The science behind the microbiome has been utilized to address gut health issues through the use of food or supplements containing prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics. In the realm of skincare, this scientific knowledge has been applied to develop microbiome-friendly skincare products. While microbiome skincare is not a new beauty concept, however, it definitely has changed the skincare game!
In this post, we will explore how the science-based approach to the skin microbiota has transformed the skincare industry and impacted our understanding of optimal skin health.
WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOTA?
Our skin, often referred to as “a second barrier”, not only protects us from external threats but also acts as a home to the microbiota - a microbial ecosystem, comprising bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, playing an important role in maintaining the health and vitality of our skin.
The formation of an individual’s skin microbiota begins at birth, with the initial colonization occurring through the transfer from the maternal vaginal flora during vaginal delivery or from the environmental flora in the case of a Cesarean section. This initial colonization laid the foundation for the future development of the skin microbiota. As an individual grows, the composition and diversity of skin microbiota evolve and vary from person to person by a multitude of factors including age, sex, genetics, lifestyle, hygiene practices, and physico-chemical parameters such as humidity, pH, and temperature. Additionally, the presence and abundance of antimicrobial peptides and lipids on the skin, as well as external factors such as the environment and lifestyle choices (including the use of cosmetics), play a role in shaping the skin microbiota.
Therefore, each person has their own unique skin microbiota profile, much like a fingerprint!
SKIN MICROBIOTA IS FRAGILE!
In a healthy state, the skin microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis, which is beneficial for overall human health. A balanced and diverse skin microbiota acts as a protective shield, preventing the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms. It helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and regulates immune responses. However, when there is an imbalance or dysbiosis in the microbial community, it can lead to a decrease in skin quality, inflammation, or infection that can result in the development of various skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.
HOW TO REBALANCE AND PREVENT THIS DISEQUILIBRIUM?
Let’s start this section with an example of a common skin disease that all of us have at least once in our lives dealt with - acne.
Acne is basically caused by an accumulation of sebum, the development of pro-acne bacteria, inflammation, and also the accumulation of dead skin cells.
One of the bacteria implicated in the formation of acne is Cutiabacterium acnes, short for C. acnes. This bacterium is gram-positive and naturally resides in an oxygen-deprived environment on human skin, particularly in sebaceous areas like the face, chest, and back. The excessive production of sebum and the low level of oxygen provide an ideal environment for the growth of this bacterium because it uses sebum as a source of nutrients. Additionally, acne also can stimulate an inflammatory response and produce proinflammatory substances, resulting in ace development. Long ago, the main approach to address acne focused on removing this bacterium from the surface of the skin to reduce acne flare-ups.
With these facts laid out, if the traditional approach of removing C. acnes is used to treat acne, we are unintentionally removing the benefits which C. acnes provides our skin. The indiscriminate removal of this bacterium from the skin surface also means that other vital microorganisms that help to maintain the skin’s barrier and health may be inadvertently eliminated. This imbalance can disrupt the skin microbiota and potentially exacerbate acne or lead to other skin issues.
The approach to skincare has indeed evolved, moving away from solely targeting single pathogenic bacteria and instead focusing on rebalancing and maintaining the equilibrium of the skin microbiome. This shift in understanding has led to increased research efforts and education among customers about the importance of healthy skin microbiota.
In the cosmetic market, there are three main approaches associated with three types of cosmetic products aiming to improve and protect the skin microbiome:
| Prebiotics | Probiotics | Postbiotics |
Definition | “Food”/"Dietary sources" such as specific fibers or sugars to feed and increase the presence of the good microbe | Living beneficial bacteria and/or yeast that flourish in healthy conditions | Metabolic byproducts produced by beneficial bacteria can help further provide nutrients to the good bacteria on the skin |
Functions |
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Example |
| Live bacterial and/or yeast cultures:
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These three approaches, probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, work together to promote a balanced and thriving skin microbiota, which in turn contributes to better skin health and appearance.
By incorporating these concepts into skincare routines, customers can support the natural protective mechanisms of their skin and maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
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Chloe.
References:
1/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00248-022-02070-0
2/ https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/9/3/264
3/ https://www.ebi.ac.uk/about/news/research-highlights/new-bacteria-and-viruses-found-human-skin/
4/ https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulas-products/formulating-basics/article/22118497/cosmetics-toiletries-magazine-formulating-on-trend-microbiome-conscious-skin-care
5/ https://www.aveenomd.com/microbiome
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