Fermentation: What is it and why is important in skin care?

Fermentation has been very popular in Korea for quite some time. Gradually, it began to penetrate the US market, until it finally reached our area. Fermented foods are excellent due to their exceptional effects. For example, even wine can be suitable for the occasional pleasure for our senses, because of its antioxidant effects. Fermented ingredients in cosmetic products are not only more effective but also easier to absorb into the skin.
Why?
And what exactly is that already mentioned fermentation?

The word fermentation comes from the Latin verb ferver, which means "to cook" or "to shine". This is because sparkling bubbles usually appear during the process. For example, when alcohol is fermented to form carbonic acid gas. This creates beer, wine, bread, kimchi, yogurt or other foods.
Fermentation is a metabolic process in which carbohydrates and sugars are broken down and converted into enzymes and amino acids through the multiplication of good microorganisms. This process prevents oxidation of the components and best preserves their effectiveness.
Thanks to the natural fermentation process, good bacteria keep bad bacteria at bay, which means less preservatives for us. Fermentation also helps to increase the concentration of nutrients and ingredients by breaking down the molecular structure of the individual ingredients. So basically, thanks to fermentation, we got super strong foods and products without harmful preservatives, which can, for example, irritate our skin.
For example, a 2012 study, conducted by the ministry in collaboration with Korean universities, found out that fermented red ginseng contained higher concentrations of antioxidants and increased effectiveness in combating wrinkles and colour irregularities. A study carried out in 2009 found that when extracts from "lactobacillus plantarum" (live bacterial cultures) were fermented, they provided a much greater benefit in the fight against atopic dermatitis.

To understand the science behind fermented skin care, we should remind ourselves about digestive enzymes. Just as fermented foods and enzyme supplements help to digest and absorb the nutrients you consume, fermentation of skin care ingredients makes them more concentrated and efficient. These cosmetic products often contain fruits, herbs and yeast, all of which can be fermented.

In addition to easier and faster absorption, the fermentation also works to increase the concentration of the components, which makes the natural components of the product stronger. For example, wine has a higher total antioxidant capacity than grape juice. Fermented extract is often included in the cosmetic products because the fermentation process produces amino acids and peptides that aid in skin cell renewal. In 2007, a study at Dermatologic Therapy even found out that fermented yeast extract could help to alleviate the signs of skin aging by improving collagen synthesis.

If you are ready to immerse yourself in the world of fermented foods and cosmetics containing fermented ingredients, the most popular ingredients in Korea include dandelion, aloe, mung beans, rice and proteins such as soy. Rice is a very gentle, natural exfoliant that helps to balance skin tone, while soy is moisturizing and nourishing. The fermented rice extract is also found, for example, in our new Oh Beau Series. Up to 7 patented fermented plant extracts can be found in these products designed for skin renewal and regeneration.