The fact that the human body has more microbial cells than human cells is a recent discovery, dating back 20 years. It is estimated that there are 39,000 billion microbial cells compared to 30,000 billion human cells (blood cells, skin cells, bone cells, etc.).
Think about it for a moment...
This means that for centuries, human biology has focused on human cells and largely ignored the existence of trillions of microbial cells and their role in human health. Therefore, advances in microbiome science raise questions about current medicine.
Over the past two decades, microbiome and epigenetic sciences have opened new frontiers in human biology that are leading to innovative and more effective ways to target disease.
So far, we have only scratched the surface of the microbiome world. We are still mapping the different strains, understanding the derivatives produced by the microbiota and their overall role in human health. But one thing is clear: microbiomes are essential to human health, and human health depends on the coexistence of human and microbial cells.
Acne is a perfect example of this crossroads. Traditionally, acne has been treated with medications that target human skin cells and kill bacteria in the skin and gut, as bacteria are considered bad. This is an archaic approach that predates the science of the microbiome and epigenetics. Since 2021, Skin Diligent exists to challenge this deeply rooted, ancient science. Skin Diligent has introduced a novel approach to targeting acne through a multifaceted approach combining nutritional supplements and skincare that respects the skin microbiome and boosts the skin’s natural ability to do its job of defense and repair, leading to healthy skin.
Microbiome vs. microbiota
The microbiota refers to all the microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi present in an environment (e.g., the skin microbiota or the gut microbiota). The microbiome refers to the entire genetic material of all these microorganisms. In other words, the microbiota and its genes. These terms are often used interchangeably.
The role of the gut microbiome in human health
So far, we know that the gut microbiome influences or produces certain hormones (estrogen, progesterone, corticosterone, serotonin, etc.), produces certain vitamins (vitamin K and some B vitamins), regulates the immune system (by training and directing the human immune system and inflammation, so that your body does not overreact by creating allergies, for example), and ensures the proper functioning of our metabolism (digestion, absorption of nutrients, use of nutrients for energy and normal functioning of the body).
Recent research has suggested that the gut microbiome may also play a role in mental health. The gut is sometimes referred to as the “second brain” because it contains a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters. Some researchers believe the gut microbiome may be involved in regulating mood and behavior through this gut-brain connection.
The gut microbiome is incredibly diverse, with hundreds of different species of microorganisms living in the gut. The composition of the microbiome varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as diet, age, genetics, and lifestyle.
Research has shown that imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as a reduction in beneficial bacteria or an increase in harmful bacteria, can be associated with a range of health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, skin conditions and even mental health disorders.
Therefore, there is growing interest in understanding the gut microbiome and its role in health, as well as in the development of treatments, such as probiotics and prebiotics, aimed at promoting a healthy microbiome and preventing or treating diseases.
The role of the skin microbiome
The skin microbiome is unique to each individual and can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, diet, lifestyle, and geography. However, in general, the skin microbiome is dominated by bacteria, particularly species such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium.
The skin microbiome has many important functions, including:
- Protecting the skin from harmful pathogens
- Regulate the skin's immune system
- Maintain skin pH balance
- Break down sebum and other oils in the skin
- Prevent excessive inflammation and allergic reactions
Imbalances in the skin microbiome can lead to a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. That’s why understanding and maintaining a healthy skin microbiome is an important aspect of overall skin health.
Maintaining a healthy skin microbiome can be achieved through practices such as using gentle skin care products, avoiding over-cleansing or over-exfoliating, and eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
That's why all of Skin Diligent's natural skincare products respect the skin's microbiome, pH and skin barrier integrity to better address skin concerns.
Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics
Probiotics : Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that are beneficial to human health. Previously, scientists thought that probiotics worked by colonizing the gut with beneficial microorganisms, but new studies now show that probiotics are more transient. However, while in transit, probiotics play an important role in the production of enzymes and fatty acids that help maintain a healthy intestinal wall—in other words, they help repair and prevent leaky gut.
The good bacteria found in many fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut are not necessarily called probiotics. The term "probiotics" is reserved for strains that have been shown to have beneficial effects, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
Prebiotics : Prebiotics are nondigestible fibers and carbohydrates that serve as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. They are found in many plant-based foods such as onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus, and whole grains. Prebiotics work by promoting the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Postbiotics : Postbiotics are the byproducts of probiotic metabolism, including enzymes, peptides, organic acids, and short-chain fatty acids. They result from the fermentation of prebiotics by probiotic bacteria in the gut. Postbiotics may have beneficial effects on the host, such as reducing inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function, and enhancing immune function. Postbiotics can also be obtained from fermented foods and dietary supplements.
In summary, probiotics are live microorganisms that can improve gut health by colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are nondigestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, and postbiotics are the byproducts of probiotic metabolism that can exert beneficial effects on the gut and overall health.
Potential benefits of probiotics for skin health:
They help prevent and treat acne: Probiotics have been found to decrease the severity and frequency of acne by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin.
They help reduce eczema symptoms: Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, itching, and dryness. Probiotics can improve these symptoms by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation.
They help improve skin hydration: Probiotics can help improve the skin's natural hydration capacity by strengthening the skin barrier function and increasing the production of ceramides.
Helps Reduce Signs of Aging: Probiotics reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity and reducing inflammation.
Overall, probiotics can be a helpful addition to a skin care routine because they can help promote healthy skin by supporting the skin’s natural microbiome and reducing inflammation. However, more research is needed to fully understand the specific strains and dosages of probiotics that are most effective for different skin types and conditions.
Is it easy to formulate skin care with probiotics?
No, because skincare products require preservatives, and by definition, preservatives kill any microorganisms that may grow inside the products during their shelf life. Since probiotics are bacteria, they are also affected by preservatives. This is why there are not many products containing probiotics on the market. It takes very technical formulations to create skincare that contains live probiotics.
Have you tried our Triple Action Cleanser that gently cleanses and exfoliates while providing a dose of probiotics? Its highly technical and preservative-free formulation is ideal for skin care. Follow with our new Cellular Hydration Serum to engorge cells with water and improve cellular health thanks to probiotics, prebiotics, hyaluronic acid and the patented ingredient, vitamin D agonist which is the equivalent of D3 (cholecalciferol) on the skin without UVs!