WHY THE SKIN MICROBIOME IS SO IMPORTANT
WHY THE SKIN MICROBIOME IS SO IMPORTANT
The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in skin health. The microorganisms on our skin, which include bacteria, fungi and viruses, live in a symbiotic relationship with us and influence our well-being.
Are you looking for skin care products to support your skin microbiome? Click here to go directly to the store:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SKIN MICROBIOME FOR SKIN HEALTH
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is a diverse microbial world that colonizes the surface of our skin. These microorganisms are essential for protecting the skin from pathogenic germs and contribute to immune regulation. The skin microbiome varies depending on genetic factors, age, gender, skin area, lifestyle and environmental conditions.
Why is the skin microbiome important?
The skin microbiome is an essential protective mechanism of the skin. It competes with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and space, preventing infections. The skin microbiome also helps to regulate the immune system, which can prevent excessive inflammation.
1. protection from pathogens
A healthy skin microbiome acts as a barrier against harmful microorganisms and protects the skin from external influences. The skin flora, i.e. the entirety of the microorganisms living on the skin, plays a central role in this.
2. influence on skin ageing
The skin microbiome also influences the ageing process of the skin. As we age, the composition of the microbiome changes, which can make the skin more susceptible to disease. Probiotics and prebiotics for the skin can help to mitigate these changes and promote skin health.
3. microbiome and skin care
Taking care of the skin microbiome is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Factors such as age, climate, hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during puberty and menopause), hygiene habits and the use of antibiotics can influence the composition of the skin microbiome and lead to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance of skin bacteria, can promote various skin diseases. Effective microorganisms in skin care can help to build up and strengthen the skin microbiome.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN SKIN CARE
Knowledge of the skin microbiome has led to new approaches in skin care. Fermented ingredients, such as postbiotics and prebiotics, can support the skin microbiome and promote skin health. So far, there are only a few cosmetics companies, especially in Germany and the EU, that use fermented ingredients in their products. And when they do use them, it is usually only in low concentrations. This fact and the latest scientific findings have prompted us at Dr. Emi Arpa Skin to develop innovative products that maintain and promote the skin's microbial diversity. That is why all Dr. Emi Arpa Skin products contain fermented ingredients. The skin care products even contain at least 10% pre- and postbiotics.
Our star for the skin microbiome is the Essential Essence Skin Balancing Toner with 11% pre- and postbiotics that support the skin microbiome and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Our Essential Essence Toner contains the highest concentration of ferments in DR. EMI ARPA Skincare! The carefully selected ferments can be found in the ingredient list as Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Bacillus Ferment.
Skin Balancing Toner
11 % pre- and postbiotics support the skin microbiome, have an anti-inflammatory effect
13 amino acids strengthen the skin barrier and moisturize.
Allantoin promotes skin regeneration and has a strong antioxidant effect.
Plus: A peptide that intensively moisturizes and promotes the natural exfoliation of the skin
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
A really great toner that leaves my skin super beautiful and well cared for and, above all, helps to bring my skin back into balance.
STEPHANIE A.
After each application, it feels like my skin is thanking me for finally understanding what it needs.
INDIRA E.
Refreshing, soothing and I have the feeling that the subsequent products are better absorbed.
SUSANNE S.
DISEASES CAUSED BY A DISTURBED SKIN MICROBIOME
An imbalance in the skin microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, can lead to various skin diseases:
- Acne
Cutibacterium acnes can have both protective and harmful effects. In cases of dysbiosis, it contributes to the development of acne vulgaris. Acne often occurs during puberty, when hormonally controlled sebum production increases and the skin microbiome undergoes substantial changes. C. acnes breaks down components of the sebum to produce energy, but in acne this process becomes unbalanced, leading to the accumulation of pro-inflammatory substances. These substances attract white blood cells, whose death leads to typical pus-filled pustules.
- Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is associated with a reduced diversity of the skin microbiome and an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus .
- Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by redness and inflammation of the face. A dysbiosis of the skin microbiome, in particular an increase in certain bacteria and mites, is associated with rosacea. A higher density of Toll-like receptors-2 (TLR-2) activates the immune system and leads to inflammatory processes. In addition, some gut bacteria play a role in rosacea, and reducing these bacteria can alleviate symptoms. These connections are referred to as the gut-skin axis.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TO SUPPORT THE SKIN MICROBIOME
Certain ingredients in skin care products can specifically support and strengthen the skin microbiome:
- Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate: These postbiotics improve visible skin redness and strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the formation of proteins that help to stabilize the cell structures in the skin.
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: Promotes skin renewal and accelerates the restoration of the skin barrier. It improves the function of the skin barrier, optimizes skin hydration and regulates the skin's pH, allowing the skin's lipid-forming enzymes to work close to their pH optimum, leading to optimized skin barrier formation.
- Bacillus Ferment can also have wound-healing properties.
- Alpha-glucan oligosaccharides and inulin: These prebiotics serve as a food source for bacteria and together support the commensal skin flora. They strengthen the skin barrier by inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria and can alleviate skin symptoms such as dryness and itching.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The skin microbiome plays a central role in skin health by acting as a protective barrier against harmful microorganisms and regulating the immune system. A healthy skin microbiome can slow down skin ageing processes and reduce the risk of skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis and rosacea. Dysbiosis, i.e. imbalances in the microbiome, on the other hand, can cause various skin problems.
Caring for the skin microbiome with suitable skin care products is therefore essential. Innovative products with fermented ingredients (postbiotics) and prebiotics can support the microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier. Although only a few cosmetics companies in Germany (Europe) use such ingredients in sufficient concentrations, Dr. Emi Arpa Skin has dedicated itself to this task. All our skin care products contain fermented ingredients to promote and maintain the microbial diversity of the skin.
The use of such ingredients is an important step in modern skincare and shows how scientific findings can lead to practical solutions that improve the well-being and health of the skin. Discover the benefits of targeted care of the skin microbiome and learn how our products can help maintain and promote your skin health.
FAQ on the skin microbiome
The skin flora consists of a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea. These microorganisms live in symbiosis with the human skin and fulfill important functions for skin health, such as protecting against pathogenic germs and supporting the immune system.
The composition of the skin flora varies depending on the region of the body and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, lifestyle and environmental conditions. The skin flora mainly consists of bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Cutibacterium acnes.
Numerous bacteria are found on human skin, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes and Corynebacterium. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining the protective acid mantle and the general health of the skin.
The skin protects the body through its barrier function, which prevents the entry of pathogens and harmful substances. The acid mantle and skin flora help to defend against microorganisms, while the skin's physical barrier protects against mechanical damage and UV radiation.
The skin's protective acid mantle is a thin, slightly acidic layer on the skin's surface consisting of sweat, sebum and dead skin cells. It has a slightly acidic pH value of around 4.5 to 5.5 and protects the skin from harmful microorganisms and environmental influences.
The normal pH value of human skin is between 4.5 and 5.5. This slightly acidic pH value helps to maintain the skin barrier and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
The skin fulfills numerous important functions, including
- Protective function: It protects against physical, chemical and microbial influences.
- Temperature regulation: It helps to regulate body temperature - Sensory function: It contains receptors for pressure, temperature and pain.
- Metabolism: It is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D.
- Immune defense: It forms a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms.
The gut and skin are closely connected, known as the gut-skin axis. A healthy gut microbiome can positively influence skin health, while gut dysbiosis can lead to skin problems such as acne, rosacea and eczema. Probiotics and a prebiotic diet can promote both gut and skin health.
Yes, a microbiome analysis can be useful to understand the composition of the skin flora and identify any dysbiosis. It provides detailed insights into the microorganisms that live on the skin and can help to develop personalized skin care products that strengthen the skin microbiome.
Related blog posts
Ácsová A., Hojerová J., Martiniaková S. (2022). Efficacy of postbiotics against free radicals and UV radiation. Chem. Pap. 76, 2357-2364.
Al-Ghazzewi F. H., Tester R. F. (2014). Impact of prebiotics and probiotics on skin health. Beneficial microbes, 5(2), 99-107.
