The DML technology (Derma-Membrane-Layer-Technologie) is biomimetic, i.e. derived from nature and specifically designed for the skin and hair of dogs, cats and horses.
In many mammals, especially dogs, cats, and horses, the epidermis—as in humans—is a barrier organ of the organism. The skin protects against mechanical, chemical, and physical influences (e.g., UV radiation). There are indeed many similarities and differences between human skin and the skin of dogs, cats, and horses.
One of the most significant differences is that the epidermis of these animals renews itself every 18 to 22 days. In humans, it takes approximately 28 days.
Surprisingly, the epidermis of these animals – even that of the horse – is significantly thinner than that of humans.
Furthermore – and this is crucial for care and protection – the pH value of animal skin is equilibrated between 7 and 8.5. The ideal pH value for each animal, regardless of species (e.g., dog) or breed (e.g., Labrador), varies within this range. In humans, such equilibrium exists at an average pH value of 5.5.
This is a crucial difference, because the cell membrane complex of the human epidermis ideally builds its barrier function in a so-called orthorhombic configuration, i.e., when it is as densely packed as possible.
In dogs, cats and horses, this is also the case in the orthorhombic state with an individual ideal pH value in the spectrum of 7.0 to 8.5.
The skin of dogs, cats, and horses retains significantly less water than human skin. Consequently, the moisture balance of their skin differs considerably. The lipophilic component, i.e., the sebum content, is much higher in these animals. The sebum-rich animal cell membrane complex is only sufficiently supple and fluid at a higher, alkaline pH. At a pH of 5.5, it would become too rigid, unable to retain water and thus failing to fulfill its barrier function.
This explains why it is so important that grooming products for the skin and hair of dogs, cats and horses – such as shampoos – buffer, i.e. maintain, a pH value of 7.5: Anything else carries the risk of changing the consistency of the sebum, disrupting the function of the cell membrane complex and causing skin irritation.
The amount of sebum in a dog's epidermis can be easily deduced from the fact that the dog's hair follicle is equipped with 2 sebaceous sacs, while the human hair follicle only has 1 sebaceous gland.
DML technology supports this liquid-crystalline state of the animal cell membrane complex by directly maintaining its consistency and structure at the animal's individual pH value within the range of 7.0–8.5. Ultimately, DML technology biomimics this specific type of cell membrane complex, meaning it is identical to the natural state, and contains a special pH buffer that continuously regulates this individual pH value. This also supports the regeneration of the animals' skin and hair.
The DML technology with its pH-adaptive effect can be summarized as follows: DOCTR's pet care products have a pH value of 7.5 when applied to the animal's skin. This pH value is within the normal range of 7.0–8.5 for these animal species. Upon application, the pH value of the products adjusts to the individual pH value of the animal, which falls within this range. This allows even irritated skin to be brought back to its ideal state. For example, if the pH value of an animal with a skin condition is 6.3, DOCTR's pet care products will automatically adjust it to the animal's individual pH value.
