Xenobiotics – foreign substances that can irritate the skin

Xenobiotics are chemical substances or components that are not naturally present in the human body and can enter the skin through environmental factors, personal care products, or consumer goods. Examples include industrial chemicals, detergent residues, fragrances and preservatives, as well as environmental pollutants. Their effects on the skin range from short-term irritation to long-term disruption of the skin barrier.

What exactly are xenobiotics?

The term is derived from the Greek words xénos (foreign) and bíos (life) and describes substances that biological systems recognize as foreign. In the skin, such substances can be absorbed through the stratum corneum. Studies show that the skin possesses enzymes that can metabolize foreign substances – albeit to a lesser extent than the liver or other organs. ( van Eijl S. et al. – Xenobiotic Metabolism Pathways in Human Skin )

How do xenobiotics affect the skin?

• Barrier weakening: Foreign substances can alter the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, increase transepidermal water loss, and make the skin more susceptible to irritants. ( Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in human skin and models )
• Inflammation and oxidative stress: Some xenobiotics activate inflammatory signaling pathways or increase oxidative stress, which promotes skin aging in the long term.
• Microbiome change: Foreign chemical substances can disrupt the balance of the skin flora and thus secondarily promote skin sensitivities.
• Absorption into deeper skin layers: Permeability studies show that foreign substances can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin despite an intact skin barrier – highlighting the effects of skincare and environmental factors. ( Chedik L. et al. – Skin permeability data on xenobiotics )

How can the skin be protected?

• Strengthening the skin barrier: A skincare routine with barrier substances (e.g., ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid) can reduce the penetration of foreign substances.
• Antioxidant protection: Ingredients such as vitamins C and E or plant polyphenols relieve the skin of oxidative stress.
• Conscious product selection: Minimizing contact with unnecessary synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives, as well as avoiding microplastic additives, reduces xenobiotic exposure.
• Regeneration: Skincare with ingredients that support metabolism and cell detox, e.g., amino acid complexes or sulfhydryl compounds, can help to balance stress.

NATURFACTOR® care and skin protection

NATURFACTOR®'s skincare philosophy starts precisely there: The Porcelain Skin Serum contains antioxidant plant extracts and peptides that specifically support cell metabolism and make the skin structure more resilient. This not only cares for the appearance of the skin but also strengthens its defenses against foreign substances.

Conclusion

Xenobiotics are ubiquitous – in the environment, products, and everyday life. A strong skin barrier, consistent antioxidant protection, and conscious skincare are the most effective ways to combat them. With NATURFACTOR® formulations, your skin not only gains beauty but, above all, resilience – for health, protection, and radiance.

Sources

1. van Eijl S. et al. – Elucidation of Xenobiotic Metabolism Pathways in Human Skin, PLoS ONE 2012
2. Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in human skin and human skin models, Exp Dermatol 2015
3. Gibbs S et al. – Xenobiotic metabolism in human skin and 3D human skin reconstructs, Curr Drug Metab 2007
4. Chedik L. et al. – An update of skin permeability data based on xenobiotics, Scientific Data 2024
5. Golka K. – Highlight report: Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in skin models, Arch Toxicol 2015

Tags: xenobiotics, skin barrier, foreign substances, skin permeability, antioxidant protection, environmental pollution