Moisturization is an effective way to treat aging dry skin. It decreases scaliness and reduces fine lines. From its background in nature it is known that RonaCare® Ectoin is able to surround itself with a large hydration shell and to hold these water molecules very tightly.

Mechanism of Action

Ectoin was discovered in microorganisms which have managed to survive under harsh environmental conditions. Their ecosystem, i.e. salt lakes, sea water and saline deserts is characterized by high salt concentration, dryness, extreme temperatures and high UV radiation. The restrictive factor in such an environment is humidity or water concentration. As the cytoplasmic membrane is freely permeable by water, a high environmental concentration of salt will always lead to a low water activity. If organisms do not have any means to respond or adapt to this situation, it will lead to cell dehydration and subsequent cell death.

If mechanisms for survival and growth in these saline environments are to be effective, their first task is to maintain osmotic equilibrium across the cell membrane. One of the mechanisms for retention of cell water is the synthesis of Ectoin.

Ectoin belongs to the group of so-called compatible solutes. This refers to the fact that they compensate osmotic pressure and are compatible with the cells´ metabolism, even in high concentrations. It can clearly be seen that in addition to controlling the water balance in the cells, Ectoin has a protective function on biomolecules in a dry environment.