provides this antioxidant activity.

Also included in the formulation is Hyaluronic Acid which provides hydration, reduces inflammation, and improves delivery of other actives. Bakuchiol offers anti-inflammatory activity and reduces collagen degradation. Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) relaxes the muscles under the skin to reduce wrinkles.

During independent studies the Resurrect Serum has been tested for wrinkle depth to show its effects on anti-ageing. Results show a reduction in wrinkle depth of 13% in 28 days.

Discover these two products and the entire Esse Range here

The pioneering brand in biotechnology is driven by recent research, and these newly launched

treatments remain true to this, boasting a number of science-backed benefits. These include:

• Boosting collagen production;
• Soothing stress relief;
• Anti-inflammatory properties;
• Strengthening the barrier function; and
• Restoring the skin’s natural ecosystem.

THE ESSE EXPERIENCE TREATMENT PACKAGES

The Esse Express

A 30-minute treatment targeted at achieving results.

This express treatment is a great introduction for those unfamiliar with the Esse products, or for those who are unsure of what they would like to achieve with their skincare goals. The product selection is tailored to unique skin needs after a thorough skin analysis.

 What are the benefits?

This treatment is ideal for those wanting optimal results in limited time.

The Esse Experience

A 60-minute fully customisable experience.

This is a bespoke facial that harnesses the power of advanced pre- and probiotics to improve the microbial balance on the skin. It’s tailored to address specific skin concerns following a detailed skin analysis, and can be customised to touch and temperature.

What are the benefits?

This treatment soothes and heals stressed or aggravated skin, boosts collagen production, calms

inflammation, and builds barrier function. The inclusion of an Acupressure Facial Massage

relieves stress and tension from the face and unblocks energy blockages while promoting

relaxation, skin health, and homeostasis.

The Esse Live Probiotic Experience

A 75-minute ultimate treatment that takes skin to the next level.

This world-class live probiotic experience includes the application of 5 billion colony-forming units per ml of live lactobacillus probiotics to the skin, followed by the Esse Exclusion Mask. This provides the perfect anaerobic environment for the bacteria to start to colonise.

What are the benefits?

The treatment is designed to reduce inflammation, enhance barrier function, and address signs

of ageing by restoring microbial balance. Rewilding the skin to attain a diverse microbial ecology

is essential for long-term skin health. This treatment includes the Esse Anti-inflammatory or Esse

Lifting Massage, which will further enhance treatment outcomes and promote complete

relaxation.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

All three Esse treatments can be enhanced with massage add ons, including two signature Esse

massages:

Esse Lifting Massage

This targets ageing skin and uses myofascial release and lifting movements to rejuvenate tired,

dull skin while increasing circulation and releasing tension.

Esse Anti-Inflammatory Massage

This focuses on calming an overactive nervous system and reducing inflammation through an

intense stimulation and activation of the lymphatic system. It’s recommended for sensitive skins

as this massage uses tools and touch to calm the skin. This massage can be used to treat all skin

types and concerns, especially those struggling with inflammatory skin concerns like acne,

rosacea, eczema and dermatitis.

The Esse Experience treatments are an industry-based offering exclusive to professionals.

To enjoy these treatments, visit your nearest Esse therapist (including the Esse Concept Store).

Alternatively learn more about The Esse Experience treatments and our range of probiotic skincare products.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ESSE ANTI-AGEING PACKS?

Pack 1: Resurrect Serum + Hydro Moisturiser: Suitable for normal / oily, sensitive skin

Pack 2: Resurrect Serum + Nourish Moisturiser: Suitable for dry, sensitive skin

Pack 3: Hyluronic Serum + Rich Moisturiser: Suitable for dry skin

Pack 4: Hyaluronic Serum + Deep Moisturiser: Suitable for normal / combination skin
 

WHAT’S IN THESE AWARD-WINNING SERUMS?

