The fact that the human body contains more microbial cells than human cells is a recent discovery, dating back 20 years. It is estimated that there are 39 trillion microbial cells compared to 30 trillion human cells (blood, skin, 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. Consequently, advances in microbiome science are raising questions about current medicine.
Over the last two decades, the sciences of the microbiome and epigenetics have opened new frontiers in human biology that are leading to innovative and more effective ways of targeting diseases.
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 drugs that target human skin cells and kill skin and gut bacteria, as bacteria were considered "bad." This is an archaic approach that predates microbiome and epigenetic sciences. Since 2021, Skin Diligent has existed to challenge these deeply rooted old sciences. Skin Diligent has introduced an innovative approach to targeting acne through a multifaceted approach combining food supplements and skincare that respect the skin microbiome and boost the skin's natural ability to carry out its defense and repair work, for healthy skin.
Microbiome vs. microbiota
Microbiota refers to all microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi present in an environment (for example, the skin microbiota or the gut microbiota). 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 certain 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 body function).
Recent research has suggested that the gut microbiome might also play a role in mental health. The gut is sometimes considered the "second brain" because it contains a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters. Some researchers believe that the gut microbiome could 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 gut microbiome imbalances, 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 diseases, obesity, diabetes, skin problems, and even mental health disorders.
Consequently, there is growing interest in understanding the gut microbiome and its role in health, as well as in developing 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 like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium.
The skin microbiome has many important functions, which include:
- Protecting the skin against harmful pathogens
- Regulating the skin's immune system
- Maintaining the skin's pH balance
- Breaking down sebum and other skin oils
- Preventing excessive inflammation and allergic reactions
Imbalances in the skin microbiome can lead to various skin conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. This is 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 skincare products, avoiding over-cleansing or over-exfoliating, and eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
This is why all of Skin Diligent's natural skincare products respect the skin's microbiome, its pH, and the integrity of the skin barrier in order to better resolve skin issues.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that are beneficial to human health. Previously, scientists thought that probiotics acted by colonizing the gut with beneficial microorganisms, but new studies now show that probiotics are more transient. However, during their transit, probiotics play an important role in the production of enzymes and fatty acids that contribute to maintaining a healthy gut lining; in other words, they help to repair and prevent intestinal hyperpermeability.
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 whose beneficial effects have been proven, for example, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers and carbohydrates that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. 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 by-products 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 can have beneficial effects on the host, such as reducing inflammation, improving gut barrier function, and enhancing immune function. Postbiotics can also be obtained from fermented foods and food supplements.
In summary, probiotics are live microorganisms that can improve gut health by colonizing the gut with beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, and postbiotics are the by-products 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 ceramide production.
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 useful addition to a skincare 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 skincare with probiotics?
No, because skincare products require preservatives and, by definition, preservatives kill all microorganisms that can 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 requires highly technical formulations to create a skincare product containing live probiotics.
Have you already tested our Triple Action Cleanser which gently cleanses and exfoliates while providing a dose of probiotics? Its highly technical, preservative-free formulation is ideal for skincare. Follow with the 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 the UVs!