Could ectoin be your skin’s best defence against the elements?
A rising star among skincare ingredients, ectoin offers both protection and hydration. Here’s why it might have a place in your beauty kit.
Wind. Dry weather. Sun exposure. These harsh environmental factors can wreak havoc on your skin.
Fortunately, ectoin has it covered – this trending ingredient offers both protection and hydration, acting as a barrier against the elements while replenishing skin.
“Ectoin’s main benefits are cellular protection,” dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald says.
“It combines the benefits of hydration with protection against environmental insults such as UV light, blue light and pollution … it binds moisture to improve the protective nature of the skin barrier.”
So, what is ectoin?
An amino acid, ectoin is a natural compound found in single-cell bacteria that live in extreme conditions.
“Ectoin is produced by (these) microorganisms for its ability to protect them against environmental stressors such as drought or extreme temperature,” Dr McDonald says.
“It binds to water and stabilises cells under harsh environmental conditions by forming protective shells around them.”
The master multitasker is also a natural anti-inflammatory, says skin expert Sarah Hudson, of Skin by Sarah Hudson.
“Ectoin is a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient with a diverse action, and is classed as an ‘extremolyte’ for its ability to protect cells under extreme conditions,” Sarah says.
While it has been around since the 1980s, ectoin’s popularity as a skincare ingredient is growing.
“Ectoin has become the star of the skincare show with newer and technologically advanced formulations making use of its benefits,” Sarah says.
What are the skincare benefits of ectoin?
Sarah says ectoin is particularly effective in helping the skin survive tough external stressors such as exposure to pollution, UVB and UVA radiation from sunlight, and blue-light radiation from the sun and electronic devices.
“When left unprotected, these forms of daily free-radical damage can accumulate and contribute to accelerated pigmentation and ageing in the skin,” she says.
While ectoin isn’t a sunscreen, it can minimise the effects of sun exposure, according to a study published in the Skin Pharmacology and Physiology Journal.
Where sun exposure causes UVA-induced cell damage, this review notes how ectoin can reduce the number of sunburned cells to prevent skin ageing.
These protective benefits go hand-in-hand with ectoin’s ability to hydrate and nourish the skin.
“Its amazing protection and regenerative characteristics support the skin’s natural barrier, while adding a protective coating to prevent water loss and dehydration,” Sarah says.
These effects aren’t short lived either – a study published in Clinics in Dermatology shows even eight days after application, ectoin is still able to increase skin hydration by up to 200 per cent.
Ectoin in your skincare routine
Looking for the ultimate moisturising combo? Ectoin makes a complementary addition to hydrating serums and deep moisturising creams.
“Ectoin pairs well with ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid but can pair with most skincare ingredients,” Dr McDonald says.
Not only can this team player boost other hydrating agents, but it also minimises any unfavourable effects of harsher skincare ingredients, including retinol.
Sarah says ectoin works synergistically with these ingredients – for example, it helps to prevent the skin redness associated with retinol use.
“Where ingredients like hyaluronic acid assist in boosting hydration, ectoin will direct that moisture to where it’s needed,” she adds.
Read more on skin care and the latest ingredients:
- How skin flooding can help relieve dry, dehydrated skin
- Why polyglutamic acid has the beauty world buzzing
- How to find the right firming skin care for you
- What is azelaic acid and how can it help your skin?
Written by Hayley Hinze.