1 .Esse’s Resurrect Serum

A key ingredient is an extract of Myrothamnus flabellifolia, the Namibian ‘resurrection’ plant, which can dry out during long periods of drought and will revive when water becomes available again. To avoid DNA damage, the plant employs a high level of antioxidant protection which is carried across into the serum. This is a hydrating and plumping serum for those with sensitive skin who want to address the signs of ageing without initiating an immune response. BIOME+ level 2 and 3 probiotics, as well as prebiotics in the serum support a balanced skin microbiome, signalling to skin cells to improve barrier function and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.

Research findings:

Research carried out in Bonn, Germany, focused on 20 women who used the Esse Resurrect Serum twice a day. After two weeks, results showed a reduction in wrinkle depth averaging 5.3%, which increased to 12.9% after 28 days. An incredible 95% of the study volunteers noted a positive effect on the skin.

2. Esse’s Hyaluronic Serum

This is an intensely hydrating serum with anti-inflammatory action to slow ageing, provide hydration, and reduce inflammation. This serum contains 1 million inactivated Lactobacillus bacteria per ml (BIOME+ level 3) and an extract of lysed bacterial cells (BIOME+ level 2). These probiotic extracts protect from pathogens and signal to skin cells to improve barrier function and reduce trans-epidermal water loss.

Hyaluronic acid has been shown to hold 10 times its weight in water. It’s intensely hydrating with an instant plumping effect. It also interrupts the inflammatory cascade and boosts penetration of other actives and follow-on products.
 

WHY THESE MOISTURISERS?

All Esse moisturisers contain BIOME+ LEVEL 2 and 3 probiotics and prebiotics to support a balanced skin microbiome. For the Anti-Ageing Packs, we’ve included a selection of moisturisers that are suited to a range of skin types and conditions, pairing each with a serum that complements its activity. This allows you to choose a pack that is tailored to suit your specific needs.
 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS?

As a bioclinical skincare range, Esse prioritises the microbiome, including probiotics and prebiotics across its product range, providing significant health benefits. Just as you can benefit from probiotics for your gut, so you can from probiotics for your skin.

Probiotics are live microorganisms which – when administered in adequate amounts – confer a health benefit on the host (you). The benefits include:

• Protection from pathogens
• Improved barrier function to block toxins and pathogens
• Manufacturing moisturising factors including hyaluronic acid and lactic acid
• Maintaining skin pH
• Reducing skin sensitivity and correcting immune response
• Slowing the ageing process

In skincare, there are several types of probiotic ingredients, though not all are true probiotics. Some examples include liquid broths in which microbes were grown and then filtered off (BIOME+ level 1), lysates (extracts of probiotic cells – BIOME+ level 2), tyndallised microbes (whole probiotic cells which are inactivated by heat – BIOME+ level 3), and finally, various strains and species of living probiotics, which can grow and divide (BIOME+ level 4). Technically, only level 4 probiotics match the definition of a true probiotic, as they are alive. Check out this video, which explains these four ways to deliver probiotics in skincare.

The mode of action and effect on the skin microbiome can differ immensely between ingredients. The use of live probiotics is the most beneficial – but the most challenging to deliver. Across Esse’s skincare range, BIOME+ levels 2 to 4 are used, delivering tailored and optimised support to the skin.

The Esse Anti-Ageing Packs support a healthy microbiome and promote the strengthening of skin structures. This lowers inflammation and slows the signs of ageing – healthy skin ages slower. The Packs are available for a limited time only from your nearest Esse stockist. To find out more about Esse, visit www.esseskincare.com.

Each product is developed to address a specific skin concern, therefore no two products are the same. However, apart from each product’s tailored ingredients, there are two ingredients that are included in all Esse products. These are probiotics and prebiotics. They are the foundation upon which Esse products are developed, and what sets Esse apart from regular skincare brands.

Defining Pre-and Probiotics

Prebiotics and probiotics have a symbiotic relationship. Probiotics are live micro-organisms (bacteria) that have proven health benefits when either consumed or applied to the skin. These live organisms help to restore the body and skin’s natural balance, which is why they are included in food items such as yoghurt, and skincare products such as Esse Probiotic Serum. Prebiotics, simply put, are food for the probiotics, which feed on the prebiotics to remain active and working at optimal capacity.

