- today
Nature is great, it has been doing R&D (Research and Development) for millions of years. It is with this in mind that biomimicry was designed, it is the art of copying living things. In order to successfully deliver ingredients beneficial to the skin, this concept is beneficial. In reality, this is the best way to think about the cosmetics of tomorrow.
What is the history of biomimicry?
The idea of taking inspiration from nature dates back several years. However, the concept of biomimicry was only formalized in the 1950s! Around this time, scientists began to explore biological structures and mechanisms in an effort to find solutions to human problems.
The first studies were mainly focused on understanding the structure of the skin and its role against external aggressions.
Fun fact! Over time, research on biomimicry has extended to other fields, such as robotics, regenerative medicine and materials engineering. In other words, scientists quickly realized that the unique properties of human and animal skin could easily be adapted to a wide range of technologies!
But the most fascinating thing is that the advancement of scientific knowledge has incredibly favored the precision of biomimetic research. Sure enough, researchers have begun to identify specific components of the skin that play a key role. They were also able to study how these specific components interact to create an intelligent biological interface.
Today, it is with pride that we can say that skin mimicry has become a research discipline in its own right!
How is research in biomimicry progressing?
Today we can use biomimicry in skin care products. Indeed, studies have been carried out on how certain living organisms (for example plants or animals) adapt in their environment. The latter can be subjected to external aggressions such as cold, pollution or oxidative stress*. These are often similar to what our skin can experience. Observing the way in which these organisms protect themselves from external attacks will then allow scientists to develop care products adapted to the attacks that our skin undergoes thanks to the way in which other living organisms are protected.
Let's take the example of a living organism studied to develop skin care and which is based on a biomimetic approach: macroalgae*. These algae undergo stresses similar to those suffered by our skin: regular dehydration (due to the variability of the salinity of the water), exposure to UV rays, etc. In order to compensate for dehydration, the latter will accumulate carbohydrate polymers which have the property of being hygroscopic (they retain humidity). To protect themselves from UV rays, algae will produce amino acids which will selectively absorb solar radiation then dissipate it in the form of energy. They will therefore not be exposed to the dangers linked to UV rays. Thus, macroalgae are used as ingredients in certain cosmetic products generally as moisturizing agents mainly from carbohydrates but also as UV protection agents from the production of certain amino acids.
Why use biomimicry to formulate cosmetic products?
We've all tried moisturizers before. And as quickly as the skin is cleansed, naturalness comes back at a gallop: our skin is dry and the tightness resurfaces!
For what ? Because the treatment is done just on the surface. No matter how much you put oil on your face or even water for hours, your skin becomes dry again after a few days.
But what you need to know is that the entry of a substance into the skin is like the entry of a one euro coin into a shopping cart. If it's not a euro then no shopping. If you don't have the right substance but the right process, no entry!
These examples above show that it is necessary to find a method for hydrating the skin in its depth.
But how is this possible? We will simply provide things naturally present in the skin whose function is hydration. It's a bit like using a token to replace the one euro coin in our shopping cart!
Biomimicry and skin structure
Biomimicry has proven, in recent years, to be a promising avenue for exploring the complex structure of the skin and learning more about its unique properties.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it plays an essential role in protecting it against possible external elements, in regulating temperature or even in sensory perception! Its complexity and fascinating ingenuity have inspired researchers, like us at Mimetique, to explore its potential to create cutting-edge cosmetic ranges.
Biomimicry seeks to understand and replicate the fundamental principles of skin in order to design materials and devices that can help “damaged” skin become healthy skin again. In other words, our skin then becomes our muse in the design of cosmetic treatments!
As researchers and product formulators, we have studied the complex biological processes that take place within the skin, with the aim of being able to mimic its protective, hydrating and regenerative mechanisms. Our objective was to create products that would be able to act in harmony with the skin, so that it would not have to make an effort in adapting to a new element applied to it.
The skin has a natural ability to retain water and maintain its moisture balance. Inspired by this, our cosmetic treatments are composed of elements found in healthy skin (dipeptides, natural hydration factors and sugars) to support the skin's natural mechanisms. Our skin-mimetic treatments naturally strengthen the skin barrier, which allows you to achieve the goal of absolutely hydrated skin!