Burt’s Bees latest findings showcase benefits of nature-based skin care routines

Burt’s Bees showcased its newest research findings on the benefits of nature-based regimens to cleanse, nourish and protect skin health. The studies were presented at the hybrid Integrative Dermatology Symposium, which took place from Oct. 27 to 29. 

The latest research findings from the brand highlight:

• The ability of a topical treatment with a unique blend of botanicals to improve the appearance of age spots in diverse skin;
• The impact of a lip care product with naturally derived plant oils, butters, beeswax and turmeric extract to maintain a healthy lip microbiome; and
• The effectiveness of a nature-based skin care regimen to maintain a balanced skin barrier and microbiome in sensitive skin populations. 

“Each person has a unique microbiome, and we want to support that one-of-a-kind balance to best promote each patient’s skin health. This means first, do no harm. In other words, do not cause dysbiosis or disrupt the microbiome,” said Hemali Gunt, head of clinical and scientific affairs at Burt’s Bees. “These nature-based formulas have been shown to do exactly that — maintain the unique microbiome in both face and lip skin — and improve the skin’s appearance.” 

Additional data presented at the event also include:

• Topical treatment with a unique blend of botanicals containing Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa and Terminalia chebula improves the appearance of age spots in a multi-ethnic panel; 

The study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a nature-based topical cream in reducing the appearance of age spots across different skin types and tones. A 12-week study was conducted on 40 female participants with moderate age spots and photodamage. 

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A dermatologist-investigator assessed the product efficacy by clinical grading and with skin colorimeter measurements obtained from a target pigmented spot and from a corresponding clear site on the face, performed at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. 

Topical treatment with Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa and Terminalia chebula was determined to be clinically safe and effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in photodamaged skin within a variety of skin types and tones.

• Impact of a lip care product with naturally derived plant oils, butters, beeswax and turmeric extract on the lip microbiome – in vitro and in vivo examinations; 

An in vitro assay and a clinical study were conducted to evaluate the effects of a lip treatment on the lip microbiome. 

In vitro results showed no significant differences in the diversity of bacteria in the presence of the product when compared to the control, Burt's Bees said.

Clinical grading and subject assessments in 43 females for 2 weeks showed a reduction in the appearance of lip dryness and enhanced the overall look of lip health compared to baseline. In addition, lip microbiome assessments showed no significant changes in the lip microbial diversity.

Daily use of a nature-based lip care product maintains lip health and maintains microbial diversity.

• Maintaining a balanced skin barrier and microbiome in sensitive skin using a nature-based skin care regimen; 

A nature-based, bakuchiol-containing skin care regimen was evaluated to assess the effects on skin moisture barrier and the microbiome in sensitive skin populations.

The 4-week baseline-controlled clinical study was conducted on 45 female participants with sensitive skin who used a daily skin care regimen of cleanser, serum/toner and cream.

Skin hydration and barrier function/transepidermal water loss were measured to assess the tolerability and efficacy of the skin care regimen along with an assessment of the skin microbiome via 16S rRNA analysis.

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Results indicated that the nature-based skin care regimen containing bakuchiol improves skin barrier function without disrupting the skin microbiome in a sensitive skin population. 

“Protecting the skin microbiome is essential as it augments the physical barrier between the skin and the external environment,” said Stanley Levy, a board-certified dermatologist in Chapel Hill, N.C. and study consultant. “Our study demonstrated the ability of a nature-based skin care regimen to improve skin barrier function without disrupting the skin microbiome, which is particularly important for those with sensitive skin.”