skin’s microbiome: skin care vs skin health
Skin’s microbiome continues to be one of the forefronts of conversations in the beauty industry.
As studies continue in this area of how to create or maintain a healthy skin microbiome, I stumbled across an amazing presentation given by Lora Lassley, guest speaker for Dakota Biotech.
During the presentation, Lora shared insights to a study on the eco-system of The Yanomami people in the Venezuelan rainforest and how that eco-system created a unique skin-microbiome for their community.
To perform this study mouth and forearm swabs and fecal samples were obtained from the villagers. Sequencing the genes in the fecal samples revealed that the Yanomami carried nearly double the diversity of microbial species in their intestines compared with people living in the US. They also had about 30 to 40 per cent more diversity than a less isolated group of Venezuelan hunter-gatherers that has largely maintained its traditional lifestyle but has occasionally used antibiotics and eaten processed foods. (source: New Scientist)
3 points were discovered through the
ecosystem research
1. The Yanomami skin microbiome is significantly more diverse than that of industrialized populations, (Western culture) challenging the conventional idea that lower microbial diversity is linked to healthier skin.
2. Unique bacterial species found in the Yanomami microbiome suggest that modern lifestyles may contribute to a loss of beneficial microbes, potentially impacting skin health.
3. The presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in the Yanomami microbiome, despite no known exposure to modern antibiotics, indicates that resistance can be naturally occurring rather than solely a result of antibiotic overuse.
One statement from Lora that stuck with me was Skincare vs Skin Health.
As in an industry we tend to chase skin care: skin care trends, skin care regimens, skin care brands, and skin care products. And only a handful of brands are focusing on overall skin health, and skin’s microbiome balance. However, skin health is where the focus of skin’s microbiome lies.
To have great skin, we need great skin health.
What’s our skin goal?
When the skin's microbiome is supported and strengthened with probiotics, it naturally balances itself = Healthy Skin.
Want to learn more? Connect with Cherie to discover how a healthy skin story can enhance your brand’s positioning and get introduced to Dakota Biotech, known for their patented LIVE probiotics designed for formulation development.