Skin Microbiome and Modern Skincare

"The skin microbiome is the billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that comprise the skin microbiota", says dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. "The human skin has 1 billion microbes (bacteria) per square centimeter and that natural bacteria maintains the skin’s immunity and prevents pathogenic growths". 

 

 

 

 "You may not want to think of it, but your skin is not sterile", adds Dr. Zeichner, the Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "It is loaded with organisms like bacteria and yeast that are essential for proper functioning of the skin itself". A disrupted microbiome, where good bacteria are overrun by trouble-making bacteria, can result in acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin disorders. 

 

 

 

In recent years, the study of the skin microbiome has led to the development of a new generation of skincare products that focus on supporting the growth and diversity of beneficial microorganisms.

One of the key players in this category are prebiotics. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that serve as a food source for beneficial microorganisms. By providing a source of nutrition for these microorganisms, prebiotics help to promote their growth and diversity. This, in turn, supports the health and integrity of the skin barrier. "Think of them like fertilizer or food for good bacteria," says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, who names thermal spring water and oat extract as commonly used prebiotic ingredients.

Some examples of prebiotics used in skincare products include inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, and galacto-oligosaccharides.

Probiotics, on the other hand, are live microorganisms that are applied topically to the skin. These microorganisms are known to have beneficial effects on the skin, such as reducing inflammation and improving the skin barrier function. Probiotics used in skincare products are often strains of lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Another important component of this new generation of skincare products are the postbiotics. Postbiotics are the metabolites produced by microorganisms when they ferment prebiotics. These metabolites have been found to have various beneficial effects on the skin, such as reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. Some examples of postbiotics used in skincare products include lactic acid, acetic acid, and short chain fatty acids.

The use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in skincare products is becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a natural and holistic approach to skin care. By supporting the growth and diversity of beneficial microorganisms, these ingredients help to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, leading to a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Probiotic skincare typically uses actual probiotic elements for a therapeutic effect, versus microbiome-friendly products, which are more of a gentle or sensitive characteristic that won’t disrupt the microflora.

In conclusion, the skin microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and integrity of the skin barrier, and a new generation of skincare products is focusing on supporting the growth and diversity of beneficial microorganisms. By using prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, these products offer a natural and holistic approach to skin care that promotes a healthier and more youthful appearance. As research in this field continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative skincare products that harness the power of the skin microbiome.