Derived from the fermentation of natural sugars, thealpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a prebiotic. In other words, it serves as food for beneficial bacteria, at the expense of undesirable microorganisms. It rebalances the bacterial landscape and thus strengthens the skin's microbiological barrier, which keeps it in good condition and reduces the appearance of blemishes. Find all the information you need to know about this plant-based active ingredient in this article.
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What is "Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide" and what is its utility?
An overview of alpha-glucan oligosaccharide.
From a chemical perspective, thealpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a complex sugar or oligomer composed solely of glucose itself having a degree of polymerization of 2 - 10 units. Alpha and beta-glucans differ in the type of bond that links the molecules together.
Like most sugars, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is primarily extracted from plants, particularly from chicory roots. However, it can also be obtained through chemical synthesis. In the food industry as well as in the field of skin and hair care, this complex sugar is used as a prebiotic : it nourishes the good bacteria and inhibits the growth of the bad ones.
What exactly is the microbiome?
The term microbiota refers to thecollection of non-pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites), known as commensals (bacteria that are beneficial to the body), housed in a specific environment, the microbiome. The human microbiota harbors millions of microorganisms. Within the body, there are different microbiotas: on the skin, in the mouth, the vagina, male sexual organs, lungs, and so on.
Thanks to their antimicrobial properties, these "good" bacteria enable the body to protect and defend itself against invasive pathogens. Conversely, the "bad" bacteria invade the body and can damage cells and/or induce inflammation. However, they are also essential to our body, as they stimulate our immune defenses. A healthy microbiota results from a balance between these "good" and "bad" bacteria. For instance, excessive use of antibacterial soaps can disrupt the skin microbiota, which can lead to redness and/or irritation; this is referred to as dysbiosis.
Note : The skin microbiome varies from one person to another. It depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, gender, and the pH level of the skin, among others.
The Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide: Its Benefits in Cosmetics.
As previously mentioned, the alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a sugar prebiotic, which is a food source for "good" bacteria, at the expense of undesirable microorganisms. When applied to the skin, it rebalances the microbiota and prevents dysbiosis. The microbiological barrier is strengthened, preventing the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms and thus the appearance of imperfections. The skin becomes healthier and more uniform.
Furthermore, thealpha-glucan oligosaccharide is recognized for its moisturizing properties. This sugar with its film-forming properties captures moisture and retains it in the skin cells. This results in increased suppleness and softness of the skin, preventing any tightness.
In which skincare products can one find alpha-glucan oligosaccharide?
Thealpha-glucan oligosaccharide is used as a cleansing agent with rebalancing properties in certain products such as facial gels, cleansing oils, or even intimate hygiene products. It can also be found in some oil-based serums or in certain rich creams intended for the face, but also for the body.
Typology has developed the unifying and rebalancing complex with 3 pre+probiotics. It helps to rebalance the skin's ecosystem to prevent the appearance of blemishes and reduce redness. The skin is healthy and the complexion is even.It is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly recommended for combination to oily skin, prone to skin irregularities (redness, blemishes).
Sources:
CAMELI N. & al. Effects of topical gluco-oligosaccharide and collagen tripeptide F in the treatment of sensitive atopic skin. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2009).
GILLIET M. & al. Le microbiote cutané : le poids lourd sort de l’ombre. Dermatologie (2016).
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