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In the current era where an entire industry of anti-aging skin products is thriving, a groundbreaking study recently published shows the complex relationship between our skin and the microbes living on its surface.
The study, published in the medical journal Frontiers in Aging, examined the fascinating relationship between the skin microbiome and signs of skin aging.
Our skin, which is our largest body organ, is home to an entire community of bacteria known as the microbiome.
These microscopic creatures play a key role in keeping our skin healthy and balanced.
In a study carried out in the USA, the researchers examined how the composition of the community of these microbes changes as we age, and how these changes can be related to the visible signs of skin aging.
But I applied expensive creams!/ShutterStock
The connection between a large variety of microbes and young looking skin
One of the intriguing discoveries from the research is the positive relationship between the diversity of the microbiome and age.
In simpler terms, as we age, the diversity of bacterial species on our skin increases.
This variety, like a rich ecosystem, is essential to the overall health of the skin.
However, the study also revealed an interesting paradox: higher microbial diversity was found to be associated with better skin barrier function.
In fact, a diverse and thriving microbial community contributes to healthier skin.
The study focused on a characteristic sign of skin aging - a rating of the amount of wrinkles called "crow's feet".
It is interesting to note that the study found a positive correlation between the diversity of the microbiome and the severity of these wrinkles.
However, this correlation was not consistent across all participants, suggesting that the source of this inconsistency needs to be further investigated.
It seems that these types of wrinkles, which are sometimes considered a harbinger of aging, have an interesting connection to the skin microbiome, which the researchers decided to examine.
In addition, the researchers examined potential microbial markers associated with various aspects of aging.
They did this using advanced analytical tools that identified certain strains of microbes that could be related to wrinkles, the degree of skin dryness, and the thickness of the skin.
In simpler words, certain bacteria were found in greater quantity in people with higher degrees of wrinkles, while the other types of bacteria were found to be associated with better skin hydration and better skin barrier function.
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We have all heard about the gut microbiome and its importance in gut health and maintaining the integrity of the gut wall.
This study shows that a microbiome also exists in our skin and is important in maintaining skin moisture, the skin barrier and the skin's youthful appearance.
When we put various cosmetic products such as soap, various creams and make-up preparations on the skin, these products contain substances that can change the balance of microbes on the surface of our skin.
Preparations that contain disinfectants and various chemical substances that can harm the composition of bacteria on our skin will also harm the delicate balance of the microbes on our skin and can lead to loss of skin moisture, damage to the skin barrier, and premature appearance of wrinkles.
Dr. Dalit Driman Medina is an expert in functional and integrative medicine
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