Researchers discover a potential link between skin microbiome and skin ageing. This discovery could ultimately lead to the development of new technologies for healthier, younger-looking skin. Photo: AFP
The longer we spend in the sun, or exposed to pollution or cigarette smoke, the more our skin tends to become wrinkled. Beyond advancing age, these are the factors most commonly blamed for the development of signs associated with skin ageing.
However, they are not the only ones, as revealed by research conducted jointly by the Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI) at the University of California, San Diego, and L'Oreal Research & Innovation.
The skin microbiome, that is, the bacteria found on the skin, could also play a central role in the development (or not) of wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet.
"Previous studies have shown that the types of microbes on our skin change fairly predictably with age. Our skin also changes physiologically with age; for example, we gain wrinkles and our skin gets drier. But there is variation in what this looks like in people – you've probably noticed that there are some people who have younger or older looking skin than many others their age," reads the statement by corresponding author and CMI director of research, Se Jin Song.
"Using advanced statistical methods, we were able to tease apart the microbes that are associated with these types of ageing signs for skin, like crow's feet wrinkles, from those that are associated with simply age as a chronological number."
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To reach these conclusions, the researchers analysed data from 13 skin health studies conducted over the past few years by L'Oreal, including more than 650 women aged 18 to 70, based not only on clinical skin data, but also on bacterial identification and classification data.
The researchers' findings, published in the journal Frontiers In Aging, highlight a "positive association" between microbiome diversity and crow's feet wrinkles, located in the outer corner of the eye.
On the other hand, the paper reports "a negative correlation" between microbiome diversity and transepidermal water loss, in other words the amount of water that evaporates through the skin – generally when the cutaneous barrier is impaired due to skin ageing.
Tackling the signs of ageing?
These findings represent a first step that is, as yet, far from leading to new preventive solutions. However, the scientists' discovery could pave the way for more in-depth research to better understand the associations between the skin microbiome and skin ageing.
It may, in the long term, even potentially lead to the development of new technologies or treatments.
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Co-author Qian Zheng, head of advanced research, North America at L'Oréal said: "This research is groundbreaking in identifying new microbial biomarkers linked to visible signs of ageing like crow's feet wrinkles. It marks a significant step towards developing technologies for healthier, more youthful skin.
"We look forward to sharing new results as they become available, furthering the scientific community's understanding and contributing to advancing new skincare solutions."
The aim now is to focus on identifying the specific biomarkers of the microbiome linked to skin ageing, in order to try – again in the long term – to develop a means of modifying them in order to attain targeted results.
This could lead to technologies, whether through cosmetics or more sophisticated beauty tools, designed to tackle the signs of ageing in an (ever more) significant way. – AFP Relaxnews
