Probiotic clothing may be a revolution in body odor and skin health.
A new fabric made with probiotic technology is said to reduce body odor, encourage cell renewal, and improve the skin’s immune system.
SKIN II was created by Rosie Broadhead, an apparel designer specializing in biomaterials, in collaboration with Microbiologist Chris Callewaert. The fabric, which has been made into body suits, has embedded probiotic bacteria into its fibres which, according to media materials, are activated when they come into contact with the moisture on skin, allowing them to dominate other, less beneficial bacteria.
“Skin conditions depend on the probiotic microbes that live on our bodies. Our skin’s biome is shaped by our natural environment, and what we put on and next to our skin has a direct impact on our bodies. Cosmetic products and fabric finishes on clothing can contain toxic chemicals which disrupt the diversity of bacteria living on our skin…”
“The encapsulated bacteria are associated with reduced body odour, encouraging cell renewal, and improving the skin’s immune system. SKIN II aims to use what is natural on our bodies to advance the functionality of clothing.”
Researchers and developers continue to explore the smart clothing market. Smart clothing acts as activity trackers and sleep trackers, while new fabrics are being created that also claim to speed recovery and increase wellbeing.
Probiotic clothing is a natural extension of the current widespread interest in probiotics and the microbiome.
SKIN II Rosie_Broadhead from Rosie Broadhead on Vimeo.