Patrick graduated as a chemical engineer from the University of Ghent, Belgium in 1991. He followed an intensive specialisation in cosmetic manufacturing and also obtained a degree in dermato-cosmetic science at the medical university of Brussels. He gained experience in production and distribution. In 2002 he founded S&C; a consultancy firm advising both cosmetic producers and raw material producers in product development, global legislation and toxicology. He organises training for cosmetic chemists, beauticians and technical sales representatives. Since 2002 most of his research and passion is focused on the skin microbiota for personal care applications.