Posts in category: General

The skin microbiome can be affected by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Some of the key factors that impact the skin microbiome include:

Skin Disinfection: Excessive use of skin disinfectants and antimicrobial products can disrupt the balance of the skin microbiota, leading to a reduction in the number and variety of microbes that colonize the skin

Cosmetic Products: Certain cosmetic ingredients may promote or inhibit the growth of specific bacteria, and excessive use of cosmetics can reduce the diversity of skin microbes. For instance, the lipid components of moisturizers can provide nutrients and promote the growth of lipophilic bacteria, potentially disrupting the microbiome and causing skin issues such as inflammation, dryness, and irritation

Hygiene Routines: Modification of hygiene routines, including frequent washing with harsh cleansers, can alter the skin microbiome, depending on the products used and the location on the body. Over-washing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its healthy bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the microbiome. Frequent washing the face with a generic cleanser, which kills bacteria, has been reported to disturb the microbiome returning to its natural balance, if this is repeated several times daily over a longer time-span, it disturbs the skin barrier resulting in skin irritation.

Gut-Skin Axis: The gut microbiome can impact skin health through the immune system and the production of bioactive compounds. Disruptions in the relationship between the gut microbiome and the immune system can potentially promote the development of skin diseases

Lifestyle Factors: Lifestyle habits, such as diet and environmental exposures, can also influence the skin microbiome. For example, ingested compounds and chemicals can have an immediate impact on skin appearance and health through their influence on the gut microbiome and subsequent systemic effects

In summary, the skin microbiome is influenced by a range of factors, including skincare practices, cosmetic products, hygiene routines, and even internal factors such as the gut microbiome and lifestyle habits. Understanding these influences is important for maintaining a healthy and balanced skin microbiome ^1–5.

Reference:

1.        Habeebuddin M, Karnati RK, Shiroorkar PN, et al. Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):1-22. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics14030557

2.        Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2018;16(3):143-155. doi:10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157

3.        Huang MCJ, Tang J. Probiotics in personal care products. Microbiol Discov. 2015;3(1):5. doi:10.7243/2052-6180-3-5

4.        Holland KT, Bojar RA. Cosmetics: What is their influence on the skin microflora? Am J Clin Dermatol. 2002;3(7):445-449. doi:10.2165/00128071-200203070-00001

5.        WebMd. What Is the Skin Microbiome? Published 2023. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/skin-microbiome

What will be discussed in this article?

What are probiotics?

Where are probiotics found?

What is probiotic lysate?

Do skincare products contain probiotic lysates?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, that offer health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They are often referred to as “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they contribute to the body’s overall well-being, particularly by improving or restoring the gut microbiota. Probiotics can be found in dietary supplements, fermented foods and drinks, and even in topical products for skin application. They play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy digestive system, reducing inflammation, and ensuring the skin health. Stress and dietary choices can negatively affect the microbiome, and probiotics serve as a means to help restore its balance 1. 

Where are probiotics found?

Live microorganisms are found in probiotic foods or supplements, which are intended to help maintain or improve a healthy balance between “good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria in the body. In humans, prebiotic foods (typically high-fiber foods) provide food for our microbiota. By using prebiotics, these microorganisms will be better balanced. Probiotics are in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut. The following foods contain prebiotics: whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, and artichokes. In addition, probiotics and prebiotics are added to some foods and available as dietary supplements. Some skincare products that are microbiome friendly for the skin’s microbiota may contain probiotic particles.

What is probiotic lysate?

A lysate is a concentrated dose of probiotic function that contains all the components of the bacteria cells (soluble and insoluble) 2,3. Bacterial lysate contains “bio-active” molecules or metabolites that reportedly retain beauty benefits without the presence of whole or live bacteria 4.

Do skincare products contain probiotic lysates?

Only Few science-based skincare products contain probiotic lysates. Microbiome friendly products are innovative and a novel concept that demands many years of investigation and research. Probiotics are also known to help balance the skin’s microbiome, which helps to keep the skin healthy.

Probiotic lysates are effective due to their beneficial bacterial components, which can help to reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and fight bacteria that can cause breakouts. Probiotic lysates help nourish and protect the skin, and are said to reduce signs of aging. The lysates also help to deliver nutrients to the skin, which can help to keep it looking youthful and healthy. SOÀLANGÉ products offers a complete care for both skin and its microbiome. The Cell Lysate approach alongside nourishing ingredients creates the environment to restore microbial diversity & balancing out the harmful effects of modern life.