Internally, these bacteria are collectively called gut flora or gut microbiota. Consuming a balanced amount of both prebiotics and probiotics keeps the gut healthy, preventing a bacterial imbalance by keeping pathogens at bay with their protective functionality.

Externally, skincare products that contain probiotics – either live or inactivated – provide the skin with a defence mechanism that is comprised of beneficial microbes, which increase their population on your skin’s surface, thereby preventing pathogens (or bad microbes) from taking up residence on your skin. These little bacterial soldiers are an essential part of the epidermis, and without them, you are left exposed to any number of potential germs and pathogenic bacteria, which can lead to negative skin reactions, and even illness.

In order to provide the skin with natural treatments that don’t cause irritation or strip the skin of its natural barrier function, we only use approved and certified organic ingredients, so our customers can rest assured that they are not exposing themselves to harmful or toxic chemicals. Natural botanicals form a large proportion of the ingredients that we use, each with their own unique skincare benefits and natural fragrances. These ingredients are selected for their specific skin concern benefits. For example, Esse has developed serums for rehydrating skin. Other skin concerns, such as acne, ageing skin, sensitivity, pigmentation, dryness and oily skin, are also catered for.

So, to answer the question, “What’s in a drop?”, millions of probiotics and beneficial ingredients that serve to treat your particular skin concern, without the harsh additives included in many regular skincare and beauty products. Whilst these may provide short-term results, science and nature provide solid evidence that natural products are far healthier for the body, which obviates the possibility of an allergic reaction or a severe condition that is triggered by harsh synthetics.

In conclusion, a little (drop) goes a long way!

The skin

Let’s start off with looking at a simplistic view of the skin. Take a look at yourself in the mirror. What you are seeing is the body’s largest organ, the skin. But you are only seeing the top layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum. It’s about 5 layers of compacted dead skin cells.

Just beneath the upper layer of the epidermis, you’ll find the skin’s basal layer. This is where new skin cells are made. They take about a month to travel to the skin’s surface.

The middle layer of your skin is called the dermis. I like to think of this as where the magic happens! This is where your collagen and elastin live. It’s full of blood vessels and oxygen. You’ll also find hair follicles, oil glands and sweat glands. And connective tissue and lymph vessels. The dermis helps to support the structure of the skin that we can see.

Then you reach the hypodermis which is a juicy layer of fatty tissue. It provides insulation and protects your organs.

Skin facts

Now that you are clear on the basics of your skin’s structure, let’s take a deeper dive into the role of your skin. It’s not just a layer between your inner organs and the outside world. The skin is one of the body’s five organs of detoxification. If you had to lay your skin out flat it would take up about two square metres. You shed about 30 000 dead skin cells every minute. And you have about 17 kilometres of blood vessels in your skin.

Did you know that women use 12-15 personal care products a day which may include up to 500 chemicals? Imagine the chemical load your skin and body need to work through to function well?

Why does skin detox?

Remember the dermis we spoke about earlier? When your skin is not functioning optimally, there is stagnation in the dermal layer. This may mean that toxins have taken up residence where the fresh oxygen and blood should be. When you switch to organic skin care products, you allow your skin the opportunity to work hard to clear the toxic load. This may result in detox symptoms. Remember that the skin is one of the body’s five organs of elimination so detoxification is one of its crucial jobs.

Is skin detoxification normal?

Let’s compare this to your body when you stop drinking coffee. It may freak out a little right? If you are quitting coffee because you would like to have a healthier and more energised body and mind, you stick it out. You deal with the headaches and irritability. You even deal with the afternoon slump. Then one day, you wake up feeling great! You don’t crave your morning cappuccino and you know that you’ve made it through your caffeine detox. This is because your liver has worked hard and is now able to function as a healthy liver without the stress of too much caffeine.

