SKIN MICROBIOME
Harnessing the holobiont for atopic-prone skin
Christelle Bou Dames, Nathalie Wojtowicz – Solabia Group
As the largest organ in the body, the skin plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. It serves as the first line of defence, acting as an important physiological barrier against the hostile external environment such as ultraviolet light and pollutants, while regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration. It also functions as an immunological barrier, protecting against infections, over inflammation, and aiding in repair.1 Structurally, the skin is composed of two
main layers: the dermis and the epidermis. The dermis, rich in collagen fibres, houses nerve endings, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels. Fibroblasts, for example, in the dermis produce collagen and elastin, essential for skin resilience. While the epidermis, the outermost layer,
consists of keratinocytes at various stages of differentiation, forming a robust barrier that prevents water loss and shields against environmental damage. Additionally, an outer layer known as the skin’s microbiota exists in continuous interaction with the skin, forming the skin’s microbiome, which helps protect against invading pathogens and further preventing damage and impairment. This multilayered defence, makes the skin our first line of protection against the environment. This article aims to highlight the importance
of understanding the skin’s microbiome and the factors that lead to its disruption, while offering a bio-inspired postbiotic glycolipid solution - Serenibiome®, which that preserves the ecological balance and addresses skin concerns, particularly those related to atopic-prone skin.
The microbiome and the holobiont On the outer layer of the skin, live trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, eukaryotes (such as fungi and yeasts), protists, viruses (such as bacteriophages). Collectively, these microorganisms are referred to as the microbiota, while the microbiome encompasses the entire ecosystem hosting this microbiota, including its specific habitat and environmental conditions, known as the biotope.2 These microorganisms form a complex and
balanced ecosystem essential for maintaining skin health and preventing imperfections, irritations, and other skin concerns. Among them, three main types of microorganisms: symbiotic microorganisms play a beneficial role by influencing the immune system and promoting skin health; commensal
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microorganisms coexist with the host without causing harm under normal conditions. Finally, opportunistic microorganisms can become pathogenic and harm the skin if this balance is disrupted.
The human body provides a habitat for these
microorganisms, forming a symbiotic relationship with some described by the ‘holobiont’ concept, where the host and its microbiome function as a single ecological unit. The concept of the holobiont, derived from
the Greek words holos meaning ‘whole’, and bios meaning ‘life’, revolutionizes our understanding of health by proposing that all living organisms, including humans and their microbiota are inseparable allies. This symbiotic relationship relies on complex inter-communication between the host and microorganisms, where they influence each other for overall health. The journey of these microorganisms begins
at birth with the first bacterial colonization by the exposure to the maternal vaginal microbiota and evolves throughout life, influenced by environmental factors and personal experiences. Each individual’s microbial community is unique and varies significantly from one anatomical region to another, with each region representing a distinct biotope. For instance, microbial communities differ
between oily, moist, and dry areas of the skin. Oily regions, like the face, scalp and back,
host distinct communities adapted to high sebum levels, while moist areas, such as the underarms and intimate parts support different microbial populations suited to higher humidity. Dry regions, including the forearms, hands, buttocks, and legs, have yet another unique set of microorganisms adapted to less water availability.3 Maintaining a balanced microbiome across
these varied environments is essential for skin homeostasis and overall health, emphasizing the intricate relationship between our bodies and the diverse microorganisms that inhabit them.
Impact of the microbiome dysbiosis Many internal and external factors can disturb the delicate balance of the skin’s microbiome, leading to a condition known as microbiome dysbiosis. Understanding these factors is capital for both the prevention and care of related skin disorders. Environmental pollutants, for instance, can alter the skin’s pH and disrupt its natural microbial community, increasing susceptibility to irritations, outbreaks, reactive and sensitive conditions. Similarly, the overuse of some types of
skincare can strip the skin of its natural oils and beneficial microbes, further contributing to dysbiosis. Moreover, lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns, and poor diet can significantly impact skin health by
October 2024 PERSONAL CARE
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