Science
HOW DO NONPAREIL SKINCARE PRODUCTS ACHIEVE RESULTS?
BACKGROUND
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- Common dermatological disorders of the skin encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the body’s largest organ. One of the most common dermatological disorders is hyperpigmentation. Senile lentigo, also known as age spots, is one of the major changes associated with laxity and wrinkling during the aging of the skin. It is characterized by the presence of hyperpigmented spots containing melanin in the elderly. Pigmentation is an outcome of the interplay between melanocytes where melanin is produced and neighboring cells, such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, where the melanin is deposited. There are various options available that are used to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation and other common dermatological skin disorders.
SKIN AGING:
- Senile lentigo, also known as age spots, is one of the major changes associated with laxity and wrinkling during the aging of the skin. It is characterized by the presence of hyperpigmented spots containing melanin in the elderly. Pigmentation is an outcome of the interplay between melanocytes where melanin is produced and neighboring cells, such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts, where the melanin is deposited.
- Melanin is not just made by humans but is a common name for a group of biopolymers with potential applications in medical sciences, cosmeceutical, bioremediation, and bioelectronic applications. The broad distribution of these pigments suggests their role in combating abiotic and biotic stresses in diverse life forms. Biosynthesis of melanin in fungi and bacteria occurs by oxidative polymerization of phenolic compounds predominantly by two pathways, 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene [DHN] or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine [DOPA], resulting in different kinds of melanin, i.e., eumelanin, pheomelanin, allomelanin, pyomelanin, and neuromelanin. The enzymes responsible for melanin synthesis belong mainly to tyrosinase, lactase, and polypetide synthase families.
Common dermatological skin conditions:
- Common dermatological disorders of the skin encompass a wide range of conditions that affect the body's largest organ. These can include acne, characterized by pimples and blemishes; eczema, causing itchy and inflamed skin; psoriasis, leading to scaly patches; dermatitis, resulting in redness and itching; fungal infections like athlete's foot; keratoses, which involve thickening of the outer skin layer; melasma, causing brown or gray patches on the skin; and melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Skin disorders also comprise rosacea, marked by facial redness and visible blood vessels, as well as hives, a rash triggered by allergies. Skin health is vital, and understanding these common disorders helps in their prevention, management, and treatment.
ROLE OF THE SKIN MICROBIOME
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- During the aging of human skin, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause the alteration of the skin’s structure, function, and cutaneous physiology. The skin microbiome influences these alterations and the interconnected pathways of human and bacterial metabolic processes that are known to play a role in skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Some skin diseases involving pathogenic microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis correlate with the emergence of hyperpigmented spots. The molecular mechanisms that dictate the interplay between these factors and the skin microbiome are a new target for research and subsequent skincare applications.
- The connection between the skin microbiome and the human physiological processes involved in skin aging and pigmentation shows that the main bacterial pathways associated with aging skin are those involved in the production of pigmentation intermediates, fatty acids, and ceramides. These results provide new leads for intervening with bacterial processes that are associated with the aging of human skin.
The role of the skin microbiome on the development of age spots on the face:
- The skin microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that reside on the surface of the skin. It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health and functioning. While age spots, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines, are primarily thought to be caused by cumulative sun exposure and natural aging processes, recent research suggests that the skin microbiome may influence their development to some extent.
- The skin microbiome helps maintain the skin's barrier function, supports immune responses, and protects against harmful pathogens. Imbalances or alterations in the skin microbiome can lead to various skin conditions or affect the skin's aging process. Although the exact mechanisms linking the skin microbiome and age spots are not yet fully understood, several factors have been proposed:
Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with aging and the development of age spots. An imbalanced skin microbiome can trigger inflammation, which may contribute to the formation of age spots.
Pigmentation: The skin microbiome can influence melanin production, which affects skin pigmentation. Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) may disrupt the normal regulation of melanin synthesis, potentially leading to the uneven pigmentation characteristic of age spots.
Antioxidant production: Certain beneficial bacteria in the skin microbiome produce antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors, including sun exposure. Disruptions in the microbiome may decrease antioxidant production, potentially making the skin more susceptible to age spot development.
MICROBES ARE DIMINISHED OR ENRICHED ON THE SKIN DURING THE MANIFESTATION OF AGE SPOTS
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- Research on the specific microbial changes associated with age spots is still limited, and there is no definitive list of microbes that are consistently diminished or enriched during their manifestation. However, some studies have investigated the microbial microbiome changes associated with age spots and neoplasia and identified potential associations. It is important to note that these findings are preliminary, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the skin microbiome and age spots.
- The Journal of Investigative Dermatology examined the skin microbiome of age spots compared to normal skin in a small group of participants. The researchers found that age spots had a lower abundance of certain beneficial bacteria, such as Propionibacterium and Bifidobacterium, compared to nearby normal skin. They also observed an increase in the abundance of certain potentially harmful bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium.
- The Health Science Reports found that hyperpigmentation of the skin is associated with dysregulation of the immune system and linked the skin microbiota as playing a role in regulating the immune system, therefore dysbiosis is associated with skin hyperpigmentation. Of further relevance, their results revealed the specific bacterial taxa associated with skin dysbiosis that leads to hyperpigmentation.
- It is worth mentioning that these studies were conducted on a relatively small scale and more research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings. The skin microbiome is complex and varies among individuals, making it challenging to establish definitive microbial changes associated with age spots.
- Overall, while there are indications of microbial alterations in age spots, the exact microbial profile associated with their manifestation remains an active area of research. Further studies with larger sample sizes and advanced sequencing techniques are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the skin microbiome and age spots.