In recent years we have known the existence of an intestinal microbiota that has a fundamental role in our health and not only in the digestive one. But what is still unknown is that the largest organ we have also concentrates an ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Today we will talk about the microbiota of the skin.
The microbiota of the skin is made up of more than a million microorganisms of about 100 different species, inhabiting every millimeter of the skin of our entire body and is acquired from our mother at birth. This mantle of microorganisms evolves with age and, once it stabilizes, each individual has its own microbiota that varies according to the area of the body, due to the different environmental conditions of each one of them.
The microbiota of the skin, under normal conditions, constitutes a complex ecosystem that protects this organ as a physical and immunological barrier. When the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted, it has negative consequences that can cause disease. In addition to its functions at the immune level, it acts as a regulator of the nervous system and is involved in the formation of neurotransmitters and hormonal modulation.
How many types of microorganisms do we have on the skin?
There are two large groups of these microorganisms and they are the resident microorganisms and the pathogenic microorganisms. Residents, as their name suggests, are the permanent ones on the skin of the majority of people that, even if they disappear due to various causes, they reproduce again. Some of them are Staphylococcus C, Corynebacterium or Difteroides.
Pathogenic microorganisms tend to survive a certain period and usually inhabit the superficial layers of the skin. They are opportunists and take advantage to stay in the skin. With an immune response under normal conditions and adequate hygiene, they are not pathogenic.
What is the role of the skin’s microbiota?
The microbiota of the skin is essential for the body’s defenses and skin immunity, preventing the incursion of foreign microorganisms. We could consider it as the first defensive line, with a chemical and physical barrier.
Actively participate as a second line of defense in the immune system, defending ourselves from infections. It creates an uncomfortable environment for opportunistic drummers, presenting an obstacle to their development.
It facilitates the degradation of lipids on the skin surface, favoring the barrier function and protecting against UV radiation.
How to take care of the microbiota of the skin?
The skin is a reflection of the gut microbiota. The vast majority of skin problems are a reflection of intestinal problems and what we eat directly influences skin physiology. Provide good bacteria to the intestine, it is essential for intestinal health and the microbiota of the skin.
One building block is prebiotics or fiber. They are indigestible foods that favor the growth and activity of certain bacteria in the colon. Include vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts or whole grains in all your meals.
Probiotic foods such as fermented ones are rich in live microorganisms that stabilize the flora, preventing the activity of harmful microorganisms. Kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir, vegetable pickles or pickles, coconut yogurt or taking prebiotics in supplementation.
And there are foods that are not healthy for the microbiota of the skin and it is advisable to avoid them or reduce their consumption. Foods like simple, refined sugars, inflammatory foods like gluten, alcohol, or unfermented dairy. These can cause an inflammatory effect and lead to acne, dermatitis or rosacea.
The microbiota of the skin is also altered by excessive hygiene and by abusing aggressive soaps and cleaners that not only wash away dirt, but also eliminate the skin’s natural lipids and modify the microbiota. The use of very hot water also alters and irritates the surface of the skin. Select mild soaps that respect the lipid layer and have a pH that simulates that of the skin (5,5).