Lactoferrin

What is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein naturally produced by the human body, present in various bodily fluids, including tears, where it plays a crucial role in protecting the eyes. As an integral component of our immune system, lactoferrin exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and intelligent antimicrobial properties.

It safeguards the skin against oxidative stress, UVB radiation, and environmental pollutants, thereby mitigating the risks of premature aging and skin damage. Its anti-inflammatory nature soothes irritated skin, making it particularly beneficial for sensitive, rosacea and acne-prone skin types. Additionally, lactoferrin's antimicrobial properties help maintain a healthy skin microbiome.

Rare Ingredient

Lactoferrin is seldom incorporated into skincare products due to challenges related to sensitivity and stability in formulations, which can compromise its efficacy. The Biology Serum™, utilises a high-grade lactoferrin, making it one of the most valuable ingredients in beauty products, surpassed only by gold dust (highly cytotoxic and to be avoided).

Moisturizing Effect

By fortifying the skin's protective barrier, lactoferrin aids in retaining moisture, resulting in smoother and more hydrated skin. It calms irritation and combats harmful bacteria, promoting a healthy skin environment that naturally maintains optimal hydration levels, keeping the skin soft and supple.

Skin-Native

Lactoferrin is also found in milk, where it supports the developing microbiome of the infant gut. Given that both skin and gut are epithelial tissues with acidic environments and microbiomes, we harness lactoferrin to naturally tend the skin's microbiome.

Iron-Binding Effects

Lactoferrin regulates bacterial populations by sequestering iron, an essential element for bacterial growth. By depriving bacteria of iron, lactoferrin effectively inhibits their proliferation. This evolutionary mechanism is more sophisticated than chemical agents or even antibiotics, to which microbes can develop resistance.

Antioxidant Effects

Possessing antioxidant properties, lactoferrin protects the skin from oxidative stress induced by free radicals, potentially reducing signs of aging and promoting healthier-looking skin.

Antimicrobial Effects

As previously mentioned, lactoferrin's natural antimicrobial properties are beneficial for managing the skin microbiome and addressing microbial imbalances, such as those leading to acne breakouts and other dermatological conditions.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Lactoferrin's anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it advantageous for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and rosacea.

Further Reading

[1980] "Lactoferrin in human milk - its role in iron absorption and protection against enteric infection in the new-born infant."

[2008] "Lactoferrin - a review."

[2019] "Multifunctional capacity and therapeutic potential of lactoferrin."

[2020] "The biology of Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein that can help defend against viruses and bacteria."