Biocogent explains why it is critical for microbiome-based innovations to be promoted and conveyed to the consumer with clarity and an appreciation for the sophistication of the subject matter and technology
Currently, the skin microbiome is one of the most popular trending topics within the cosmetic care industry. Briefly, the skin microbiome represents the collective genetic content presented by the microbial species that inhabit the various regions of the skin – the skin microbiota. This diverse community of microorganisms includes bacteria, fungi, protists, archaea, and viruses.
Disruptions in the normal homeostatic levels of these microbes, what is known as dysbiosis, can have significant downstream impacts on skin health. Indeed, the cosmetic care industry has become engrossed in the era of the skin microbiome with the field of microbiological research continuing to produce astounding discoveries implicating microbial inhabitants in the molecular pathogenesis of multiple skin conditions.
These scientific findings are being reported at an unrelenting pace. As such, the cosmetic care industry has marshaled considerable efforts to design, develop, and launch products imbued with microbiome modulatory activities.2,3 Furthermore, according to MarketDigits, the global market for human microbiome-based products will soar to approximately $2.5 billion by the year 2030.
As mentioned above, a significant amount of information has been amassed that implicates skin resident microbes in the pathogenesis of several skin conditions. For example, Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes have been identified as contributing factors in the development of atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris respectively.
These findings have spawned multiple efforts to determine if other skin diseases can be attributable to microorganisms and if topical applications can be designed and implemented to counter these microbial culprits.
The purported benefits of the bio-active ingredients driving these effects are coupled with phrases like ‘microbiome friendly’ and ‘improved biodiversity’. Yet is this broad approach to improving skin health too simplified? Does one-size truly fit all?
There is no denying the power of microbiome modulators but should the cosmetic care industry exercise greater nuance with the deployment of these actives? Blanket marketing campaigns run the risk of over-promise and loss of consumer confidence when the material activities do not satisfy hopes.
An appreciation is required of the nuance that comes with a desire to toggle the growth of a living microorganism. Important questions should be raised in the early developmental stages of such actives. Is the ingredient intended to be broadly anti-microbial? Or does the consumer need a more precise modulation of microbial growth with fewer species targeted?
Also, what constitutes ‘microbiome friendly’? Is ‘increased biodiversity’ always going to promote skin health? Lacking in many of the current approaches is an understanding that, unlike biochemicals, living (biological) creatures will respond to interventions to modulate their growth.
Such facts likely will require the cosmetic industry to deploy either ‘evolving products’ or to embrace ‘precision cosmetic care’ much as the healthcare community has embraced ‘precision medicine’. Here, these critical questions are tackled in the hopes of providing a greater appreciation of the complexity of microbiome modulatory endeavours.
Microbial ecology of the skin
The skin represents the largest organ of the human body, and as stated above, this landscape is heavily colonized by a variety of different types of microorganisms.1 Given the scope of the skin, multiple environmental niches have been characterized including dry, moist, and sebaceous areas. Indeed, the scalp could also be considered a unique site.
Depending upon the specific location of the skin that is analyzed, region-specific microbes will be detected. This is the basis of what has become known as the ‘biogeography’ of skin as different skin landscapes harbor distinct microbial communities.6
Of the bacterial constituents, the most commonly identified organisms are S. epidermidis and C. acnes.7
Both have affinity for the moist regions of the skin, while C. acnes also enjoys and contributes to oily, sebaceous sites.
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