Probiotics and skin microbiota – what’s the deal?
The skin is our body’s largest organ and the first line of defence against infection and injury. It doesn’t just hold everything in – it acts as an interface with the outside environment, insulating us against sunlight, extreme temperatures and harmful chemicals.
What you probably didn’t know is that our skin is also colonised by a diverse collection of microorganisms, collectively referred to as ‘microbiota’, which include bacteria, fungi, mites and viruses.
The ecosystem of microbiota is different for everyone, and each part of the body has its own unique microbiota. Most of these microorganisms are harmless, and in some cases, their mere existence is vital for our skin health, which makes them an integral part of the skin’s immune system.
Each square centimetre of our skin is protected by an impressive shield of about one billion of these living organisms, co-existing in a delicate balance. They protect against invasion by pathogenic ( disease-causing) or harmful organisms, by competing for nutrients and space. Some bacteria can also restrict the growth of other microorganisms by producing antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit the reproduction of the competition. Because the skin is naturally acidic (that is, with a pH of 4 to 5.5), it creates a perfect habitat for beneficial microbiota, but an uncomfortable environment for harmful microorganisms.
The perception of the skin as an ecosystem — composed of living biological components occupying diverse habitats — can help us understand the delicate balance between host and microorganism. Disruptions in the balance on either side of the equation can result in skin disorders or infections. In fact, several skin conditions are characterised by shifts in the skin microbiome, where even a small component change can result in ichthyoses, blistering disorders, progerias, and other skin disorders.
The skin is constantly exposed to factors (from ultraviolet radiation and pollution through to topical medications and skincare products) that can alter the balanced relationship between skin and its microbiome. Because healthy skin has an acidic pH, alkaline products that remove 99.9% of germs can have the same effect as toxic chemicals in our skin, as they disrupt our natural acid pH balance.
Personal care products with nourishing ingredients such as oils and natural butters can feed and reinforce our natural microbiome, but not all products are a food source for healthy bacteria on the skin. In some cases, powerful preservative systems in beauty products can have a negative impact on our microbiota.
We believe it’s important to develop innovative skincare products that help maintain an ecological balance in skin microbiota diversity.
How do we do this? By developing formulations that have the potential to selectively increase the activity and growth of beneficial microbiota, prevent skin dysbiosis, and restore or maintain efficient skin barrier function.
Some clinical studies suggest prebiotics and probiotics can increase the efficacy of moisturisers due to positive effects on skin microbiota. Prebiotics are ingredients or nutrients that selectively stimulate the growth of commensal skin bacterial (skin flora). Skincare products with probiotics have the potential to support the maintenance of normal skin microbiome as well as reduce the growth of pathogenic bacteria in favour of friendly microorganisms that are naturally present on the epidermis (the outer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin).
Another beneficial addition to skincare is the use of thermal water. In comparison to deionized water, thermal water contains prebiotic active ingredients, as well as trace of elements like selenium, which can encourage growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin.
Ceramides (lipids that help skin retain moisture) included in moisturisers can also be a good carbon and nitrogen source for microbiota. Ceramidase activity has been detected in bacterial skin flora, improving the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
If you’ve been thinking about creating a beauty or skincare range, it’s important to understand what your ingredients are capable of.
Beautiful Solutions can help you do this! Our detailed consultation service is the fastest and most comprehensive option for investigating your concept, before production begins. To learn more about the process, check out our services page or get in touch for a chat with Natalia
