A potential link between the skin’s microbiome and mental wellbeing has been uncovered for the first time, according to a new study by scientists published in the British Journal of Dermatology.
The presence of cutibacterium, a common bacterium on the skin, was found to be associated with lower stress levels and improved mood.
The research was conducted by Unilever, along with the Microbiome Innovation Centre and the Brain & Behaviour Lab at the University of Liverpool, and published in a new paper called Body-site specific associations between human skin microbiome composition and psychological wellbeing.
Previous studies have focused on the link between the microbiome of the gut and wellbeing.
The latest insights support the emerging concept of the skin-brain axis, said Jason Harcup, Chief R&D Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever.
“The skin-brain axis refers to the fact that our skin and psychological wellbeing are connected,” Harcup said.
“Research has shown that bacteria in the gut can affect psychological wellbeing, but the role of skin bacteria has been less understood, until now.
“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.”
Scientists took samples of the skin microbiome of 53 people, including their face, scalp, forearm, and armpit via skin swabbing.
The participants were also asked to report on their psychological wellbeing, such as mood, sleep quality and stress levels.
The results of the study “underscores the need for further investigation into specific bacterial taxa that may be involved in a skin-brain axis,” it concluded, “as well as the importance of specific microbial communities on the body and their potential influence on this connection”.
The skin-brain axis is an emerging area of study and there is rising interest in the field, also called neurocosmetics.
The idea is that skin care can not only improve function – for example hydration or barrier repair – but also influence mood and emotions
Harcup continued: “This [the finding] is important because we know consumers no longer see the pursuit of beauty and wellbeing as independent of each other.
“They are looking for products 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.”