Skin's Hidden Heroes: Microbiota

Hello Dear Active Bioworks Readers;

Today, in this blog, we will explore the fascinating world of skin microbiota in order to its secrets and and understand importance.

Our skin, the largest organ of the human body, is home to a complex and diverse community of microorganisms, collectively referred to as the skin microbiota. This microscopic world plays a pivotal role in our health and well-being, while also forming a crucial line of defense against various diseases.


What is skin microbiome ?

The term "human skin microbiome" describes the whole set of microorganisms that live in and on human skin, including bacteria, fungus, viruses, and mites.

Genomic techniques are used in research projects like the “National Institutes of Health Human Microbiome Project” to describe the variety of microbial communities found at different body locations, such as the skin.

Future studies on the interactions between microorganisms and people, as well as within the community of microbes, will benefit from a deeper comprehension of pathogens and commensals, the microbial residents of the skin.

What are the Functions of Microbiota?

The skin microbiota protects and balances our skin in several ways. Firstly, it reduces the risk of skin infections by fighting harmful microorganisms. It also helps to maintain our skin's moisture balance and control inflammation. The microbiota also contributes to strengthening the skin barrier.

Our skin is home to various types of bacteria, which are classified in different ways:

Transient (contaminant, non-reproducing), temporary resident (not usually resident, but can colonize), and resident (growing, reproducing) flora are the three categories into which bacterial skin populations can be divided.

‘Normal’ resident skin flora includes Propionibacterium acnes ( C. Acnes ), Staphylococcus epidermis, S. aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Corynebacterium jeikeium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa..

Some bacteria, including S. epidermis and Corynebacterium spp., can inhibit or reverse S. aureus colonization of human nares.

Defining the bacterial microbiota of different skin sites is critical to determine the function of these skin microbes in protecting or promoting the health of the human host.

These bacteria are microorganisms that naturally occur on our skin and are generally harmless. Many commensal bacteria help to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent the entry of harmful microorganisms.

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis are examples of commensal bacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidis, for instance, is frequently cultured from healthy skin and may protect humans from pathogenic bacteria.

  • Transient Bacteria: (Transient) Bacteria that are in contact with our skin and live on the skin for a short period of time. They usually come from the external environment and do not remain resident on the skin. This group plays a less important role in maintaining the natural balance of the skin.

  • Opportunistic Bacteria: Some bacteria found on the skin can become potentially harmful when the immune system is weakened or the skin barrier is damaged. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus are examples in this category.

Proper nutrition and skin cleansing can prevent these bacteria from overgrowing.

There is a clear correlation between "C. acnes" (Formerly P.acnes) and "acne" which is common condition that frequently affects teens. Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), an itchy chronic skin disease commonly have Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Key Players of Skin Microbiota

Our skin is home to a variety of microorganisms, and the diversity of these microorganisms affects the health and functionality of our skin.

Here are some important members of the skin microbiota :

Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis): S. epidermidis is a major inhabitant of the skin, and in some areas it makes up more than 90 percent of the resident aerobic flora.

An important part of the skin's natural microbiota, these bacteria are found on the skin's surface and play an important role in fighting harmful microorganisms. It can also help strengthen the skin barrier and control inflammation.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus): The nose and perineum are the most prevalent locations for S. aureus colonization, which affects 10% to 40% of healthy persons.

This bacterium usually maintains a balanced relationship with other bacteria on the skin. However, in some cases it can overgrow and cause skin infections.

The effect of Staphylococcus aureus on skin cells S.aureus can produce multiple metabolites to induce inflammation, immune reaction, and cell apoptosis.

Proper skin nutrition can help control S. aureus.

Scientific Figure on ResearchGate:

Propionibacterium acnes ( New name : C.Acne ) : This bacteria, which plays a role in acne formation, can affect the skin's sebum production. A balanced microbiota with selective feeding can help prevent acne and other skin problems.

Regarding fungi found on normal human skin, the most commonly identified organisms are Malassezia species. In fact, one study estimated that Malassezia account for 80% of the fungi present, depending on the anatomical location sampled.

Malassezia: This species of fungus is found in the natural microbiota of the skin and plays a particularly influential role on the scalp.

Nutrients that support hair health can help keep Malassezia in balance.

SCALPACTIVE BIO

BENEFITS

  • Regulates Sebum Production

  • Balancing pH of Scalp

  • Reducing Irritation on Scalp

  • Microbiome Balance on Scalp

  • High anti-oxidant Properties in Hair with Anthocyanin


Repressing Malassezia species with natural lipase inhibitor:

The lipid dependence of Malassezia can be understood because of the absence of fatty acid synthase gene. Their incapability in fatty acids biosynthesis are complemented by the presence of multiple secreted lipases to aid in degrading host lipid and harvesting the resulted fatty acids. Therefore, high levels of lipase is a probable importance in their pathogenicity, and expressed on human scalp.


