Xylitol is a pearl in skincare

In Finland, Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, has long been recognized for its benefits in oral and dental care. Its effects in skincare are undeniable as well.

Xylitol has been added to nearly all Skin Candy products. Whether in professional hair removal pastes or in body care and facial care products available for home use, Xylitol is a key ingredient.

What does Xylitol do for the skin?

Xylitol functions as a raw material just like other sugars, making it an excellent moisturizing agent. It helps the skin retain moisture and enhances the absorption of other substances. Additionally, Xylitol has antiseptic properties and influences the skin’s surface normal flora, which is the natural microbial population on the skin.

Candying products designed for hair removal contain Xylitol, which helps minimize skin inflammation and redness.

However, the most significant benefit of Xylitol for the skin is its ability to impact the skin’s surface structure. When Xylitol is applied to the skin, it increases the production of filaggrin, a protein that affects the skin’s surface structure in two ways:

1. It strengthens the skin’s brick-and-mortar-like barrier in the stratum corneum, improving skin protection and reducing moisture loss.
2. It plays a crucial role in the Natural Moisture Factor (NMF).

NMF is formed when filaggrin left in the stratum corneum breaks down into amino acids. NMF influences how well the skin can bind moisture from the air and lower layers of the skin, as well as how effectively it can retain moisture in the skin.

These two factors have an impact on the skin’s surface, so the healthier and stronger the skin’s surface layer, the more beautiful the skin appears.

Xylitol is especially beneficial for those with dry skin and atopic dermatitis

Xylitol has even more to offer to individuals with dry skin and atopic dermatitis. Previous studies have shown that the dryness and weak structure of atopic dermatitis skin are due to a lack of the genetic filaggrin protein. Recent research has also suggested that individuals with atopic dermatitis may suffer from microbial colonization on the skin’s surface. This excessive microbial presence on the skin’s natural flora creates a biofilm on the skin’s surface, clogging sweat glands and causing inflammation and irritation.

Why do some people develop this microbial colonization? It is formed by the microbes that naturally exist on our skin to protect us. In individuals with atopic dermatitis, the diversity of skin microbes is disrupted, and a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus may be able to grow in an unhealthy manner. Excessive bacterial growth leads to various skin irritation symptoms in individuals with atopic dermatitis.

Xylitol used in Skin Candy products reduces microbial colonization because Xylitol is a natural antiseptic substance. Xylitol does not reduce microbes by killing them but by inhibiting their growth since no microbe, bacterium, virus, or fungus can grow in it. This means that microbes do not develop resistance to Xylitol. Previous studies have also shown that Xylitol is not allergenic because it is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies, produced by all of us. Therefore, using Xylitol-containing products has significant benefits for the treatment of atopic skin.

In professional Candying hair removal, the outermost layer of the skin and dead skin cells are mechanically removed with a Xylitol-containing mass. This also reduces the amount of microbes on the skin’s surface. After treatment, Xylitol-containing lotion and cream are applied to the skin, making the skin care longer-lasting. You can continue the treatment at home with Xylitol-containing products.

Xylitol is truly a wonder ingredient – try out its effectiveness with the moisturizing and easily absorbed Caramel Body Lotion! In Skin Candy’s range, you can also find facial care products containing Xylitol. Fresh Kiss facial care products are particularly suitable for oily skin.