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SKIN PHYSIOLOGY
Mind Your
Microbiome
by Dave Waggoner and Lisa VanBockern
THE MICROBIOME OF THE SKIN has been on
our radar for some time now, and our interest
continues to grow as numerous studiesshow
the connection between the microbes in our gut
and virtually every aspect of our overall health,
including our skin. Feeding the "good" microbes
in your digestive tract is a huge step toward
improving overall health—and it turns out
eating right also feeds the skin's microbiome.
WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
The microbiome is an ecosystem found at the surface
of our skin that acts as a defense mechanism. Its
makeup consists of microbes—bacteria, fungi,
protozoa, and viruses. The number of genes in all
the microbes of an individual's microbiome is 200
times the number of genes in the human genetic
makeup, and most of the bacteria are staphylococcus
or propionibacterium acnes. Additionally, the
microbiome houses yeasts (malassezia) and parasites
(demodex mites).
1
Everyone has a microbiome that
is unique to them, and it varies with a person's
gender, age, and diet. When disrupted, the
microbiome's barrier functions can fail, leading
to infection and an increase in in† ammation.
