Advances in Microbiome-Derived Solutions and Methodologies Are Founding a New Era in Skin Health and Care

Abstract

The microbiome, as a community of microorganisms and their structural elements, genomes, metabolites/signal molecules, has been shown to play an important role in human health, with significant beneficial applications for gut health. Skin microbiome has emerged as a new field with high potential to develop disruptive solutions to manage skin health and disease. Despite an incomplete toolbox for skin microbiome analyses, much progress has been made towards functional dissection of microbiomes and host-microbiome interactions. A standardized and robust investigation of the skin microbiome is necessary to provide accurate microbial information and set the base for a successful translation of innovations in the dermo-cosmetic field. This review provides an overview of how the landscape of skin microbiome research has evolved from method development (multi-omics/data-based analytical approaches) to the discovery and development of novel microbiome-derived ingredients. Moreover, it provides a summary of the latest findings on interactions between the microbiomes (gut and skin) and skin health/disease. Solutions derived from these two paths are used to develop novel microbiome-based ingredients or solutions acting on skin homeostasis are proposed. The most promising skin and gut-derived microbiome interventional strategies are presented, along with regulatory, safety, industrial, and technical challenges related to a successful translation of these microbiome-based concepts/technologies in the dermo-cosmetic industry.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicentric Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and the Tolerability of a Class II Medical Device in the Treatment of Mild and Moderate Acne

“…Scientists are constantly looking for new solutions that bring good results when it comes to the treatment of acne, including the management of microbial dysbiosis. In this context, the use of internal supplementation and cosmetics with probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and novel microbiome-based ingredients is acquiring importance, and clinical efficacy has been proven [37][38][39] In line with these findings, the medical device under study contains a lysate from bifida (bifida ferment lysate) that can regulate bacterial flora modulating the reduction of skin pH [40].…”

“…Scientists are constantly looking for new solutions that bring good results when it comes to the treatment of acne, including the management of microbial dysbiosis. In this context, the use of internal supplementation and cosmetics with probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and novel microbiome-based ingredients is acquiring importance, and clinical efficacy has been proven [ 37 – 39 ]…”

Targeting Staphylococcus aureus dominated skin dysbiosis in actinic keratosis to prevent the onset of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Outlook for future therapies?

“…A commensal species, Cutibacterium acnes , is a regular skin colonizer that has demonstrated both beneficial effects and opportunistic pathogenic effects on human skin ( 73 ) ( Table 1 ). It encompasses 90% of the skin microbiome in predominantly oily areas such as the face and back ( 74 ). C. acnes has a variety of roles in maintenance of skin homeostasis, including the degradation of long chain fatty acids in sebum to short-chain fatty acids such as propionic acid, which acts as a natural antimicrobial agent on the skin as well as modulating skin pH ( 74 ).…”

“…It encompasses 90% of the skin microbiome in predominantly oily areas such as the face and back ( 74 ). C. acnes has a variety of roles in maintenance of skin homeostasis, including the degradation of long chain fatty acids in sebum to short-chain fatty acids such as propionic acid, which acts as a natural antimicrobial agent on the skin as well as modulating skin pH ( 74 ). In terms of the pathogenic effects, C. acnes has demonstrated increased abundance on swabs of acne vulgaris and is thought to play a pro-inflammatory role as it is able to form biofilms and change the composition of sebum ( 74 , 75 ).…”

“…C. acnes has a variety of roles in maintenance of skin homeostasis, including the degradation of long chain fatty acids in sebum to short-chain fatty acids such as propionic acid, which acts as a natural antimicrobial agent on the skin as well as modulating skin pH ( 74 ). In terms of the pathogenic effects, C. acnes has demonstrated increased abundance on swabs of acne vulgaris and is thought to play a pro-inflammatory role as it is able to form biofilms and change the composition of sebum ( 74 , 75 ). Whilst not the focus of this review, acne vulgaris is the most frequent diagnosis of skin disease in patients aged 5–44 years, and is an uncommon diagnosis in elderly populations due to the change in the nature of the skin ( 76 ).…”