The Skin Microbiome
The human body is a marvelous ecosystem that thrives on collaboration between its various components, including the trillions of microorganisms within us. The microbiome, the community of microscopic organisms that reside on and inside our bodies, plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. While the gut microbiome has taken center stage in recent years, today we will spotlight the skin and its unique relationship with the microbiome.
Our skin has a community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, which altogether make up what is known as the skin microbiome. This intricate partnership maintains the skin's health and forms a crucial defense system against external invaders.
What is a microbiome?
A microbiome is a community of tiny organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Humans have multiple living within and on the human body. They play a crucial role in digestion, protecting against pathogens, and regulating the immune system.
Maintaining balance within these little communities by assuring the beneficial organisms thrive, and the “bad” or invasive organisms are controlled. For example, defensive organisms can help prevent acne breakouts or yeast imbalances. This delicate balance and diversity of microorganisms characterize a healthy skin microbiome.
Various factors, such as genetics, environment, diet, hygiene, and age, can influence this delicate equilibrium. When the microbiome is balanced, it nourishes the skin's barrier function and regulates inflammation.
What are the main functions of the microbiome?
1. Skin Barrier Function
2. Immune System Collaboration
3. Skin Conditions
The skin microbiome helps to support and maintain the skin's barrier function. The skin's outermost layer, the stratum corneum, serves as our first line of defense against external threats. The microbiome helps to reinforce this barrier, preventing harmful pathogens from entering and reducing water loss, which in turn helps keep the skin hydrated and supple.
The microbiome and the skin's immune system have a sophisticated symbiotic relationship. While the skin immune system fights off invading pathogens, it also relies on the microbiome to identify and neutralize potential threats effectively. Studies have even suggested that the microbiome helps regulate the immune response, reducing inflammatory reactions and promoting overall skin health (1)
Disruptions in the delicate balance of the skin microbiome can contribute to the development of various skin conditions. Conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff have been linked to an altered microbiome composition. Researchers are now exploring the potential for using probiotics or targeted treatments to restore balance, improving these skin conditions.
How can I support my skin’s microbiome?
The key to a good microbiome is gently supporting the balance between organisms. We want to foster “colonization resistance”, which is the skin's ability to fight off disease.
The best way to support the microbiome is:
1. Gentle cleansing: Avoid harsh soaps and opt for gentle cleansers that do not disrupt the skin's natural pH or strip away beneficial microorganisms.
2. Moisturizing: Proper hydration helps promote a healthy skin microbiome. Opt for moisturizers that contain ingredients known to support microbial diversity, such as ceramides or prebiotics.
3. Limiting antibiotics when possible: While antibiotics can be necessary for treating certain skin infections, they must be used judiciously. Overuse can disrupt the microbiome, leading to imbalances and potential skin issues.
4. Diet and lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in nutrients, probiotics, and prebiotics can positively impact the skin microbiome. Reducing stress and getting adequate sleep also contribute to maintaining a healthy balance.
Looking at skin health from a holistic point of view and using the skin's microbiome as a map can help navigate complex skin issues like acne. The intricate relationship between the skin and the microbiome is still under investigation, but its significance cannot be overstated.
A properly balanced skin microbiome contributes to healthy, radiant skin and helps defend against various skin conditions. By understanding this, we can take steps to support our unique symbiotic relationship with the microbiome.
Grice, Elizabeth A, and Julia A Segre. “The skin microbiome.” Nature reviews. Microbiology vol. 9,4 (2011): 244-53. doi:10.1038/nrmicro2537