Exploring the Impact of Skin Care Routines on the Skin Microbiome and Possible Skin Disease Risk—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Unceasing exposure of skin and its microbiome to various external and internal factors influences its health. Any imbalance ensuing may result in dysbiosis and consequently skin diseases. Thus, it becomes critical to identify and recognize the influence of several factors on the skin microbiome and various disorders associated with it. Methods: In the current investigation, we studied the skin microbiomes of 37 subjects using the next-generation shotgun sequencing method and compared them with 48 healthy subjects from the Human Microbiome Project (HMP). This work focused on the analysis of the impact of different skin care routines—use of sunscreen and moisturizers—on the skin microbiome and related skin diseases. Results: Differences were observed between the microbiomes of subjects who were using only moisturizer (p = 3.1 × 10−5) or moisturizer with sunscreen (p = 3.2 × 10−13) and those who did not use these products at all. We also observed differences in the skin microbiomes of males vs. females with respect to the use of moisturizer. The composition of the skin microbiomes of female participants showed a higher difference in diversity in comparison to males. The current investigation also found that usage of sunscreen might help in retaining skin-protecting species in the skin microbiome. Conclusions: This work allowed us to understand the impact of moisturizer and sunscreen on skin health. The present evaluation shall pave the way for personalized skin care product development.