References:

1.        Kober MM, Bowe WP. The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging. Int J Women’s Dermatology. 2015;1(2):85-89. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001

2.        Sanchez C, De Villemeur M. From pharma to beauty. EBR – Eur Biopharm Rev. 2018;(April):40-43.

3.        Sfriso R, Egert M, Gempeler M, Voegeli R, Campiche R. Revealing the secret life of skin – with the microbiome you never walk alone. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(2):116-126. doi:10.1111/ics.12594

4.        Huang MCJ, Tang J. Probiotics in personal care products. Microbiol Discov. 2015;3(1):5. doi:10.7243/2052-6180-3-5

In this article we will discuss the topics below:

What is the skin microbiome?

How did we get the microbiome?

How do I get a healthy microbiome?

A healthy microbiome is essential for optimal health and can be achieved by following a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. For example, a diet high in fiber and probiotics can help improve gut health by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Similarly, probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining our skin health.

What is the skin microbiome?

There are millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living on our skin, making up our microbiota. Bacteria aren’t always a bad thing — in fact, understanding how good bacteria support your health can help you lead a more balanced lifestyle inside and out. Like those in our gut, skin microorganisms play a key role in protecting against invading pathogens, educating our immune system, and maintaining the metabolic and hormonal equilibrium of the body (1–3).
Skin is the largest organ of the body and is the home to beneficial microorganisms that prevent pathogens from invading. Any imbalance in these microorganisms results in skin disorders. Acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea are some common skin conditions that arise due to an imbalance in the existing skin microbiome and disturbance in skin barrier function (1,4,5).

How did we get microbiome?

Even before birth, microorganisms colonize fetal skin. Initially, the flora of the new-born is low in diversity and similar to the flora of the delivery site, e.g. a vaginal delivery colonizes the skin with vaginal flora and a caesarean section. Neonatal skin colonization establishes immune tolerance to commensal bacteria during this early stage of life. Skin colonization by commensal skin microorganisms continues during breastfeeding. In parallel, microorganisms from the environment attempt to colonize the skin and scalp. Thus, by adulthood a final state of equilibrium is acquired with an diverse commensal skin and scalp microbiota that is unique for each individual (4,6).

How do I get a healthy microbiome?

The most crucial approach is to cease the negative impact on the microbiome.

Modern lifestyles, characterized by excessive cleanliness, sterility, and the use of various chemical skincare and cosmetic products, often lead to an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome. For instance, frequent use of generic cleansers that eliminate bacteria has been reported to disrupt the skin’s natural balance, potentially leading to skin barrier damage and irritation over time.

Which Factors adversely affect our skin microbiome?

• Modern lifestyle
• excessive cleanliness
• use of various skincare and cosmetic products

To restore balance to the skin microbiome, it is recommended to adopt a healthy, whole food-based diet, avoid overconsumption of processed foods, stay well-hydrated, and be mindful of skincare habits that may adversely affect the skin’s microbial community. Furthermore, the use of microbiome-friendly skincare products is emphasized as a key factor in maintaining a balanced and healthy skin microbiome.

How can we restore the microbiome balance of our skin?

• adopt a healthy, whole food-based diet
• avoid overconsumption of processed foods
• stay well-hydrated
• be mindful of skincare habits that may adversely affect the skin’s microbial community
• the use of microbiome-friendly skincare products

These products are designed to promote equilibrium within the skin’s microbial community, thereby contributing to improved skin health and overall well-being. Creating a microbiome-friendly skincare routine can help balance this system, leading to healthier, more radiant skin. The goal is to find equilibrium and maintain the balance of bacteria on your skin(6,7)

references

1.        Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol [Internet]. 2018;16(3):143–55. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157

2.        Lee YB, Byun EJ, Kim HS. Potential role of the microbiome in acne: A comprehensive review. J Clin Med. 2019;8(7):1–25.

3.        Sohn E. Community effort. Nature. 2018;563(7732):S91–3.

4.        Habeebuddin M, Karnati RK, Shiroorkar PN, Nagaraja S, Asdaq SMB, Anwer MK, et al. Topical Probiotics: More Than a Skin Deep. Pharmaceutics. 2022;14(3):1–22.

5.        Prince T, McBain AJ, O’Neill CA. Lactobacillus reuteri protects epidermal keratinocytes from Staphylococcus aureus-induced cell death by competitive exclusion. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2012;78(15):5119–26.

6.        Araviiskaia E, Dréno B. The role of topical dermocosmetics in acne vulgaris. J Eur Acad Dermatology Venereol. 2016;30(6):926–35.

7.        Sfriso R, Egert M, Gempeler M, Voegeli R, Campiche R. Revealing the secret life of skin – with the microbiome you never walk alone. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2020;42(2):116–26.