Le Caractère Individualised microbiome cosmetics

Welcome to the ESSENS Le Caractère web application. Mobile applications on both the main iOS and Android platforms will be available within a few weeks. Until then, this web application is completely at your disposal. Its main application part is in the logged-in section, which you can access after purchasing the Sampling Kit. 

In 2023, ESSENS, in cooperation with the world`s leading laboratory specialising in skin microbiome research, decided to be the first in the world to launch Individualised microbiome cosmetics called ESSENS Le Caractère. In addition to 4 tailor-made and personalised 50ml cosmetic creams (2x day, 2x night), this product range also includes a Skin Microbiome Analysis. 

This new product line completely changes the approach to the development and use of cosmetics on a daily basis. How does it actually work?

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Skin microbiome

As incredible as it may seem, the skin is the largest organ of the human body and consists of three layers: epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue. The surface of the skin is approximately 2 m2 and its main function, together with the microorganisms found there, is to protect our body from the negative effects of the external environment. These are mainly climatic changes, the effects of chemicals, bacteria, viruses, fungi or solar UV radiation. In addition to the protective function, the skin microbiome also has thermoregulatory, immunological, metabolic and secretory functions.

The microbial population of the skin, the so-called skin microbiome, is absolutely essential for the health of the skin, its elasticity, firmness and youthful appearance.

The skin microbiome is a collective name for all microorganisms (or their genes) that are found on the skin. It is completely unique for each person. As a result, each of us has a unique microbial makeup. The skin microbiome represents the second largest population of bacteria and other microorganisms after the gut microbiome. The density of the bacterial population of the skin is more than one million bacteria per 1 cm2. Key and dominant bacterial genera include Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium), Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which also determine the health and condition of the skin.

The correct microbial composition of the skin together with sufficient nutrients and optimal hydration creates a primary protective barrier that protects the skin from the action of dangerous pathogens. The attack of pathogens, especially hostile bacteria, then causes dermal problems such as acne, eczema and dermatitis. Furthermore, drying or premature ageing of the skin occurs. However, the neglected skin microbiome has implications for other areas of human health. These are not only skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, but also, for example, inflammation of the intervertebral discs or breast fibrosis in women with breast implants. The latest scientific studies also point to the possibility of a connection between the skin microbiome and hair loss (alopecia).

A healthy skin microbiome maintains the skin`s natural elasticity and hydration. It makes a fundamental contribution to maintaining the skin`s optimal pH and its youthful appearance. Friendly skin bacteria restore the protective skin barrier, maintain proper skin immunity and prevent the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria that can cause inflammation, damage and accelerated ageing of the skin, including loss of elasticity. A balanced skin microbiome works against skin ageing.

Skin immune system

The skin immune system is similar in organisation and importance to the intestinal immune system. The proper functioning of skin immunity is fundamentally dependent on the skin microbiome, which enables a balance between the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory systems. Increased activity of pro-inflammatory substances causes skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic eczema or contact dermatitis.

The analysis of the skin microbiome and its targeted influence represents the most modern and completely unique approach in skin care at the highest level.

What bacteria from the skin microbiome do we monitor

We focus on bacteria that have been proven to be linked to skin condition. When analysing them, we can detect susceptibility to some dermal problems, or connection with existing skin problems.

Staphylococcus epidermidis – this friendly skin bacterium has the ability to stimulate dermal cells to produce antimicrobial peptides (e.g. β-defensins against S. aureus). Thanks to this, it maintains the balance of the skin microbiome. Some metabolites of this bacterium suppress uncontrolled inflammatory reactions and have a positive effect on wound healing.

Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) – this is a bacterium that forms a natural part of the skin microbiome. However, if its population increases uncontrollably, the risk of acne and skin lesions also increases. This bacterium produces proteases (release amino acids from skin proteins) and lipases (degrade sebum lipids). Cutibacterium acnes is found in sebum-rich areas such as the scalp, face, chest and back. The amount of C. acnes changes with age. It is rarely found on the skin of children, but during adolescence and adulthood its representation increases and after the age of 50 it decreases again.

Staphylococcus aureus – this bacteria is a risk factor for our skin. It uses any weakening of the skin to its advantage and can trigger inflammatory processes. An increased number of S. aureus is associated with a higher risk of not only acne, but especially atopic dermatitis and eczematous conditions. Some types of S. aureus can significantly damage the skin, make it tired and accelerate its ageing.

Skin Microbiome Analysis

Skin Microbiome Analysis is a completely new, unique approach to analysing the condition of the skin and influencing it in a targeted manner through carefully selected probiotics applied to cosmetic products. It is a unique approach that brings about a complete revolution in skin care. The analysis is based on the use of the most modern molecular-biological methods. Thanks to this, the representation of key skin microorganisms can be analysed very precisely, which play a fundamental role in maintaining healthy, hydrated and flexible skin.

The follow-up of individualised microbiome cosmetics is completely revolutionary. Based on the analysis of the skin microbiome, we can design a tailor-made and personalised probiotic composition of a cosmetic cream that will ensure effective care of the skin`s `microbial world`.

Personalised microbiome cosmetics are completely tailor-made for each person. It contains a `cocktail` of probiotic bacteria, which is designed with regard to the state and condition of the skin microbiome for each client, completely individually. Personalised (=individualised) microbiome cosmetics therefore supplement the missing probiotic microorganisms and thus contribute to maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance of the skin. The beneficial effect of selected probiotics is supported by other high-quality ingredients (cold-pressed oils, natural extracts), which form the basis of the cream.

The steps “How to take the skin microbiome sample” are very simple. Instructions can be found in the logged in section of this web application.

You will receive the result of the skin microbiome analysis within 4 weeks from the date of delivery of the sample to our laboratory. If you decide on TOP skin care using personalised microbiome cosmetics with probiotics, it is also necessary to complete a special questionnaire in the application, which helps to select the most suitable cosmetic base and at the same time enables the fortification of cosmetics not only with strains that are missing from the microbiome, but also with strains which are tested to solve the mentioned problems.

How does the ESSENS Le Caractère purchase process work?

1. First step is to buy the ESSENS Le Caractère Sampling Kit.
2. Sampling Kit contains Sampling set, Envelope and Card with access code for the login section.    
3. Scan the QR code on the card and log in to the logged in section. Follow the instructions of the web application here. 
4. The web application prompts you to complete a Questionnaire, collect a microbiome sample and send the sample to the laboratory.
5. After receiving the sample at the laboratory, a staff member at the branch will contact you and coordinate with you the payment of the Skin Microbiome Analysis. After successful payment, the laboratory will proceed to process the analysis of the skin microbiome and prepare a final report. You will receive the result within 4 weeks at the latest.
6. Next, our branch colleague will contact you again and coordinate with you the order and the method of payment for the final product.

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