Functioning as a barrier against external threats, the skin is part of the immune system. It is equipped with immune cells contributing to battle potential intruders. Receding in the upper skin layer, the epidermis, is an immune cell called Langerhans cell (Lc). This cell is key to the skins immunity due to its strategic position, functioning as a supervisor of immune responses.
Lc is equipped with highly specialized receptors that bind to specific pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from baker’s yeast is an example of such a molecule. It is an immunostimulator, which makes Lc “alert” upon binding. This contributes to maintain an optimal skin barrier containing efficient immune cells to battle daily threats deteriorating the skin such as; pathogen attacks, UV-rays, smoke, chemicals, pollution, unhealthy diets, lack of sleep and stress.
Topical application of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from baker’s yeast has shown promising results to target negative effects of daily threats. Daily threats may lead to premature ageing, inflammation, age spots and wrinkles, as well as problematic skin conditions. By favoring the optimal resources of the skins defense army, cosmetic products with beta-1,3/1,6-glucan from baker’s yeast is a complimentary strategy contributing to maintain steady state that results in a healthy skin. Here, we describe the current understanding of the mode of action of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan on the skin immunity when applied topically.
Gilbia Portela, Marketing Manager, NutraQ, +47 481 01 798, firstname.lastname@example.org