Skin detoxification is normal and you may even want to celebrate it because your skin is now able to do its job well.

What does a skin detox look like?

Skin detox symptoms are typically small breakouts on the skin. They can last from days to a few weeks. They can also show up as skin sensitivity, an excess of oil or even dryness. Your skin is busy repairing its protective barrier which may take around 36 hours. Then it also needs to remove toxins from your dermal layer, which may excrete through your skin. Some toxins are also removed through your lymphatic system and blood vessels.

What about bacteria?

An important factor that has been researched more recently is your skin microbiome. When you switch to an organic product, namely a probiotic product, your skin will recolonise to an optimal amount and ratio of beneficial bacteria called probiotics. Imagine what must go on when your 10 trillion skin microbes battle for dominance?

Supplementing your skin with probiotics enables the skin to finally come to balance. Probiotics are key to healthy skin and a healthy skin knows how to age well. Skin probiotics also affect collagen and elastin, skin hydration, pH balance and so much more.

Probiotics are key to helping your skin detoxify. They metabolise toxins and balance your skin’s immune system.

How can I help my skin detox?

You can make food and lifestyle changes to help your skin detox so that it can emerge healthier. Include lots of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink more water and herbal teas. Reduce sugars, junk food, caffeine and dairy. And when you look at yourself in the mirror, how about saying something positive about yourself?

Lastly, no-one likes to experience any type of detox, but think about how happy your skin will be when the symptoms subside. You’ll have equipped your skin and body to act as a healthy skin should. And a healthy skin knows how to age well, how to respond to external toxins and how to look plump and smooth.

Louise Pitot helps women live agelessly. She combines organic beauty including probiotic facials and face yoga with Eating Psychology and Functional Medicine coaching. Looking at balanced hormones, ageless beauty strategies and a nourished body, Louise believes women can create holistic health and even age backwards! www.louisepitot.com

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Detox Photo by Vegan Liftz on Unsplash

There are many unfounded beliefs surrounding all aspects of life, including skincare, which we will focus on in this article.

Some common misconceptions and the real facts behind them:

MYTH 1: Dry skin and dehydrated skin are the same thing.

FACT: Dry skin lacks lipids / oils, whereas dehydrated skin lacks water / moisture. Dry skin usually has small pores, not much oil on the surface, and feels coarse and uneven. Specific skincare products like moisturisers and serums are recommended for this particular concern.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, feels taught, shows fine lines, and ages prematurely. This can be addressed by increasing your water consumption and using hyaluronic acid rich, hydrating skincare treatments. Whether your skin is dry or dehydrated, your skincare routine and diet are critical for restoring your skin’s natural balance.

SOLUTION: If you are unsure, seek professional advice from a skincare expert to determine what your skin concern is. Knowing your skin type is the first step towards determining what course of action to take. A gentle approach is a good place to start, for example, the Esse Sensitive Range, combined with treatments for dry and dehydrated skin.

MYTH 2: Diet is not important if I use quality skincare products.

FACT: Research has proven that your skin and physical health benefit from a holistic approach. Simply applying a moisturiser to your face won’t solve your skincare concern. A healthy diet and regular exercise, combined with a natural, probiotic skincare routine gives you a comprehensive foundation for maintaining overall health, as well as a healthy skin.

SOLUTION: A healthy diet and regular exercise, combined with natural, probiotic skincare products give you a comprehensive foundation for maintaining overall health, as well as a healthy skin microbiome.

MYTH 3: Acne is caused by infrequent cleansing.

FACT: Whilst it is important to regularly cleanse your face to remove pollutants, dead skin cells, excess sebum and dirt particles, the cause of acne is not a direct result of not washing your face. Four conditions that are linked to the development of acne are: clogged pores, sebum build-up, bad bacteria, and inflammation.

SOLUTION: Regularly cleanse the skin with a gentle non-foaming cleanser. Use gentle exfoliators, but not every day. Also, include probiotics both on your skin, and internally, for gut health. It is important to keep the skin’s microflora intact, with the ideal pH balance and healthy microbes. Keep pathogenic bacteria at bay by restoring the microbial diversity on the skin.

