Challenging Cosmetic Innovation: The Skin Microbiota and Probiotics Protect the Skin from UV-Induced Damage

Abstract

Many studies performed in the last decade have focused on the cutaneous microbiota. It has been shown that this microbiota plays a key role in skin homeostasis. Considered as “a second barrier” to the environment, it is very important to know how it reacts to exogenous aggressions. The cosmetics industry has a started to use this microbiota as a source of natural ingredients, particularly ones that confer photoprotection against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Interestingly, it has been demonstrated that bacterial molecules can block UV rays or reverse their harmful effects. Oral probiotics containing living microorganisms have also shown promising results in restoring skin homeostasis and reversing the negative effects of UV rays. Microbial-based active sunscreen compounds have huge potential for use as next-generation photoprotection products.

The Feasibility of Utilizing Cultured Cordyceps militaris Residues in Cosmetics: Biological Activity Assessment of Their Crude Extracts

“…Simple sugars and oligosaccharides can provide hygroscopic effects because their molecules contain polyhydroxyl groups-called polyols-that can exert hydrating and moisturizing effects on skin and hair. Interestingly, oligosaccharides have also served as prebiotics, which are currently being used as active ingredients in microbiome skincare formulations [49,50]. Therefore, it can be summarized that the SBRs from C. militaris could represent an interesting new alternative source of bioactive compounds for developing new ingredients in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals.…”

Exposome and Skin. Part 2. The Influential Role of the Exposome, Beyond UVR, in Actinic Keratosis, Bowen’s Disease and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Proposal

“…Curiously, Staphylococcus epidermidis , the antagonist of S. aureus , produces a molecule, 6-HAP (6- N -hydroxyaminopurine), which reduces UV-induced skin tumours in mice by inhibiting DNA polymerase activity [ 43 ]. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated how certain commensals secrete UV-absorbing compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), and enzymes, including superoxide dismutases (SOD), with antioxidant activity [ 44 ]. Accordingly, people should be encouraged to take care of their skin microbiota in order to complement sunscreens.…”

“…Urbanization and excessive hygiene with soaps decrease skin microbiota diversity [ 45 ] and therefore it would be of interest to demonstrate if soap-free shower gels may help in the prevention of skin dysbiosis. UVR influences the cutaneous microbiota with both positive and negative consequences [ 44 ] and the beneficial or detrimental effect of sunscreens on the skin microbiota remains to be demonstrated.…”

Cotton and Flax Textiles Leachables Impact Differently Cutaneous Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis Biofilm Formation and Cytotoxicity

“…The more representative species are Corynebacterineae, Propionibacterineae, Microococcineae, and Staphylococcaceae [4,5]. This microbiota is in constant interaction with the skin and represents the first barrier of the human body against environmental factors such as UV and pollutants [6][7][8][9]. Bacteria colonize not only the surface but also the depths of the stratum corneum where they associate preferentially with sweat ducts, hair follicles, and Life 2022, 12, 535 2 of 22 furrows [10].…”