YUN, University of Antwerp develop probiotherapy for skincare

Belgium-based biotechnology firm YUN has collaborated with the University of Antwerp to develop a probiotherapy for skincare.

This therapy can be used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, and vaginal infections.

This research for the probiotherapy was led by Sarah Lebeer and Ingmar Claes, bio-engineers at the University of Antwerp. The team detected multiple friendly bacterial strains, which can counteract harmful bacteria and fungi without disturbing the skin’s natural balance.  

In addition, they created new processes and compositions, which allow live bacteria to retain their activity even after being processed into skincare products.

According to YUN, the antibacterial soaps, antifungal sprays, and antibiotics used to treat skin disorders damage the skin's natural protective layer while probiotherapy restores and maintains this layer.

Claes said: “By applying live, friendly bacteria directly where the microbiome has been compromised, the skin is able to restore its balance and fight the problem off naturally.

"It’s a more advanced skincare as the skin’s flora is left unharmed and there is no risk of resistance to treatment.”

This new probiotherapy is claimed to be the first that utilises live bacteria to treat skin conditions. YUN's chief executive officer Tom Verlinden said: “We are absolutely convinced that our children will benefit when we start loving our bacteria instead of combating them with every possible means.

“Nature has its own way of maintaining balance, so let’s use it. The idea of fighting bacteria with bacteria is beautiful in all its simplicity. I was immediately sold on the research of prof. Lebeer.

"Probiotherapy-using friendly bacteria to strengthen your natural biome offers the most amazing opportunities for better treatment of common skin concerns.”

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Image: YUN chief executive officer Tom Verlinden. Photo: Courtesy of YUN.