MYTH 4: Surgical spirits / rubbing alcohol will help with oily skin and acne.

FACT: It is widely known that use of alcohol-based products on the skin has a drying effect, stripping the skin of important natural oils that serve as a barrier. Alcohol kills the microbes on skin, harming your microbiome and, as a result, disrupting barrier function. It can also result in severe irritation.

SOLUTION: Rather preserve the skin’s microbial diversity by supporting the probiotic populations on your skin. Cleanse the skin with gentle and natural products that are free from harsh synthetic ingredients. The Esse range of probiotic skincare products provides alternatives to commercially-available mass-produced synthetic products, which work with your skin’s natural microbiome.

MYTH 5: Sensitive skin cannot be treated, and you must just live with it.

FACT: Skin sensitivity accounts for many skin concerns throughout the world. As a result, skincare manufacturers spend a lot of money and resources on developing products that address and control this skin issue.

SOLUTION: Esse has been developing natural and effective probiotic skincare treatments for almost two decades. Our test subjects are humans and none of our products or their ingredients are tested on animals. We use ingredients that are proven to normalise sensitive and reactive skin by improving skin condition and restoring a natural balance to the microbiome.

Nanoemulsions contain oil and water droplets, reduced to nanometric size (less than 100 nanometers). This technology is useful in delivering active ingredients more effectively by increasing the penetration of the active compound into your skin. Nanoemulsions are generally recognised as safe, provided that the ingredients that they deliver are safe.

Nanoparticles (the solid version) are widely used in sunscreens and other products with UV protection. They have gained popularity for their ability to block ultraviolet rays while minimising the whitening effect on the skin. The controversy surrounding these insoluble nanoparticles relates to their potential to penetrate the dermis and possibly trigger an immune response. The particles are so small that the immune system can mistake them for invaders and launch an attack. There is also concern that the particles could enter the bloodstream.

Nanoparticles are something we have chosen to avoid as we feel that there are too many unknowns … so why take the risk? In our sunscreen, the zinc oxide particle size is strictly controlled using a series of sieves designed to discard any particle too large or too small. This keeps us safely above the nanoparticle limit of 100 nanometers but avoids the whitening effect. We also coat the zinc oxide particles with wax so that there is no potential disruption of your skin microbiome.

Truly reactive skin is easily aggravated, and is described as environmentally sensitised or vaso-reactive.

Sensitivity is generally the result of an impaired barrier function, which results in nerve endings being more prone to irritation, and a hyperactive immune response. How the skin responds to triggers can include symptoms of swelling/oedema, redness, blemishes, stinging or tingling, itching and dry, scaly patches.

How do you know if you have sensitive or reactive skin?

• Skin might feel dry and itchy for no apparent reason
• Skin might sting and tingle when applying products
• Skin might be reactive or easily stimulated by heat and/or friction
• You may be prone to breakouts and develop rashes easily

Sensitive skin can be greatly improved by following some easy steps that don’t need to be expensive or time consuming.

What can you do to reduce and prevent skin sensitivity?

• Strengthen barrier function by supporting a healthy skin microbiome, choose pH balanced products that do not contain harsh preservatives.
• Supplement your skincare routine with pre- and probiotics.
• Avoid all foaming products – use a cream-based cleanser and don’t cleanse in the morning.
• Avoid fragrances – these are often synthetic and can trigger an exaggerated immune response.
• Avoid synthetic and chemical ingredients – these can harm beneficial skin micro-organisms and are not compounds that skin would be exposed to naturally.
• Avoid alcohols and astringents in products – these act as anti-bacterial agents, disrupting the skin’s microbiome.
• Avoid extreme temperature or climate changes.
• Manage your environment, lifestyle, diet and water intake – skin health is better managed holistically.

All that’s left to do is to head over to our store locator and find your nearest Esse stockist for a free skin analysis.  The time for great skin is now.