Skin Microbiota: Setting up a Protocol to Evaluate a Correlation between the Microbial Flora and Skin Parameters

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Dermatology
• Biophysics

Background:

• The role of skin microbiota in skin health and disease is not fully understood.
• Accurate methods are needed to link microbial flora to skin biophysical parameters.
• Non-infectious skin diseases may be influenced by microbial imbalances.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reproducible protocol for correlating skin microbiota composition with skin biophysical parameters.
• To investigate these correlations in healthy individuals.
• To provide a foundation for evaluating skin conditions and treatments.

Main Methods:

• Volunteers were selected using a questionnaire.
• Skin microbiota and biophysical parameters (TEWL, sebum, porphyrins, keratin, water content) were measured on forehead and shoulder areas.
• Measurements were taken at baseline (t0) and after 15 days without lifestyle changes.

Main Results:

• A strong correlation was observed for porphyrin intensity, pH, and trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) between forehead and shoulder areas.
• Specific correlations were found between Cutibacterium acnes and certain biophysical parameters on both skin sites.
• The developed protocol proved to be fast and reproducible.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a reliable method to assess the relationship between skin microbiota and its biophysical characteristics.
• This approach can aid in evaluating problematic skin conditions and the effectiveness of cosmetic or therapeutic interventions for skin dysbiosis.