E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • The skin microbiome
  • Alireza farahnak,1,*
    1. Biology department Science and art University of Yazd


  • Introduction: The skin is the human body’s largest organ, colonized by a diverse milieu of microorganisms, most of which are harmless or even beneficial to their host. Colonization is driven by the ecology of the skin surface, which is highly variable depending on topographical location, endogenous host factors and exogenous environmental factors. The cutaneous innate and adaptive immune responses can modulate the skin microbiota, but the microbiota also functions in educating the immune system. The development of molecular methods to identify microorganisms has led to an emerging view of the resident skin bacteria as highly diverse and variable. An enhanced understanding of the skin microbiome is necessary to gain insight into microbial involvement in human skin disorders and to enable novel promicrobial and antimicrobial therapeutic approaches for their treatment.The skin is an ecosystem composed of 1.8 m2 of diverse habitats with an abundance of folds, invaginations and specialized niches that support a wide range of microorganisms. The primary role of the skin is to serve as a physical barrier, protecting our bodies from potential assault by foreign organisms or toxic substances. The skin is also an interface with the outside environment and, as such, is colonized by a diverse collection of microorganisms — including bacteria, fungi and viruses — as well as mites1–7. As we describe, many of these microorganisms are harmless and in some cases provide vital functions that the human genome has not evolved. Symbiotic microorganisms occupy a wide range of skin niches and protect against invasion by more pathogenic or harmful organisms. These microorganisms may also have a role in educating the billions of T cells that are found in the skin, priming them to respond to similarly marked pathogenic cousins.The perception of the skin as an ecosystem — composed of living biological and physical components occupying diverse habitats — can advance our understanding of the delicate balance between host and microorganism. Disruptions in the balance on either side of the equation can result in skin disorders or infections. Perturbations affecting the host–microorganism relationship can be endogenous (for example, genetic variation that selects for a specific microbial community) or exogenous (for example, hand washing). To further our understanding of health, disease and infection of the skin, microbiologists, immunologists and dermatologists have partnered with genomic scientists to develop a more complete characterization of the skin microbiota and how it interacts with the host. The physical and chemical features of the skin select for unique sets of microorganisms that are adapted to the niche they inhabit.
  • Methods: 1. Probiotics and Prebiotics: Consuming probiotics and prebiotics can help support a healthy skin microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. 2. Topical Probiotics: Using skincare products containing live probiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin. 3. Gentle Cleansing: Using gentle, pH-balanced cleansers can help to maintain the natural balance of the skin microbiome. 4. Moisturizing: Using moisturizers with ingredients that support the skin microbiome, such as ceramides and fatty acids, can help provide a healthy environment for beneficial bacteria. 5. Sun Protection: Protecting the skin from UV radiation can help maintain a healthy skin microbiome, as sun damage can disrupt the balance of bacteria on the skin. 6. Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can support a healthy skin microbiome. 7. Stress Management: Managing stress can help support a healthy skin microbiome, as stress can impact the diversity and balance of bacteria on the skin. 8. Regular Skin Examinations: Regularly examining the skin for any changes or abnormalities can help identify and address any disruptions to the skin microbiome.
  • Results: The skin microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit the skin. Studies have shown that the skin microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing disease. It acts as a protective barrier, helps to regulate the immune system, and may even influence skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.Research on the skin microbiome has revealed the complexity and variability of microbial communities across different individuals and body sites. Factors such as genetics, environment, lifestyle, and skincare products can influence the composition of the skin microbiome.Understanding the skin microbiome can lead to the development of personalized skincare treatments and interventions that target specific microbial imbalances and promote skin health. Ongoing research is focused on uncovering the mechanisms by which the skin microbiome influences skin health and disease, as well as identifying potential therapeutic strategies to modulate the skin microbiome for beneficial effects.
  • Conclusion: Molecular approaches to characterizing microbial diversity have dramatically changed our view of the skin microbiome, subsequently raising many important questions about the host–microorganism relationship and its relevance to skin disease. Although it is now clear that several dominant organisms (that is, Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium spp.) constitute a large proportion of the skin microbiota, little is understood about the rare or transient organisms making up the balance. It is unclear what factors drive variation in these organisms, and how fluctuation is associated with skin disease.Another outstanding question is whether indigenous skin microorganisms provide some benefit to the host, and whether they are truly symbiotic, or commensal. In a recent example of host and microorganism joining forces to combat invasion by pathogens, the commensal skin bacteria S. epidermidis was demonstrated to inhibit nare colonization and biofilm formation by S. aureus102. A subset of S. epidermidis express the glutamyl endopeptidase protein (encoded by the esp gene), which can synergize with the human AMP β-defensin 2 (also known as β-defensin 4A) to interfere with S. aureus colonization. This example raises several important points for consideration, including the possibility of the host and the microorganism evolving together. Furthermore, as our arsenal of antimicrobial weapons falls short in the battle against S. aureus and other potential pathogens, perhaps therapeutics derived from microorganisms themselves will offer promise as viable alternatives.
  • Keywords: skin , microbiome , microbiota , Symbiotic