The Microbiome and Skin-Health Connection

In this article, we will discuss how various skin issues could be related to the health of the microbiome.

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD 

Skin Layers

The human skin is the body’s largest external organ. It consists of three main layers, which are the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Each layer has its own specific uses:

Epidermis. The epidermis is the skin’s “waterproof” outer layer. It helps the skin regulate body temperature, and also serves as a shield to protect the body against infection from outside organisms. The epidermis has the majority of its health needs met from oxygen in the air, but a smaller portion of nourishment comes from blood capillaries that extend from the dermis.

Dermis. The dermis is the second layer of skin under the epidermis. The dermis is comprised of the following:

• Connective tissue (cushions the body from various strains and stressors)
• Nerve endings (source of heat and touch sensations)
• Hair follicles
• Sweat glands
• Blood vessels
• Lymphatic vessels
• Apocrine glands
• Sebaceous glands

Both nourishment and the removal of waste in the dermis is performed by blood vessels.

Hypodermis. Also known as subcutaneous tissue, the hypodermis lies below the dermis. This layer attaches skin to bones and muscles and supplies it with blood vessels and nerves. The hypodermis also contains 50% of the body fat found in the body.

Each of these layers plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the body. However, studies indicate a healthy microbiome is important for skin health as well.

Microbiome Defined

The microbiome is defined as the bacteria, fungi, microbes, protozoa and viruses that live on and inside the human body. The number of microbes in the microbiome numbers in the trillions, and consists of approximately one thousand different bacterial species. The skin also has a microbiome, which is known as the skin flora. This microbiome lives on the skin, where billions of good microorganisms thrive, keeping it healthy and strong.

Importance of Skin Microbiome

Studies on the skin microbiome have observed the importance of a healthy balance between the microbiome and the host (human). Humidity, pH levels, temperature, and other environmental factors can all have an impact on the health and functionality of the skin microbe. For example, “Toll-like receptors” on the skin have been shown to defend the body against microbes, preventing them from entering the body. They also stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides.1

Skin Microbiome and Disease

As the importance of the skin flora is being studied, researchers have noticed a link between disease and a skin microbiome imbalance:

Acne. Acne is a chronic skin disorder that affects the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. While research is still ongoing, preliminary studies indicate an “altered bacterial colonization” of microorganisms such as Propionibacterium-acnes and Malassezia spp may be a leading factor in the development of acne. Both microorganisms have been linked to comedones (whitehead or blackhead) formation and inflammatory response, two potential causes of acne.2

Atopic dermatitis (AD). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease. One of the most common characteristics of AD is the prevalence of an increased amount of bad bacteria, which increases the probability of having herpes, vaccinia, other and other infections and infections with S. aureus.3

Psoriasis. Another inflammatory skin disease, psoriasis affects nearly 2% of the world’s population. A common characteristic of psoriasis is the infiltration of the skin by immune cells and angiogenesis, which is the development of new blood vessels. Studies on the skin disease found that the lesions contained 46.2% of the bacteria Firmicutes, while normal skin only contained 24.4%. In addition, normal skin samples contained 47.6% Actinobacteria, while those with psoriasis only contained 37.3%. Researchers conclude that psoriasis “is associated with substantial alteration in the composition and representation of the cutaneous bacteria biota.”4

Rosacea. Rosacea primarily afflicts middle-aged women with fair skin. Symptoms of rosacea are redness and pus-filled bumps on the face. Rosacea affects approximately 3% of the world’s population. Studies on rosacea found that those with the skin disease had higher amounts of the Toll-like receptor 2 than those with normal, healthy skin.5

Seborrheic dermatitis (SD). Affecting more than 3 million people annually, seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that primarily affects the scalp, but can also affect the eyebrows, ears, and chest. Common symptoms include scaly patches and red skin. On average, SD first appears during puberty or in individuals 50 and over. Some patients have had seborrheic dermatitis when dealing with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and AD. It is believed that the fungi M. restricta and M. globosa may play a role in the origins of SD: They can release arachidonic acid, which could cause inflammation.6

Instead of simply treating the symptoms, it’s critical for a person to get to the root cause of their health issues. In the case of skin conditions, a compromised skin microbiome might be the culprit.

