Our skin, the most extensive organ of our body, is a veritable mine of information on our lifestyle if we are to believe the 3D map drawn up by researchers from the University of San Diego in California (United States). United). The technique used by scientists can identify and locate the different bacteria and chemicals that colonize our body based on what we swallow and apply to the skin. This is the first time that molecules and bacteria found on the skin have been so precisely mapped throughout the body. For Pieter Dorrestein, the professor of pharmacology who conducted this study, this is an interesting avenue for analyzing the role of the skin in the occurrence of diseases.
The study, which was conducted on only 2 subjects, shows that the microbial signature of each individual is unique, a bit like fingerprints. It is home to a specific combination of bacteria (850 have been identified) and a mixture of molecules from what we eat and the medications we take.
Particularly stubborn cosmetics
For their study, the researchers asked the 2 guinea pigs not to wash and not to apply cream to the body, face and hair for 3 days. The goal was to “increase the number of microbes and limit the presence of cosmetic products”, explained the Dr. Dorrestein at CNN.
Despite the absence of application of hygiene products for several days, 14% of the molecules identified on the skin as a whole came from cosmetics. When we know that our skin gets rid of millions of cells every day (dead skin), we imagine how much it is concentrated in chemicals just after applying a beauty product.
Although this study was only conducted on two people, it could be carried out on a larger scale to understand how the composition of the skin can be modified in order to fight against certain diseases, starting with allergic reactions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
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