Unilever has uncovered a link between psychological wellbeing and higher levels of beneficial microbes that live on the skin.
A study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, found increased Cutibacterium across multiple body sites was consistently associated with positive wellbeing outcomes.
‘Body-site specific associations between human skin microbiome composition and psychological wellbeing’ assessed microbiome samples from body areas, including the face, scalp, and underarm, alongside answers from psychological wellbeing questionnaires.
Higher levels on the face and underarm were associated with lower stress, and increased levels of Cutibacterium on the underarm were also linked to improved mood.
Jason Harcup, chief R&D officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, said the study supports the emerging concept of the skin-brain axis.
“The skin-brain axis refers to the fact that our skin and psychological wellbeing are connected. Research has shown that bacteria in the gut can affect psychological wellbeing, but the role of skin bacteria has been less understood, until now,” he added.
“Our results reveal that greater relative abundance of Cutibacterium is associated with enhanced wellbeing, reduced stress, and improved mood across various body regions, suggesting for the first time that the skin microbiome may impact mental wellbeing.”
Harcup said the findings are important because consumers no longer see the pursuit of beauty and wellbeing as independent of each other.
“They are looking for solutions that that support physical appearance, mental wellbeing, and positively contribute to overall health.
“By advancing our scientific knowledge of the skin-brain axis, the goal is to develop holistic products that improve the wellbeing of our consumers, inside and out.”
The research was conducted by Unilever scientists in partnership with the Microbiome Innovation Centre and the Brain & Behaviour Lab, University of Liverpool.
