JooMo launches new skin care product based on skin microbiota research

British cosmetics start-up JooMo is launching its own natural skin care line based on what it is calling ‘breakthrough’ science with a focus on microbiota and skin health.

Using Microbiota Immune Response Regulation (MIRR) technology based on Microbiological & Immunological research, which it is calling a ‘game-changer’, the company has produced a natural face wash.

“Skin is a dynamic organ and this vast and complex system of cells interacting in synergy with each other, right down to the smallest, quantum level needs to be preserved, enhanced and protected,” says Sam Wallen Russell, JooMo Co-Founder and Technical Director.

“Our revolutionary MIRR technology does just that. A natural equilibrium within the skin cell environment, including skin microbiota, is vital in preserving the tissue homeostasis and local immunity.”

Wallen explains that the MIRR technology keeps the resident bacterial flora (‘good bacteria’) attached to the skin, whereas damaged skin promotes their dispersal from the skin and leads to pathogenic bacterial and fungal growth.

Product development

JooMo has utilised this technology and science to produce its skin care products with a specially balanced and completely natural preservative free formula that regulates the skin's natural flora.

“The ingredients inhibit pathogenic ('harmful') bacterial, viral and fungal growth while also working together as natural pH modifiers, antioxidants, softeners & emollients,” Sam tells CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.

“Synergistically they create our unique proprietary skin repair system that enables the skin to return to its natural state and create a healthy skin environment.”

According to Wallen Russell, the importance of internal microbiota (in the stomach and gut) has been the subject of much research and publicity in recent years – including many ‘probiotic’ health proposals.

Research

However, as there has only been a limited amount of research done on skin environment and the body’s immune system responses, Sam says we are only just beginning to understand the fundamentals of the crucial role that skin has to play in overall health.

“Part of our research has been to look at the effects of skin pH, as it has been shown that an acid skin pH (4-4.5) keeps the resident bacterial flora (‘good bacteria’) attached to the skin, whereas an alkaline pH (8-9) promotes their dispersal from the skin,” continues Wallen Russell.

“It used to be incorrectly believed that natural skin pH is 5.5. However, recent scientific studies estimate that in fact the ‘natural’ skin surface is really much more acidic, with an average pH of 4.7.”

Sam says that this is because in trials when people’s skin is measured, its pH is altered by regular and recent use of soap and other alkaline cleaners used in most current skin care products.

“If skin is left to its own devices, the body creates an antimicrobial environment, sometimes even below pH 4.0,” the JooMo founder explains.

“An acid skin helps to maintain the strength and cohesiveness of the skin, whereas a more alkaline skin leads to pathogenic bacterial and fungal growth, and long term immune system malfunction and allergy problems.”