Whereas collagen loss is likely one of the greatest contributing components to getting older pores and skin, it is actually not the one one. A variety of components contribute to the looks of getting older pores and skin. And as a rising physique of proof means that the well being, variety, and vibrancy of your microbiome is one lacking hyperlink. 

So not solely are we discovering that there is a relationship between your pores and skin microbiome and collagen, however we’re additionally studying extra concerning the microbiome and lipids, epidermal integrity, and the way the pores and skin offers with oxidative stress. 

For instance, sure strains of micro organism on our pores and skin produce an antioxidant referred to as RoxP. RoxP is principally an excellent antioxidant2 that your microbiome secretes that’s particularly adept at defending the pores and skin from oxidation. When your microbiome is out of homeostasis, it would not have the power to supply it as readily, which results in extra susceptibility to wreck and untimely getting older.

One other space we’re studying extra about is how the microbiome helps the pores and skin restore and regenerate itself. One occasion of that is by means of one other very important scaffolding protein within the pores and skin (no collagen is not the one one—simply probably the most well-known!). Sure byproducts of the pores and skin microbiome (ahem, probiotics) can set off the expression of the ZO-1 tight juncture. ZO-13 is a posh protein that helps bind collectively pores and skin cells (extra particularly, the commonest sort of pores and skin cells, that are the keratinocytes). With an elevated expression of this gene, the dermis is stronger, and there may be enhanced epidermal framework regeneration. Primarily, the microbiome might help assist the pores and skin in regenerating itself—one thing it loses the power to do with age.