The Microbiome In Human Skin Aging
Our skin is home to a vast community of microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiome. Recent research highlights that this intricate ecosystem undergoes significant changes as we age, and these shifts are closely linked to how our skin ages. As we get older, the diversity of bacteria on our skin tends to increase. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean healthier skin; instead, the microbial community can become less stable and more fragile.
Specific types of bacteria show notable changes: for instance, beneficial bacteria like Cutibacterium often decrease, while others such as Corynebacterium may increase. These alterations in our skin’s microbial inhabitants are not just random; they are associated with visible signs of aging, including the formation of wrinkles and changes in skin hydration and its protective barrier.
The microorganisms on our skin contribute to its health by influencing immune responses, offering protection against environmental damage like UV radiation, maintaining the skin’s barrier function, and producing beneficial compounds. Understanding these complex interactions opens up new avenues for skincare. Future strategies could involve targeting the skin’s microbial balance, perhaps through products containing beneficial microbes (probiotics), to help maintain skin health and potentially slow down the aging process. In fact, the composition of the skin’s microbial community has even been shown to be a more accurate indicator of a person’s chronological age than the microbiomes found in the gut or mouth.
Source: link to paper