A REVIEW ON SKIN MICROBIOME: NOVEL STRATEGY IN COSMETICS

Abstract

Human skin is the largest organ composing a complex ecosystem harbouring different types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and mites that are together known as the skin microbiome. These organisms play an important role in communicating and instructing the cutaneous arm of the immune system to keep the skin healthy. Diet, hormonal imbalance, lifestyle, use of medications and cosmetics have been reported to influence the composition of skin microbiome. These factors can sometimes cause an imbalance in the microbiome leading to a condition known as ‘dysbiosis’. This disruption can then lead to several skin disorders such as dandruff, acne, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis. Hygiene products, make-up, perfume, skin cream, nail polish, soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant etc. also implicated in modifying the skin microbiome. Consumers today are moving towards a simpler, cleaner and nature based products for cosmetics. Microbiome balancing skincare natural products can respond to the rising concerns of environment pollution, skin sensitivity and premature ageing. These products can enrich the skin to repair itself by boosting skins immune system and natural defence barrier. These natural products are meant to remove pathogenic but to retain the composition mutualistic organism. The skincare market has recently embraced these distinct approaches of targeting the skin microbiome through different fronts like Probiotics, Prebiotics and Postbiotics.