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.

Keywords: cosmetics; metabolites; next-generation sequencing; photoprotection; probiotics; skin microbiota.

Figure 1

Topographical distribution of Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium on the human skin [22].

Figure 2

Spectrum of solar radiation. VL: visible light; IR: infrared-ultraviolet radiation accounts for 58% of the total solar spectrum and is divided into three groups, from the shortest to longest wavelength: UVC (100–280 nm), UVB (280–315 nm), and UVA (315–400 nm). Each group penetrates the skin to different depths [38].