Healthy Skin Microbiome Tips

Keeping the skin microbiome balanced is essential for good health. Here are the top ways to improve skin flora:

Consume prebiotics and probiotics. A healthy diet is key for good health. This also includes healthy skin. Prebiotics are a type of fiber the body can’t digest. They also feed probiotics, which are known as the “good” bacteria. When taken together, this is called microbiome therapy. Here are the top prebiotics and probiotics.

Top Microbiome Supplements

In addition to foods, there are quality supplements available to keep the gut flora healthy:

Systemic Formulas: #138 - MBC - Microbiome Colonizer

Created by Dr. Shayne Morris, theSystemic Formulas: #138 - MBC - Microbiome Colonizer contains a high concentration of probiotics, specifically designed to support immune function. This product is dairy-free, gluten free, egg free and contains no GMO’s. The result is a product ideal for vegans or those who simply want a natural, healthy supplement.

MegaPreBiotic™ - Natural Mango Flavor - 150g powder

MegaPreBiotic™ - Natural Mango Flavor - 150g powder is a prebiotic that helps feed the healthy bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bifidobacteria. These bacteria can be diminished in number by a poor diet, stress, antibiotics, glyphosate and other environmental toxins. The result could have detrimental effects on the skin and the microbiome. Keeping adequate levels of this bacteria in the body is essential for good health.

Summary

Unbeknownst to many, too much bad bacteria in the body can cause a myriad of health issues. For example, common skin disorders such as acne and psoriasis could be caused by an imbalance in the microbiome. By focusing on keeping a healthy balance of bacteria in the body, a person could see an improvement in their skin and overall health.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is based upon the opinions of Revelation Health. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Revelation Health and associates. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Charles Penick, MD for accuracy of the information provided, but Revelation Health encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

References:

1Schommer NN, Gallo RL. Structure and function of the human skin microbiome. Trends Microbiol. 2013 Dec;21(12):660-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2013.10.001. Epub 2013 Nov 12. [PMID: 24238601]; PMCID: PMC4744460.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4744460/

2Xu, H., & Li, H. (2019). Acne, the Skin Microbiome, and Antibiotic Treatment. American journal of clinical dermatology, 20(3), 335–344. [PMID: 30632097] PMCID: PMC6534434 doi:10.1007/s40257-018-00417-3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30632097-acne-the-skin-microbiome-and-antibiotic-treatment/

3Kim BE, Bin L, Ye YM(et al). IL-25 Enhances HSV-1 Replication By Inhibiting Filaggrin Expression, And Acts Synergistically With Th2 Cytokines To Enhance HSV-1 Replication. J Invest Dermatol. 2013 Dec;133(12):2678-2685. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.223. Epub 2013 May 8. [PMID: 23657503]; PMCID: PMC3785566.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3785566/?report=reader

4Gao Z, Tseng CH, Strober BE (et al). Substantial alterations of the cutaneous bacterial biota in psoriatic lesions. PLoS One. 2008 Jul 23;3(7):e2719. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002719. [PMID: 18648509]; PMCID: PMC2447873.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2447873/?report=reader

5Yamasaki K, Kanada K, Macleod DT, (et al). TLR2 Expression Is Increased In Rosacea And Stimulates Enhanced Serine Protease Production By Keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol. 2011 Mar;131(3):688-97. doi: 10.1038/jid.2010.351. Epub 2010 Nov 25. [PMID: 21107351]; PMCID: PMC3085277.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085277/?report=reader

6Gupta AK, Batra R, Bluhm, (et al). Skin Diseases Associated With Malassezia Species. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004 Nov;51(5):785-98. [PMID: 15523360}. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2003.12.034. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15523360-skin-diseases-associated-with-malassezia-species/