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Preventing 'Forest Fires' on the Skin: Insights from Recent Clinical Studies

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Preventing 'Forest Fires' on the Skin: Insights from Recent Clinical Studies

Recent research into the human microbiome has revealed some intriguing parallels with natural ecosystems. Just as forests thrive on biodiversity, our skin microbiomes—often likened to a forest of beneficial organisms—require a diverse array of bacteria to maintain balance and health. 

Our skin is home to a complex community of microorganisms that play crucial roles in protecting us from pathogens, regulating inflammation, and maintaining skin health. When disturbances occur—much like wildfires in a forest—the natural order can be disrupted. After such events, the recovery process tends to favor opportunistic species, such as weeds in a burned forest, which can lead to imbalances and skin issues, including acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and more. 

In the case of skin health, over-washing and heavy use of disinfectants can create a "wildfire" effect. These practices strip the skin of both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leaving open space for opportunistic pathogens to thrive. This phenomenon mirrors the ecological succession seen after a wildfire, where recovery favors faster-growing, less beneficial species at first.

Clinical Insights into Acne Treatment

To explore these dynamics further, Dakota Biotech (LaFlore’s manufacturer) conducted a clinical study examining how acne bacteria regrow on the skin after using two different types of cleansers: a typical acne cleanser and a microbiome-friendly cleanser.

Typical Acne Cleansers: The Forest Fire Approach

Traditional acne cleansers often function like hand sanitizers—they indiscriminately wipe out both beneficial and harmful bacteria. This aggressive approach creates a vast amount of open space on the skin, allowing opportunistic pathogens like Cutibacterium acnes to colonize more quickly. Consequently, while these cleansers may reduce acne bacteria in the short term, they can inadvertently set the stage for greater imbalances and increased acne symptoms in the long run.

Microbiome-Friendly Cleansers: Encouraging Natural Recovery 

In contrast, microbiome-friendly cleansers are designed to maintain the skin's natural ecosystem. They minimize disruption to the microbiome, preserving beneficial bacteria that help regulate the skin environment. By preventing the mass eradication of all bacteria, these cleansers allow for a more balanced and slower recovery process. This approach reduces the available resources for acne-causing bacteria, effectively limiting their ability to over-colonize.

Pro Tip:  The goal is not about eradicating  “harmful” bacteria it’s about keeping bacteria within healthy ranges and creating synergy between the skin flora.

More Aggressive Interventions: The Impact of Chemical Peels

Another clinical study explored the effects of a typical chemical peel on the skin microbiome and the potential benefits of introducing probiotics afterward. The peel used in this study contained common ingredients found in at-home and clinical peels, including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids, combined with hyaluronic acid and Tasmania pepper fruit/leaf extract. These ingredients are effective for evening skin tone, texture, and addressing pore congestion. 

 

Researchers took DNA samples at five time points: before the peel, immediately after, one day later, three days later, and finally 14 days later. The results highlighted a critical finding -  the microbiome without any treatment after the peel failed to recover by day 14, indicating a disrupted ecosystem.

In contrast, the microbiome that was supported by the application of LIVE probiotics on day one showed an increase in total DNA on the skin by day 14. This suggests that the probiotics helped reinforce the skin barrier, making it stronger, more protective, and more resilient, ultimately aiding recovery between treatments.

Seeding for Success

One of the most promising findings from Dakota Biotech's research is the potential to "seed" the skin with beneficial bacteria. By introducing good bacteria, like that found in LaFlore's Live Probiotic Concentrated Serum, back onto the skin after cleansing or chemical peels, we can help re-establish normal skin flora more quickly. This proactive strategy not only aids in restoring balance but also promotes maximum diversity among skin microbiota— a key to achieving long-term skin health.

Conclusion

The findings from these studies underscore the importance of understanding the skin's microbiome as a delicate ecosystem. Just as healthy forests require a balance of species to thrive, skin benefits from a diverse array of microorganisms. By choosing microbiome-friendly products and considering strategies to introduce beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, we can foster healthier skin and prevent the rapid regrowth of opportunistic pathogens that can lead to conditions like acne.

As we continue to unravel the complexities of the microbiome, it becomes increasingly clear that nurturing this ecosystem is essential for our overall health and well-being.

 

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