Science
HOLISTIC HIGH PERFORMANCE NATURAL SKIN HEALTH
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SKIN MICROBIOME
The skin microbiome is genetically determined, and each version is as unique as our fingerprint—a cosmos of countless microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. An important component of the skin barrier, these microbes live in symbiosis with each other and perform essential functions in maintaining skin health. Various external factors, such as diet, lifestyle, medication, and hormones, can influence the skin microbiome. The same applies to fine dust pollution, UV radiation, stress, lack of sleep, or overly intensive skincare. An imbalance in the skin microbiome can lead to skin problems like redness, irritations, and extreme dryness, causing the skin to become unhealthy. SKŌUD Skin Health focuses on working with active ingredients that restore the balance of the skin microbiome, thereby promoting the maintenance of healthy skin.
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AERI5 ACTIVE COMPLEX
The essential component and heart of all our products is the specially created active ingredient complex AERI5. The abbreviation stands for AEQUORĒUS RESILIENCE IMMUNE COMPLEX. Its origin lies in the source of all life: the sea. Thanks to resistance- and immunity-enhancing biotechnological active ingredients, such as microalgae and mineral-rich marine extracts, it ensures that the skin becomes more moisturized, radiant, and resilient again. AERI5 is a five-component combination of nutrients that supplies the skin microbiome with minerals, polysaccharides, amino acids, and peptides. This improves the skin microbiome’s state of balance, strengthens the resilience and immunity of the skin barrier, and decisively improves the overall skin quality based on evidence. In addition to our AERI5 active ingredient complex, we specifically add high-class effective active ingredients and innovative botanicals to our skincare products. These include, for example, oat kernel oil for strengthening the skin barrier and fermented oat, which nourish the skin microbiome. Japanese moxa herb is effective against inflammation. Sea fennel extract and a bioactive peptide boost collagen synthesis; honey also has anti-inflammatory and anti-impurity effects. Biotechnologically obtained moss extract leads to additional strengthening of the skin barrier and makes the skin more resilient. Carotenoids have an anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant effect. Together, these active ingredients strengthen and protect the skin. They ensure active cell functions and long-term skin vitality.
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SKIN BARRIER
An intact skin barrier is crucial for the health of the skin. It not only keeps pollutants out but also retains moisture. The skin barrier is a complex structure. A weakened skin barrier may also allow pollutants and allergens to enter the skin, which in turn can lead to eczema and skin diseases. To strengthen and protect the skin barrier, skin-friendly products that do not irritate or dry out the skin are particularly suitable. Products with moisturizing and soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and niacinamide can also help strengthen the skin barrier. Products with biomimetic ingredients, for example, also work well. What "biomimetic" means is that the ingredients closely resemble the structural framework of the skin barrier, which is why these products are absorbed quickly, reach the site of action, and thus contribute decisively to maintaining the health of the skin.
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FREE RADICALS
Free radicals are produced by natural processes in the body. However, external factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, or smoking can also promote their formation. Free radicals are missing an electron. To adjust the imbalance, they harm cells and proteins, which in turn can cause irreversible damage to the DNA. This can lead to early skin aging, hyperpigmentations, fine lines, and an uneven skin structure. But it can also lead to skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, and skin cancer. To minimize the effects of free radicals on the skin, it’s important to use antioxidant skincare products. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals by compensating for their missing electron. To further reduce the production of free radicals, preventive measures also make sense, including the protection from UV radiation, for example, the use of air filters and air purifiers, but also a diet rich in antioxidants.
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NAĒQA
In an era of rising mental health issues, emotional stability, calmness, and inner balance are becoming increasingly important. Mental discomfort, stress, and psychological instability negatively affect the entire body and can contribute to a wide range of health issues. This connection is particularly evident in the skin, the largest organ of the human body. Through nerve pathways and blood vessels, stimuli and stress-related neurotransmitters are transmitted from the brain to the skin, directly impacting its condition.
The effects can manifest as blemishes, dryness, redness, an uneven skin texture, or a generally fatigued appearance. Additionally, existing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can significantly worsen under psychological strain.
Scientific studies further demonstrate that skin problems can worsen mental health through negative self-perception, highlighting the mutual reinforcement of both conditions.
Our active concept, NAĒQA – Neuronal Activated Equanimity – places these factors at its core. We utilise neuronally active ingredients. Nepalese pepper in our Neuroessence, The Guidance, has been shown to promote increased well-being, reduced stress levels, an enhanced sense of positivity, and a deeper experience of inner calm and tranquillity. Furthermore, through the neuronally regulated brain-skin axis, it helps to balance the skin's appearance.
NAĒQA is based on the neuronally activated state of enhanced calmness, balance, and tranquillity. This state, also known as Aequus animus, serves as the foundation for Equanimity. Derived from the Buddhist ideal of Equanimity, it underpins wisdom, peace, compassion, and love.
