Skin Microbiome

Environmental Conditions

The skin microbiome, also known as skin flora, is made up of around 39 trillion
microorganisms that reside on our skin's surface. These tiny organisms survive on
the moisture, oils, and salts that the skin produces to help maintain the temperature
and ensure lubrication. Various areas of the human skin are homes to different
microbial communities, each characterized by their adaptations and functions. For
example, the microbes present on the face differ from those found in armpits.The
reason for all these variations is the skin in different parts of the body encounters
different environmental conditions: some regions of the body are warmer and more
humid, whereas others are more acidic or highly populated with hair cavities. The
conditions within the skin microbiome play an important role in shaping the skin's
texture. The pH level of human skin ranges from 4.1 to 5.8, which falls into the
mildly acidic category. Several factors can lead to differences in skin pH, including:

-Gender: Generally, women have a more acidic skin compared to men.

- Body part: The hands show a greater acidity level than other areas of the body

- Skin tone: Darker skin is usually more acidic than lighter skin.

- Age: Skin pH can undergo changes throughout different life stages.

Keeping the skin's pH in check is essential, as it builds a balanced skin microbiome,

safeguards the stratum corneum—the outermost layer of the epidermis composed
mainly of keratin, a key protein for forming hair, nails, and the skin's surface—and
stimulates the activity of antimicrobial peptides.

Challenges for Microbes

The skin's physical characteristics pose multiple challenges for microbes. The outer
layer of the skin serves as a barrier, preventing microorganisms and harmful viruses
from entering. This outer layer, the epidermis, is comprised of dead skin cells that
are tightly packed with keratin, making the surface tough against bacterial enzymes.
The skin's acidic, dry, and inadequate nutrient environment creates an unwelcoming
atmosphere for microbes. The skin is a self-renewing organ, the skin constantly
sheds dead skin cells and bacteria from its surface. The properties of the skin's
surface vary by location, with some areas being more moist and others drier. The
skin is affected by external factors such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight,
which can affect the microbiome present on the skin. UV radiation can damage skin
cells and it has antibacterial effects.

Microbes that live in the Skin Microbiome of a healthy human body

The skin microbiome of a healthy person consists of a collection of microorganisms

like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites.

Bacteria are the most common microorganisms on the skin. The most frequently
encountered types of bacteria that are present on the skin are staphylococci,
micrococci, Corynebacteria, and Propionibacterium. The separation of these bacteria
differs on the skin's environment; for example, areas with more moisture are home
to bacteria that grow in humidity, such as Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium,
whereas oily regions of the body have a higher presence of Propionibacterium.

Fungi like Malassezia are familiar on the skin, particularly on the torso and arms.
Places like the feet have a wider variety of fungi, including Aspergillus,
Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and Epicoccum.

Viruses can exist by themselves or they reside within bacterial cells.

Skin mites, such as Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, live near hair
cavities. The number of microorganisms found on the skin varies depending on the
location, with humid areas such as the armpits, groin, and nostrils showing the
highest microbial concentrations.

The scalp, mainly parts like the forehead, ears, and the crown, displays a notable
presence of microorganisms. The skin's microbiome constantly changes due to
external environmental changes and the immune response of the body. The
separation of these microorganisms can shift in reaction to skin conditions like
eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, and atopic dermatitis.

How microbes got there

Microorganisms that occupy the skin microbiome are primarily transferred from
mother to child during childbirth:
Birthing procedure: Newborns obtain microbes from their mother's vaginal
canal-The muscular canal that goes from the uterus to the outside of the body- and
nearby areas throughout the childbearing process.

Physical contact: The new born child also receives microbes through direct
skin-to-skin contact with their mother.

Longevity: The influence of the mother on the skin microbiome can stay for a long
period of time.

The microbes that infants rendezvous during birth play a crucial role in shaping
their immune, digestive, and neurological systems. These microorganisms help
teach the immune system to differentiate between harmful pathogens and
non-threatening ones.

Additional elements that may affect the growth of the skin microbiome include:

1. The frequency of hand washing

2. Environmental exposure
3. Preference for using one hand more than the other
4. Climate conditions
5. Geographical region
6. The immune condition of a person
7. The underlying health issues of the individual
8. Prior exposures

Special adaptations of microbes

Skin microorganisms have been adapted to live in the skin microbiome by:

Making use of the limited nutrients: Skin microorganisms have evolved to take
advantage of the insufficient nutrients present on the skin, such as proteins, lipids,
and various substances acquired from the host.

Creating bioactive compounds: Skin microorganisms prompt a range of bioactive

compounds that serve dominant functions, including antibiotics, phenol-soluble
modulins (PSMs), and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These compounds can hinder
the growth of other microorganisms or change their behaviors.

Interacting with the host: Skin microorganisms interact with the host through either
dependent or cooperative relationships.
Hoisting defense and immune mechanisms: Skin microorganisms play a crucial role
in developing defense and immune mechanisms by averting the colonization and
infection of harmful pathogens.

Metabolic Processes that are being carried out

Microorganisms surviving on human skin implement metabolic functions that affect

the skin microbiome in different ways:

Energy production: Microbes use sugars in the body as energy sources, generating
energy through cell respiration or fermentation and storing it as Adenosine
Triphosphate-a high-energy molecule that can be found in all types of cells .

Carbon sources: Some autotrophic-producer- bacteria gain their carbon from

inorganic substances or materials.

Defense: Microbes can upgrade the body's defense against harmful pathogens by
creating a cooperatively beneficial relationship with the host.

Skin balance: The skin microbiome plays a significant role in maintaining skin
balance and overall health.

Functionality of the skin barrier: The skin microbiome aids the skin's barrier function,
safeguarding it from environmental factors and potential pathogens.

Illnesses associated with the microbial community

The microorganisms present in the skin microbiome are associated with various
diseases and conditions:

Atopic dermatitis: A chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may develop from an
imbalance in the skin microbiome. This condition is often associated with the
colonization of Staphylococcus aureus, although not all individuals with atopic
dermatitis carry this bacterium.

Acne: Can arise from a disruption in the skin microbiome. The sebaceous areas of
the skin, such as the face and back, are typically populated by Propionibacterium
bacteria.
Psoriasis: Might develop due to a disarray in the skin microbiome. Dry skin areas
tend to show higher bacterial diversity compared to moist or oily regions.

Rosacea: May be caused by an imbalance in the skin microbiome.

Alopecia areata: Could have a connection to the intestinal microbiome.Fecal

microbiota transplants have been used as a treatment method for alopecia areata.

Remedies
Atopic dermatitis: An effective, intensive treatment for severe eczema involves
applying a corticosteroid ointment and sealing in the medication with a wrap of wet
gauze topped with a layer of dry gauze.

Acne: Salicylic acid treats acne by reducing swelling and redness and unplugging
blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. It treats other skin conditions by
softening and loosening dry, scaly, or thickened skin so that it falls off or can be
removed easily.

Psoriasis: Curcumin, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil, help alleviate
symptoms of psoriasis.

Rosacea: Aloe vera’s soothing properties can help with skin irritation and
inflammation created by rosacea.

Alopecia areata: One of the many lavender oil benefits includes its ability to heal
and protect the skin. It works as a powerful antioxidant and it reduces inflammation.