DANIEL SCHMID*, FRANZISKA WANDREY, FRED ZÜLLI
*Corresponding author
Mibelle Biochemistry, Buchs, Switzerland

Abstract

Mastic is the resin harvested from the Pistacia lentiscus trees from the Greek island of Chios. It has been used as a precious natural remedy against various ailments since ancient times. The water-insoluble oleoresin was made available for skin care application by using special extraction techniques. In this form, mastic inhibits the sebum production enhancing enzyme 5α-reductase type I and blocked IL-1α effects in vitro. In clinical studies with volunteers suffering from oily skin, enlarged pores and acne signs it was shown that mastic visibly reduces pore size, shininess and the number of blemishes, which makes mastic an ideal active to treat impure skin.

INTRODUCTION

It is a common misconception that oily and impure skin is a problem that mostly teenagers have to face. In fact, many adults still struggle with skin impurities, or even suffer from new-onset problems long after puberty, which can take a toll on their confidence and emotional well-being. One main cause of these impurities is the overproduction of sebum by sebocytes of sebaceous glands situated in the hair follicles, which leads to a general oily appearance of the skin. Furthermore, high sebum production levels are associated with increased pore size. Obstruction of the sebaceous duct due to high sebum levels and hyperkeratinization leads to comedo formation, which can result in a blackhead if the sebum plug is oxidized or a whitehead/microcyst if the whole canal is closed off by skin cells. Such a blockage can trap bacteria inside the duct, which are able to multiply by feeding off the excess sebum. These bacteria can cause inflammation and may lead to pustules and lesions. Greasy skin, comedones and enlarged pores all contribute to an impure appearance of the skin and share excess sebum production as a common cause.

The main re ...