Ò. EXPÓSITO*, A. GUIRADO, M. BUCHHOLZ A. GALLEGO, M. MAS, P. RIERA, D. LUNA, S. LAPLANA, T. RUIZ, S. RUIZ, M. GIBERT
*Corresponding author
Vytrus Biotech S.A. Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

The principles of ecology indicate that when we evaluate an ecosystem (for example, a forest), we need to keep in mind not only each separate element, but all of them as a whole (plants, soil, weather conditions, the organisms living there, etc.). Everything is interconnected, each element impacts the others, and all the system must be considered. In skin and hair care, we propose the following approach: to take care of all components of both systems to treat them.

Biotechnology allows us to apply these principles of ecology in a holistic and integrative way in skin and hair care. Using plant biotechnology, we can significantly reduce the use of water, minimize the impact in natural resources, and contribute to a more sustainable model, much more respectful with the environment. As both the skin and the hair are two ecosystems exposed to many endogenous and exogenous factors (pollution, UV radiation, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, etc.), the principles of ecology can be applied using plant biotechnology. Two active ingredients exemplify this approach: one targets the skin ecosystem and the other one addresses the hair ecosystem.

INTRODUCTION

Ecology principles
In ecology, everything is inter-connected. In any ecosystem there are complex networks of living organisms interacting with the environment. Furthermore, as important as who does what, it is also important how and where the activity is taking place. This ecosystem complexity requires sophisticated solutions, and if they are sustainable, all the better.

Plant biotechnology allows an innovative and sustainable approach at the same time. We can benefit from the many strategies used by plants to address both skin care and hair care, because plants are able to produce rich molecular cocktails to adapt to a wide variety of environmental situations (droughts, excess of rain, extreme temperatures, etc.). Thanks to these molecular cocktails, we can obtain active ingredients with multiple activities, specifically designed to meet skin and hair physiological needs.

An innovative biotechnological approach
Plant stem cells could be stimulated to produce specific molecular cocktails to capture the outstanding properties of plants ...