Managing Acneic Skin: The Role of the Microbiome in Different Skin Conditions

Managing Acneic Skin: The Role of the Microbiome in Different Skin Conditions

What is acneic skin?

This is an image of a woman's face with acne on it. Her skin is light in colour and has red bumps of acne and a few scars.
Acneic skin is the result of clogged hair follicles due to excess dead skin cells and oil. It blocks the skin from releasing sebum and keratinocytes from reaching the surface. Lesions known as pimples or zits are caused by excess sebum oil and dead skin cells that block the pores of the skin leading to acneic skin.

How does microbiome affect the skin?

 

Diagram of the skin microbiome consisting of layers of skin and on top of the layers, there is bacteria, fungi & viruses residing on it

Microbiome of the skin consists of invisible life forms such as fungi, viruses and bacterias, also known as microorganisms, which are also available in our gut. The microbiome or the skin flora consists of different types of skin microorganism that protects the skin against disease-causing microorganisms.  The microbiome helps in boosting protection by creating a barrier and also strengthens immunity. 

The microbiome of the skin forms a layer that protects the interior of the skin from the outside world. It helps the other part of the skin to heal wounds, manage inflammation, maintain the immune system, and save the skin from infection. The skin microbiome is usually damaged by ultraviolet exposure, which damages the DNA. 

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Managing acneic skin

Acneic skin is caused by the bacteria or microorganisms in the skin which are influenced by the short-chained fatty acids produced by the gut bacteria. It is more likely to have acne during puberty because of certain hormones that activate the release of sebum which in turn increases the growth of bacteria causing acne.

Acneic skin can be managed by maintaining gut health. The diet that we consume influences the different types of microbes living in our gut. In order to maintain acneic skin, one should limit the consumption of food that causes a hike in the blood sugar level. As we know gut health and acneic skin are related, both can be simultaneously controlled by limiting the consumption of ultra-processed food and having a wholesome plant-based diet. Adding probiotics to your diet can also help.

The gut microbiome and the skin microbiome

 

Infographic of intestine (cross-sectional view) connected to a blood vessel that then connects to the skin microbiome

 

Like the skin microbiome, gut microbiome is the microorganism that lives in our digestive tracts. The skin and the gut microbiome influence each other, which is why most of the skin conditions are impacted by both types of microbiomes. When there is an imbalance in the skin and gut microbiomes, dysbiosis takes place which changes the response to immunity and fuels the rapid development of skin conditions. 

Why is gut health important?

The gut microbiome affects skin conditions like acne by modulating systemic inflammation and immune responses. Dysbiosis can lead to increased intestinal permeability, allowing endotoxins and inflammatory mediators to enter the bloodstream. This systemic inflammation can trigger or worsen acne by increasing sebum production and altering skin barrier function. Additionally, gut health impacts the regulation of hormones like insulin and androgens, which are linked to acne development. Balancing the gut microbiome through diet, probiotics, and prebiotics may help manage acne by reducing inflammation and supporting overall skin health.

Also Read: Top 10 Good Digestive Foods to Support Gut Health

How do microbiomes affect different skin conditions?

Different skin conditions that happen due to the change in microbiomes are:
  • Psoriasis: The change in the intestine leads to transformation in bacteria from one place to another which activates inflammation. This abnormal microbiome leads to a continuous inflammatory response. There is a connection between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Dysbiosis can be treated by the use of antibiotics which solves the issue of psoriasis but also results in the destruction of good microorganisms on the skin and intestine. 

  • Acne: Acne is caused by excessive production of sebum, follicular hyperkeratinization, cutibacterium acne, microbiomes of the skin, and inflammation. Moderate to severe acne can be treated by photodynamic therapy which raised the range of microbiomes in acneic skin and transferred follicular microbiomes to epidermal microbiomes.
  • Rosacea: The modification in the gut microbiome causes rosacea. 
  • Alopecia areata: Genetic susceptibility, certain environmental factors, and the involvement of gut and skin microbiomes are found to be responsible for the autoimmunity in alopecia areata. The change in the microbiomes of the hair follicles leads to the loss of balance in the microorganisms, and regulation of the reaction of immunity. Consuming a balanced diet and food-based diet helps in gut health which in turn aids in hair regrowth. Alopecia areata can be treated through therapeutic manipulation of the microbiomes. 
  • Atopic dermatitis: It results from complicated interaction between vulnerable genes of the body, improper barrier, natural and adaptable immunity, and microbiome. Antimicrobial agent destroys a bacteria named S. Aureas along with other parts of the skin microbiome which leads to destruction of balance between the species and creating resistance to bacterial growth on the skin. 
Some of the other skin conditions which happen due to dysbiosis are:
  • Eczema 
  • Dandruff
  • Vitiligo
  • Albinism
  • Toenail infection

Conclusion

In conclusion, the skin condition of a person fluctuates throughtout their lives specially for women where hormones play a vital role. Other than hormones, a major part of one’s skin depends on many factors such as mental health and diet.  An imbalanced and improper diet can lead to an unhealthy gut, thus resulting in the different skin conditions of a person.  To strengthen the microbiome of the skin, one needs to take care of their guts and also their skin.  Sometimes, the imbalance in the microbiome of the skin can be corrected through creams, oral drugs, gels, and supplements like probiotics. 
Sova Health offers different solutions for managing acneic skin through gut health. We ensure that customers find everlasting solutions to their acne-related problems from our products. We provide personalized gut healing routines and microbiome supplements that aid in restoring the protective barrier of the skin. Whether your concern is acne, gut-related issues, weight loss, acidity, or bloating, we at Sova Health are a one-stop solution to all your problems. Visit our sova.health and go through the wide range of products which are promising as well as pocket friendly in the run long.