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FERMENTED ACTIVES
Through the ancient process of fermentation, the bioavailability and efficacy of ingredients are significantly enhanced. Natural substrates are transformed by microorganisms into smaller, bioactive molecules, making them particularly beneficial for skincare. Fermented actives contain valuable compounds such as amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols that provide intensive care for the skin. They support the balance and diversity of the skin microbiome, strengthen the skin barrier, and offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturising properties.
Additionally, they help protect the skin from harmful environmental stressors.
Fermented actives are typically classified into three groups:
Probiotics contain live or viable microorganisms,
Prebiotics serve as nutrients for beneficial skin bacteria, and
Postbiotics consist of inactive microbial cells or their metabolic by-products.The products from SKŌUD Skin Health contain all three groups of fermented ingredients. They are primarily derived from fermented oats, promote holistic skin health, and are especially well suited for sensitive and stressed skin.
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AEQUIBIOTIC SKINCARE
SKŌUD's own active principle AEQUIBIOTIC Skincare places marine microorganisms at the centre of all skincare products due to their multipotent spectrum of activity. These bioactive substances are rich in enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids due to their adaptation to extreme habitats such as the deep sea or salt water. They are able to promote the resilience and health of the skin in the long term by strengthening the skin barrier and supporting the balance of the microbiome and increasing its diversity.
They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and increase moisturisation, improve skin quality by homogenising skin tone and reducing redness. At the same time, marine microorganisms offer a sustainable advantage as they can be cultivated in controlled biotechnological processes - conserving resources, reproducible and independent of seasonal fluctuations. Thanks to modern extraction processes, standardised quality and high efficacy are guaranteed. Marine active ingredients therefore represent a new generation of skin-friendly, efficient and environmentally friendly cosmetics.
The heart of all SKŌUD products is therefore our own active complex AERI5, which unites all aspects of an exclusive combination of highly active marine organisms and effectively promotes skin health.
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NEUROCOSMETICS
Neuroactive cosmetics describes an innovative approach to skin care that utilises the close connection between the skin and the nervous system to specifically promote the emotional and physical well-being of the skin. The skin is not only a physical barrier, but also a neuroimmunological organ that reacts to stress, stimuli and emotions. Neuroactive ingredients can act on neuronal signalling pathways in the skin, reduce the release of stress mediators and improve general skin sensitivity. The connection between skin and brain (brain - skin - axis) takes place in different ways and mechanisms. On the one hand via the endocrine system, which releases messenger substances via the bloodstream, and on the other hand via neurones, i.e. nerve cells that directly connect the skin and brain. In our Neuroessence The Guidance, we use a natural Nepalese pepper that increases the activity of the neurones in the skin and protects them from the ageing process, i.e. keeps their functions generally active. It is able to improve the appearance of the skin, making it appear healthier with a more even complexion, reduced redness and increased radiance. In addition, it reduces the body's perception of stress along with an increased positive basic feeling. Neurocosmetics therefore stands for a new generation of intelligent skin care that addresses the skin and nervous system holistically.
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MULTIPOTENT APPROACH
Each of our SKŌUD Skin Health products delivers a multipotent spectrum of action, specifically targeting four key skin health priorities: the microbiome, skin barrier, skin quality, and skin longevity.
The skin microbiome – a vital component of the skin’s barrier function – is actively supported by our specially developed active complex. Scientifically backed formulations containing pre-, pro-, and postbiotics nourish and protect the microbiome, helping to maintain its balance and homeostasis.
The skin barrier is strengthened with biomimetic natural lipids, which reinforce the skin from the inside out and promote the production of the skin’s own lipids. This helps to stabilise the acid mantle, prevent transepidermal water loss, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Cell-activating ingredients support skin vitality by stimulating cell division, which naturally slows with age. This results in improved skin elasticity and enhanced connective tissue structure within the dermis.
As the fourth pillar of our holistic skincare approach, all products contain high-potency antioxidants that help counteract damage from external aggressors. These antioxidants neutralise free radicals, prevent cellular damage, and contribute to maintaining healthy, resilient skin.
Each application of our natural, highly active formulations is precisely designed to support the four essential pillars of healthy and enduring skin vitality
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HOLISTIC HEALTH
Modern skincare goes beyond surface-level treatment, recognising the skin as a multifunctional organ in constant interaction with both the body and its environment.
As an interface between the external world and the immune, hormonal, and nervous systems, the skin responds sensitively to factors such as stress, lack of sleep, nutrition, as well as emotional and environmental stressors.
Scientific studies confirm that holistic approaches – including targeted support of the skin microbiome, the gut-skin axis, and the neurocutaneous connection via the brain-skin axis – can significantly contribute to skin health.
Biotechnologically derived actives such as plant extracts, fermented ingredients, and marine microorganisms exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reinforce the skin barrier, and support emotional balance.
A multipotent, integrative skincare approach from SKŌUD Skin Health addresses both external influences and internal regulatory processes – with the aim of strengthening the skin in the long term and promoting overall wellbeing through the interplay of body, mind, and skin.