For some, it may sound frightening: But humans are not alone in their bodies. Researchers believe that as many bacteria and other tiny life forms settle on and inside us as there are cells in the body: between 10 and 100 trillion—probably around 40 trillion. The composition of the microbiome in the oral cavity, gut, genital tract, or on the skin varies from person to person. This complicates research: If the microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint, it is difficult to draw general conclusions from studies.
Health-Promoting Microorganisms
The gut microbiome has been the best researched so far. The bacteria living there, for example, prevent the colonization of pathogens. They promote the absorption of nutrients into the blood and support the immune system. When there is a stable balance of various microorganisms, harmful and disease-causing invaders have fewer chances.
However, if the balance is disturbed and certain bacterial strains take control, this can become noticeable. This can happen, for example, with the use of antibiotics. They damage the gut microbiome. The beneficiaries are resistant bacteria (such as Clostridium difficile), which can then spread. For this reason, many people experience diarrhea when taking antibiotics.
It is also important for the skin microbiome that various organisms settle on our surface. Mostly, representatives of the Staphylococcus bacterial family live on our skin. The rounded staphylococci are found almost everywhere: in the air, in the nose, on the skin. Not all are harmless. For example, if the germ Staphylococcus aureus spreads under certain conditions, it can cause skin inflammation. This can be a particular problem in care facilities or hospitals.
Bacteria as Shields
In principle, the bacteria, viruses, or fungi on our skin are not aggressive attackers. A balanced ratio of microorganisms supports various metabolic processes, helps with wound healing, and protects against invaders. Many of the bacteria living on our skin produce proteins that in turn kill other germs.
The Black Sheep Among the Settlers
- Fungi of the genus Malassezia: If they get out of control, skin eczema can develop.
- Staphylococcus aureus: If it spreads, boils can form. In systemic infections, it can lead to dangerous pneumonia.
- Staphylococcus haemolyticus: Belongs to hospital germs and can cause urinary tract or joint infections.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis: Can coat prostheses or catheters with a biofilm.
Researchers have found in various studies that the composition of the microbiome changes in many patients with skin diseases. Compared to healthy people, the bacterial colonization is less diverse. An example of this is neurodermatitis, a non-contagious, chronic inflammatory skin disease that can be inherited. Scientists discovered that the colonization pattern of the skin in affected individuals changes in inflamed areas, such as the inside of the elbow or behind the knee. They published the results in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The diversity of good bacteria decreases while the "bad" organisms multiply and trigger inflammation.
What surprised the researchers: The non-inflamed skin of the affected individuals also showed an altered microbiome. These results should pave the way for new treatment options in the future. Restoring the natural skin barrier may play a crucial role in treating skin diseases going forward.
Today we know that targeted care can promote the production of germ-killing proteins by the skin microbiome. Part of this care therapy should be urea-containing creams that strengthen the skin barrier. Dermatologists and pharmacists can advise on selection. Current studies have also shown that cortisone-containing creams not only act against skin inflammation in eczema but also stabilize the patient's microbiome.
Finally, we have summarized 5 exciting facts about the skin microbiome for you here. Enjoy reading!
The Skin Microbiome
- In the past, microbes were thought to be invaders that had to be fought urgently. Fortunately, nowadays we know that the human body forms a kind of symbiotic community with microbes (pathogens)! This insight changes a lot because it shows that bacteria should not be fought but the entire microbiome should be supported so that the body's own defense system can function best!
- The gut flora needs not only probiotic bacteria but also prebiotic fibers. As you may have already learned, prebiotics are basically "food" for probiotics. These help the bacteria to grow and fend off harmful bacteria that, for example, are not good for the skin!
- For the skin to perform its natural functions, we need to support it. This includes, for example, allowing the skin to repair itself when injuries or inflammations occur. The skin is also there to fend off free radicals, which can be caused by UV radiation. But how can we support our skin? The intake of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and Q10 is very suitable for this because they are particularly effective radical scavengers!
- Did you know that the skin also affects your metabolism? This happens through ultraviolet radiation. It is contained in the short-wave portion of sunlight and promotes the body's metabolism. It also helps the body produce vitamin D. Vitamin D has positive effects on our muscles and improves calcium absorption, which strengthens bone formation and supports the immune system. But beware! Too much ultraviolet radiation has very strong negative effects on our body—it can lead to sunburn and chronic diseases such as skin cancer!
- The microbiome fundamentally protects the body from the immunosuppressive effects of UVB radiation. If the skin microbiome is not intact, the skin cannot provide sufficient protection. This is because a healthy skin microbiome suppresses the increased release of cytokines (substances that create an immunosuppressive environment) and thus the protective function of the immune system.