Kaemferol-3-O-rhamnoside is an natural active lipase inhibitor.


Let's move on to the microbiota again...


What is Selective Skin Microbiome Nutrition and Why is it Important?

Understanding our skin's microbiota is the basis for feeding it properly. The concept of "selective nutrition of the skin microbiome" means specifically choosing foods that will positively affect these microorganisms. This helps to keep the skin in natural balance and health.

So why is selective nutrition of the skin microbiome important? Because a balanced microbiota helps to keep the skin young, vibrant and healthy. Proper nutrition strengthens the skin's defense mechanisms, reduces inflammation and maintains the skin's moisture balance.

The aim is to create an environment that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and thus improve the health and defense mechanism of the skin.

Recent research highlights the effectiveness of prebiotic and probiotic products in helps treating skin conditions. Prebiotics, non-digestible foods, selectively enhance beneficial microbiota growth in the intestinal tract but also providing potential skin benefits.

For instance, at one study; konjac glucomannan, a prebiotic, combined with probiotics, inhibits C acnes proliferation and promotes probiotic growth.

Probiotics, The use of "topical bacteriotherapy" was first proposed in 1912 , offer a unique approach to treat skin diseases, with Lactobacillus bulgaricus showing promise for conditions like acne.

Notably, the application of lactic acid bacteria, such as Streptococcus thermophilus, increases keramid production when used as a skin cream for seven days at the another scientific study.

Advancements in skin microbiota research have led to proposed topical probiotic formulations to correct skin dysbiosis and maintain immune balance.

However, challenges in controlled product entry limit their widespread use in cosmetics. Despite constraints, the potential of prebiotics and probiotics to revolutionize skin health remains a compelling area of exploration.

⭐Here Active Bioworks has a solution! ⭐

POSTBIOTICS & PARAPOSTBIOTICS

POSTBIOTICS

Postbiotics are actually components that are produced during the fermentation of living bacterial cultures and are formed by the death of living bacteria in the process, they are not living.

However, these non-living components contain bioactive substances such as antioxidants, amino acids and enzymes that are beneficial to the skin, supporting skin health and offering solutions to various skin problems.

CALM ACTIVE OAT

These postbiotics, obtained by fermentation of oat and lactobacillus, contain a complex mixture of metabolic products.

It aims to balance and calm the skin.

It has an anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for sensitive skin types.

PARAPOSTBIOTICS

HYDRACTIVE 100

Parapostbiotics, obtained as a result of Aloe Vera fermentation, contain inactivated cells of bacteria.

Provides microbiome reorganization with selective microbiome booster.

Provides the balance of microbiome on the skin with its unique sugars (Prebiotics).

This technology enhances the interaction with skin cells, strengthens the skin's barrier functions and helps the skin retain moisture.

It is particularly effective in preventing biofilm formation and contains.

Exopolysaccharides, which have a high water retention capacity. HydrActive 100 is ideal for products targeting intensive moisturizing and hydration in skincare formulations.

As Active Bioworks, we touch to skin with science and offer innovative and effective solutions with our nature-inspired technologies.

We are at your side to unlock your skin's natural beauty potential...

In Conclusion;

As described in this blog, microorganisms colonizing under normal skin conditions have a good symbiotic relationship with the host, but when the stability of the microbial community is disrupted, the host's skin immune function, gene expression and skin barrier function will be altered, thus causing various skin problems.

To maintain the homeostasis of the microbiota and help correct skin problems, it is critical to selectively nourish the skin. for this purpose, including postbiotic / parapostbiotic ingredients that use science to balance the microbiota of the skin.

... Last Words

Understanding and nourishing your microbiota for skin health is an important step on the road to youthful and radiant skin. Remember, your microorganisms are the secret heroes of your skin and you can strengthen them by feeding them properly.

We wish you healthy and radiant days!

REFERENCES

  • Sanford, James A., and Richard L. Gallo. "Functions of the skin microbiota in health and disease." Seminars in immunology. Vol. 25. No. 5. Academic Press, 2013.

  • Davis, Charles Patrick. "Normal flora." Medical Microbiology. 4th edition (1996).

  • Chen P, He G, Qian J, Zhan Y, Xiao R. Potential role of the skin microbiota in Inflammatory skin diseases. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 20: 400–409.

  • Byrd, Allyson L., Yasmine Belkaid, and Julia A. Segre. "The human skin microbiome." Nature Reviews Microbiology 16.3 (2018): 143-155.

  • Davis, Charles Patrick. "Normal flora." Medical Microbiology. 4th edition (1996).

  • Kong, H. H. (2011). Skin microbiome: genomics-based insights into the diversity and role of skin microbes. Trends in Molecular Medicine, 17(6), 320–328. doi:10.1016/j.molmed.2011.01.013 

  • High MRSA Carriage Rate among Nursing Microbiology Students - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate.

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