What Is Acne Vulgaris?
Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder caused by clogged hair follicles caused by dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum. The blocked follicles bring on black and whiteheads and other inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin imperfections. By age 16, 95 percent of boys and 83 percent of girls suffer from acne vulgaris. Severe acne affects men more severely, with breakouts primarily on the back and chest, and females have acne that is more permanent and typically found on the face.
What Is Skin Microbiome?
The entire population of microorganisms found in a specific area is called the microbiome (microbiota). Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mites live on human skin, the body's most external organ. Most skin-dwelling bacteria are symbiotic with skin cells and pose no harm to the skin.
The most common bacteria in the skin include Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Clostridium, Streptococci, Enterococci, and Proteobacteria. Certain bacteria that cause harm may also reside in the skin, including group A Streptococci (S. pyogenes) and gram-negative bacilli (P. aeruginosa).
Additionally, fungi that belong to the genera Malassezia, Penicillium, Aspergillus Chrysosporium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Debaryomyces, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, and Rhodotorula are also present on the surface of human skin. The dermatophytes Microsporum, Trichophyton, and Epidermophyton are examples of pathogenic fungi that can cause skin problems.
Skin microbiome also includes mites, namely Demodex mites. These mites act as a carrier for gram-negative bacteria, which may trigger inflammatory reactions.
The usage of cosmetics, the surrounding environment, occupation, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, antibiotic use, and humidity all affect the composition of bacteria. The composition of the skin's microbiome varies with age; in infants, the microbiome is mainly determined by the mode of delivery, but in children, Firmicutes takes center stage. Another factor influencing the general skin microbiome composition is gender. More diverse bacteria colonize women's hands and forearms, but men possess greater Malassezia than women.
Which Is the Common Microbe in Skin Microbiota of Acne?
Presently, the most probable cause of acne has been determined to be Cutibacterium acnes. Because of the lipase in C. acnes, sebum di- and triglycerides are converted into free fatty acids, which worsen follicular keratosis and cause irritation and inflammation. Furthermore, C. acnes generates the proinflammatory proteases neuraminidases and hyaluronidases. In the development of acne, insulin growth factor 1(IGF-1) boosting the synthesis of sebum additionally performs a role. For women, it worsens skin eruptions; for men, it induces seborrhea. Comedone development and keratinocyte proliferation are stimulated by C. acnes and a high in sugar diet.
How Do Intestinal Microorganisms Affect Acne Lesions?
The gut microbiome significantly influences the development of acne lesions. It is also in charge of the organism's appropriate immunity and defense against microbes, which establishes tolerance to things the body consumes and triggers an immunological reaction. The type of microbiome in the intestines is related to acne and digestive system health. Furthermore, the intestines and skin have extremely high innervation and vascularization. Their functions include immunological and neuroendocrine.
Stress alters the balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms, and Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus bacteria are especially susceptible to its effects. Microorganisms can create chemicals that cause inflammation in the body when under stress. Furthermore, the microbiota affects the generation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are useful for a number of purposes, such as sustaining intestinal cells and controlling the functioning of the brain. Propionic acid is one such chemical that is dangerous to S. aureus. Consequently, SCFAs could additionally impact the skin's defense against cutaneous Staphylococcus and C. acnes.
Although researchers have gained more knowledge of the human microbiome, humans have a more challenging and distinct microbial setting. Recent investigations have demonstrated that C. acnes type predominates in acne vulgaris.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria, or germs, that can benefit the human body externally or internally. Certain microorganisms (germs) that humans may carry are not always beneficial to humanity. Nevertheless, probiotics and other good bacteria help regulate potentially hazardous strains.
Numerous types of bacteria can be found in probiotics. The most prevalent types of bacteria are those found in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. Probiotics can also be made from other bacteria or yeasts, such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
The positive effects of different probiotic types may differ. For example, the fact that one variant of Lactobacillus is well-known for aiding in the prevention of disease does not guarantee that other variants or probiotics comprising Lactobacillus will have an identical outcome.
Probiotics can be found in a wide range of product groupings, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food additives, and nutritional supplements. Although the utilization of them in cosmetics still needs regulation, their inclusion in oral preparations is extensively regulated. Probiotics work by attaching pathogens to the epidermal surface, preventing them from spreading, generating antibacterial compounds, and enhancing immunomodulatory qualities. The probiotic cosmetic's immunomodulatory qualities make it a remedy for skin conditions. Probiotics were first included in toothpaste, hair shampoos, creams, and intimate hygiene products. Bacillus sabtilis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactoccocuslactis, and Lactobacillus plantarum are the microorganisms most frequently found in probiotic cosmetics. These probiotics are very hydrating and promote lipid synthesis and epidermal repair mechanisms.
The following are the advantages of using them:
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The generation of harmful byproducts is decreased.
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The prevalence of undesirable germs is lowered.
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The generation of antibodies is raised.
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The immune system's homeostasis is restored.
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The production of cytokines is controlled.
Are Probiotics Helpful in Treating Acne Vulgaris?
So far, little study has been conducted on the impact of probiotics on skin susceptible to acne. Studies do, however, demonstrate the advantages of its use. In a recent study, researchers have discovered that probiotics are a therapeutic or adjunctive choice for treating acne. There was a combined anti-inflammatory impact, and probiotics reduced the likelihood of antibiotic-related adverse effects.
Conclusion:
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder. Oral Isotretinoin is commonly used in the treatment of patients with severe acne. It certainly has numerous adverse effects on the human body. Experts are looking for newer treatment options with better outcomes without any severe side effects. The gut microbiome significantly influences the development of acne lesions. The demand for cosmetics and probiotic supplements is expanding quickly. With probiotic-containing cosmetic and internal supplements, the condition of those who suffer from acne vulgaris could improve.
