The present invention relates generally to the identification and use of a Kangpu tea extract, an alpha-
glucan oligosaccharide, or a mixture thereof, which is capable of increasing
skin barrier protection, as assessed by increasing the ability of a specific biomarker for
cell differentiation, as well as, for example, a Kangpu tea extract, an alpha-
glucan oligosaccharide, or a mixture thereof, as well as, for example, a Kangpu tea extract, an alpha-
glucan oligosaccharide, or a mixture thereof. Particularly, measurement is carried out through the expression of silk
protein and endoprotein. A composition can be used in a method for improving the aesthetic appearance of
human skin affected by impairment of
skin barrier comprising topically applying thereto a therapeutically effective amount of an
active agent wherein the
active agent is applied
ex vivo to
human skin keratinocytes in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle at a concentration of at least 0.45% w / w, and the synthesis of the inner cover
protein and / or the silk
protein can be increased by more than 40%.