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Jun 28

The Hidden Changes: How Does Ageing Transform Our Skin Microbiome?


The Hidden Changes: How Does Ageing Transform Our Skin Microbiome?


Although the ageing process is complex and individualised, research highlights the significant role of the skin microbiome in skin ageing. Various topical ingredients show promise in supporting the microbiome. 


What We Know:


  • The skin microbiome is known to play a significant role in barrier function. A characteristic feature of ageing skin is the decline in barrier function, causing decreased moisture retention, increased vulnerability and a decrease in overall skin integrity (Woo & Kim, 2024).


  • Research has also identified significant changes in the skin microbiota of elderly people, marked by a decrease in Cutibacterium and an increase in Corynebacterium and Proteobacteria. Specifically, studies have linked an increased abundance of Corynebacterium species to a higher incidence of erythrasma in the elderly (Salemi et al., 2022).


  • These findings highlight a potential connection between age-related changes in skin microbiota and the occurrence of specific skin conditions, emphasising the importance of microbiota composition in maintaining skin health and understanding disease manifestation in older populations (Woo & Kim, 2024). 


Industry Impact and Potential:


  • The pursuit of healthy, resilient skin has resulted in innovative therapies. Notably, specific moisturisers, antioxidant-rich products, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and effective UV protection show promise for strengthening the ageing skin barrier and addressing dysbiosis (Woo & Kim, 2024). 


  • Topical antioxidant ingredients (including α-tocopherol (free vitamin E), vitamin C, ferulic acid, resveratrol and niacinamide) have the ability to strengthen impaired skin barriers and protect the skin against oxidative stress. In addition, UV-protecting products also offer benefit to the skin microbiome, but their properties are enhanced with the addition of barrier-enforcing lipid formulations (i.e., ceramide-containing sunscreens) and antioxidants (i.e., sunscreens containing pre-tocopheryl) (Woo & Kim, 2024). 


  • Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics have shown efficacy in enhancing stratum corneum hydration, reducing wrinkle depth and offering photoprotective properties, ultimately supporting skin barrier health (Woo & Kim, 2024).


  • Topical Epidermidibacterium Keratini EPI-7 ferment filtrate applied twice daily for three weeks caused significant improvement in skin hydration, elasticity and dermal density. Furthermore, an increase in beneficial commensal microorganisms like Cutibacterium, Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Lawsonella, Rothia, Lactobacillus and Prevotella was also observed (Kim et al., 2023).


Our Solution:


Sequential specialises in comprehensive microbiome product testing, customised to align with your unique anti-aging product development and formulation goals. With our expert guidance and tailored services, we empower businesses to pioneer innovative strategies for creating anti-aging solutions. 


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