The effects of aging and external factors like UV exposure on skin health are well known. As we age, our skin tends to lose moisture and develop wrinkles. However, researchers may have uncovered an intriguing new player in the story of skin aging: the skin microbiome, the diverse collection of microorganisms that live on our skin.
In a collaborative study conducted by the Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI) at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and L’Oréal Research and Innovation, scientists identified specific microbes associated with skin aging, such as wrinkles and moisture loss. Their findings, published in Frontiers in Aging on January 11, 2024, represent the first study to isolate microbes linked to visible aging signs rather than aging as a chronological process.
Unpacking the Study: Skin Microbiome and Aging Signs
The study analyzed data from 13 previous L’Oréal studies involving over 650 female participants aged 18 to 70. Using advanced statistical methods, researchers cross-referenced skin microbiome data with clinical signs of aging, such as crow’s feet wrinkles and transepidermal water loss (the evaporation of moisture through the skin).
“Previous studies have shown that skin microbes change predictably with age,” explained Se Jin Song, CMI Director of Research and corresponding author of the study. “However, there’s considerable variation in how skin ages. Some people’s skin looks much younger or older than their chronological age. By isolating the microbes associated specifically with aging signs, we’ve opened up new possibilities for targeted skincare.”
The analysis revealed two key trends:
- Positive correlation with wrinkles: Higher skin microbiome diversity was associated with more pronounced crow’s feet wrinkles.
- Negative correlation with moisture loss: Lower microbiome diversity was linked to increased transepidermal water loss, a key indicator of dry skin.
- These findings suggest that the skin microbiome could influence—or be influenced by—visible aging signs, though further research is needed to confirm causation.
New Biomarkers and Future Skincare Solutions
The team identified several potential microbial biomarkers that could serve as targets for future studies. While it’s too early to translate these findings into actionable skincare products, the research lays the groundwork for exploring microbial interventions to improve skin health.
“At L’Oréal, we’re committed to creating skincare solutions that cater to individual needs,” said Qian Zheng, Head of Advanced Research, North America at L’Oréal. “This research highlights how the skin microbiome impacts wrinkles and overall skin quality, offering new insights into developing targeted products for healthier, more youthful skin.”
Future studies may focus on metabolomics to identify chemical biomarkers related to skin aging and meta-transcriptomics to explore genetic engineering targets. Expanding research beyond the outer layer of the skin is also on the horizon, potentially unlocking deeper insights into the microbiome’s role in aging.
The Beginning of a New Era in Skin Research
While this study marks a significant milestone in understanding the relationship between the skin microbiome and visible aging, researchers see it as just the start.
“By confirming a link between the microbiome and skin health, we’ve laid the groundwork for further discoveries,” said CMI Faculty Director and co-author Rob Knight. “Our ultimate goal is to modify the microbiome to create personalized, science-backed skincare recommendations.”
This groundbreaking research is a testament to the power of collaboration between academia and industry. Funded through a sponsored research agreement between L’Oréal Research and Innovation and UC San Diego, the study opens exciting possibilities for microbiome-driven approaches to combat skin aging and enhance overall skin health.
With further exploration, the microbiome could become a cornerstone of the next generation of skincare innovations, offering tailored solutions that address the visible and underlying causes of skin aging.
Reference: Tyler Myers, Amina Bouslimani, Shi Huang, Shalisa T. Hansen, Cécile Clavaud, Anissa Azouaoui, Alban Ott, Audrey Gueniche, Charbel Bouez, Qian Zheng, Luc Aguilar, Rob Knight, Magali Moreau, Se Jin Song. A multi-study analysis enables identification of potential microbial features associated with skin aging signs. Frontiers in Aging, 2024.