Antão H.S., Passerini E., Guimarães J.P., Saldanha J., Coelho J.D., Fortunato M. (2017). Efficacy, tolerability and acceptability of topical regimens containing the prebiotic Biolin in children suffering from atopic dermatitis. Eur. J. Pediat. Dermatol., 27(2), 102-12.
Boyajian JL, Ghebretatios M, Schaly S, Islam P, Prakash S. (2021). Microbiome and Human Aging: Probiotic and Prebiotic Potentials in Longevity, Skin Health and Cellular Senescence. Nutrients, 13(12).
Byrd AL, Belkaid Y, Segre JA. (2018). The human skin microbiome. Nat Rev Microbiol, 16(3), 143-55.
Dréno B, Pécastaings S, Corvec S, Veraldi S, Khammari A, Roques C. (2018). Cutibacterium acnes (Propionibacterium acnes) and acne vulgaris: a brief look at the latest updates. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 32 (2), 5-14.
Grice EA. (2014). The skin microbiome: potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cutaneous disease. Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery, 33(2), 98-103.
Guéniche A., Bastien P., Ovigne J. M., Kermici M., Courchay G., Chevalier V., Breton L., Castiel-Higounenc I. (2010). Bifidobacterium longum lysate, a new ingredient for reactive skin. Experimental dermatology, 19(8), 1-8.
Han JH, Kim HS. (2024). Skin Deep: The Potential of Microbiome Cosmetics. J Microbiol, 62(3), 181-199.
Hausmann C., Hertz-Kleptow D., Zoschke C., Wanjiku B., Wentzien-Odenthal A., Kerscher M., Schäfer-Korting M. (2019). Reconstructed Human Epidermis Predicts Barrier-Improving Effects of Lactococcus lactis Emulsion in Humans. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 32(2), 72-80.
Kong HH, Oh J, Deming C, Conlan S, Grice EA, Beatson MA, Nomicos E, Polley EC, Komarow HD; NISC Comparative Sequence Program; Murray PR, Turner ML, Segre JA. (2012). Temporal shifts in the skin microbiome associated with disease flares and treatment in children with atopic dermatitis. Genome Res, 22(5), 850-859.
Krutmann J. (2009). Pre- and probiotics for human skin. Journal of dermatological science, 54(1), 1-5.
Murillo N, Raoult D. (2013). Skin microbiota: overview and role in the skin diseases acne vulgaris and rosacea. Future Microbiol, 8(2), 209-222.
Nizioł-Łukaszewska Z.,Bujak T., Wasilewski T., Szmuc E. (2019). Inulin as an effectiveness and safe ingredient in cosmetics. Polish Journal of Chemical Technology, 21(1), 44-49.
Pérez-Rivero C, López-Gómez JP (2023). Unlocking the Potential of Fermentation in Cosmetics: A Review. Fermentation, 9(5), 463.
Picardo M, Ottaviani M. (2014). Skin microbiome and skin disease: the example of rosacea. J Clin Gastroenterol, 48(1), 85-86.
Szöllősi A. G., Gueniche, A., Jammayrac, O., Szabó-Papp, J., Blanchard, C., Vasas, N., Andrási, M., Juhász, I., Breton, L., & Bíró, T. (2017). Bifidobacterium longum extract exerts pro-differentiating effects on human epidermal keratinocytes, in vitro. Experimental dermatology, 26(1), 92-94.
Tripodo G., Mandracchia D. (2019). Inulin as a multifaceted (active) substance and its chemical functionalization: From plant extraction to applications in pharmacy, cosmetics and food. Eur J Pharm Biopharm, 141, 21-36.
Vinderola G, Sanders ME, Salminen S. (2022). The Concept of Postbiotics. Foods, 11(8), 1077.
Wang R., Yan S., Ma X., Zhao J., Han Y., Pan Y., Zhao H. (2023). The pivotal role of Bifida Ferment Lysate on reinforcing the skin barrier function and maintaining homeostasis of skin defenses in vitro. Journal of cosmetic dermatology.