Unilever research has uncovered evidence that the bacteria living on our skin – known as the skin microbiome – may influence premature ageing based on facial appearance.
A first-of-a-kind study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, compared individuals of the same chronological age but with visibly different ageing profiles.
Skin microbiome as a signature of premature ageing appearance: Manipulation through by use of topical products found that individuals with ‘delayed ageing’ had a more resilient and stable microbial community on their skin, with an abundance of a bacteria called Acinetobacter.
In contrast, those with premature ageing showed a more fragile microbiome structure.
“This is the first study to compare the skin microbiome of people with different visible ageing profiles but the same chronological age — suggesting the skin microbiome could be a contributor in how we look,” said a Unilever spokeswoman.
The research also revealed that applying a topical skin care product containing the ingredient retinyl propionate - a retinoid used in some anti-ageing and skin-renewing skin care products - not only improved age-related skin physiology but also shifted the microbiome to resemble that of younger-looking individuals.
Thirty volunteers with premature ageing appearance used a marketed facial cleanser (0.6 g) followed by a marketed cream (0.6 g) with retinyl propionate twice daily for four weeks.
In addition to the effect on skin microbiome, product intervention led to improved ageing skin features of wrinkle, pore, hydration, barrier, elasticity, and brightness.
“This suggests that skin care can influence the skin’s microbial network — potentially opening the door to microbiome-targeted anti-ageing solutions in the future,” added the spokeswoman.
