Our skin is home to a diverse mix of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which play crucial roles in maintaining our skin’s health. These tiny allies work to keep our skin smooth, youthful, and resistant to harmful pathogens. But how can we better support this hidden world beneath our skin? Scientists are increasingly exploring how to boost the skin’s microbiome for optimal health.
The Role of Microbes in Skin Health
Right under the surface of our skin, beneficial microbes are busy at work. They help preserve the skin’s elasticity, smoothness, and overall youthfulness. These microbes protect us from harmful pathogens, aid in wound healing, and even help reduce damage caused by UV exposure.
That’s why caring for the skin’s microbiome is becoming a priority for many people. In fact, one popular approach is to apply live microbes directly to the skin. This method has evolved over time. In 1912, researchers first experimented with rubbing bacteria onto the face to treat acne and seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes rashes.
Today, many skincare products claim to restore the skin’s natural microbial balance. These products, such as creams, serums, and cleansers, promise to revitalize the skin, making it feel fresh and balanced. But while some of these products use the term “probiotic,” few actually contain live bacteria. Most of them contain byproducts or nutrients meant to support the microbes already living on our skin.
The Probiotic Skin Care Market
The growing demand for products that support the skin microbiome has led to an increase in the availability of probiotic skincare products. However, many experts point out that these products are often not as effective as they seem. Since most cosmetic products are not regulated like medications, manufacturers are not required to conduct extensive scientific trials to prove their claims.
According to one skin expert from a Californian medical school, skincare products face fewer testing requirements than medicines. Many of the so-called “probiotic” creams do not contain live bacteria. Instead, they nourish good microbes or mimic the chemicals that microbes naturally produce.
Despite this, some researchers are still hopeful that applying live bacteria directly to the skin could benefit health. One biotech founder studying skin health believes that live bacteria often struggle to survive during packaging and delivery. Even if they do survive, these bacteria may not thrive on the skin, where conditions are not always favorable.
Microbes and Skin Disease
Scientists continue to study the connection between skin conditions and microbial imbalances. For instance, people with acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis often exhibit unusual microbial patterns on their skin. However, it’s still unclear whether these microbial changes are a cause of the disease or a result of it.
To prove causality, scientists would need to conduct experiments that trigger disease using harmful microbes or use beneficial ones to cure the disease. However, ethical concerns prevent researchers from intentionally causing illness. Instead, they are focusing on whether introducing helpful microbes can reduce symptoms.
The Role of Staphylococcus Hominis in Eczema Treatment
One promising area of research involves the use of specific bacteria to fight conditions like eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. Eczema sufferers often harbor high levels of Staphylococcus aureus, a harmful microbe that can cause infections. Researchers in San Diego have discovered that Staphylococcus hominis, a friendly microbe, can help combat S. aureus.
Staphylococcus hominis is found on the skin of about 21% of healthy people, but it is rare among those with eczema. This microbe protects its territory by producing proteins that kill S. aureus and prevent it from releasing toxins that damage the skin. In 2021, a study with 54 adults showed that using a cream containing S. hominis significantly reduced the levels of S. aureus and improved eczema symptoms compared to a placebo.
While these results are promising, larger trials are still needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this treatment. Currently, a 14-week trial is underway to further test the benefits of S. hominis in treating eczema.
Probiotics and Skin Barrier Repair
Beyond eczema, studies have shown that probiotics may have broader benefits for skin health. In 2003, a study demonstrated that patients with eczema who used a cream containing Streptococcus thermophilus saw an improvement in ceramide production. Ceramides are essential lipids that help hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier.
In 2018, another study explored the effects of Roseomonas mucosa, a microbe found on healthy skin. The researchers applied this microbe to eczema patients twice a week for 16 weeks, resulting in significant improvement in their skin condition.
Similarly, acne research is also progressing. Acne is often linked to an overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes. Some studies have focused on using bacteria that can inhibit or kill this acne-causing microbe. For example, a trial involving Enterococcus faecalis showed that patients with severe acne experienced a reduction in pustules compared to those using a placebo.
Skin Microbes and Cancer Prevention
A more surprising discovery involves the potential role of skin microbes in preventing cancer. Researchers have identified a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis that could help prevent UV-induced skin cancer. This microbe produces a molecule that halts DNA production in mutated skin cells, thereby preventing tumor growth. Although the research has only been tested on mice so far, it suggests a potential future application for skin cancer prevention.
The Future of Probiotic Skin Care
While much of the research on probiotics and skin care is still in its early stages, the future looks promising. Scientists are eager to better understand how specific microbes can benefit our skin. They hope to engineer more effective probiotics that could improve skin health and potentially treat or prevent skin conditions.
However, experts caution that more research is needed to confirm the benefits of commercial probiotic creams. People without skin disorders may not see much benefit from these products, despite the enticing marketing claims. For now, it’s important to approach these products with cautious optimism.
Supporting Our Skin’s Microbiome
As we age, our skin’s microbiome naturally changes. To help support microbial diversity, experts recommend basic skincare habits such as regular moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and sun protection. These simple routines create an ideal environment for beneficial microbes to thrive, ultimately promoting healthier, more resilient skin.