Rosie Broadhead and microbiologist Dr. Christopher Callewaert have joined forces to create clothing, dubbed Skin II, that has live bacteria integrated into its fibers to promote healthy skin. When activated by sweat, this bacterium encourages cell renewal, improves the skin’s immune system, and reduces body odor.
Rosie is a ‘MA Material Futures’ graduate from Central Saint Martins, a public tertiary art school in London, England. Rosie’s Skin II project aims to create a new interaction between skin and fabric through probiotic technology and use what is naturally on our bodies to make beneficial and better functioning clothing.
Our skin acts as a critical defense against germs and is home to millions of microorganisms continuously working to keep us healthy. However, Rosie points out that modern pressure with sterility and cleanliness creates a problematic habitat for various beneficial organisms to survive.
Rosie explained:
Invisible to the naked eye, our bodies play host to millions of microorganisms. Optimal skin conditions depend on the probiotic microbes that live on our bodies.
The designer strategically positioned probiotic bacteria on a skin-tight, leotard-like garment in areas that commonly produce the most sweat and would benefit from introducing the bacteria. These areas include under the chest area, the sides of the torso, down the forearms, and the armpits. These garment sections are activated once they come into contact with moisture on the wearer’s skin, allowing the bacteria to dominate other, less beneficial, bacteria on the skin.
Rosie became interested in the interaction between skin and clothing after working with performance sportswear companies – cycling brand Rapha and ski wear brand Perfect Moment. She was intrigued by how well the clothing adapts to different body functions. “I started by looking at cosmetics and technical fabrics and how these products co-interact with the skin. I wanted to create clothing that was healthy for our skin with minimal impact on the environment, which led me to consider the skin microbiome and its importance in maintaining healthy skin,” recalled Rosie.
The designer explained:
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 finish on clothing can contain toxic chemicals which disrupt the diversity of bacteria living on our skin.
The Skin II garment was made with natural yarns to promote healthy bacteria growth and to feel comfortable next to the wearers’ skin.
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