Sun and Skin Microbiota: How to Find the Right Balance?
After a day in the sun, skin can sometimes feel dehydrated, irritated, or sensitive. But beyond these visible signs, a more subtle phenomenon is at play: an imbalance in the skin microbiota, the collection of microorganisms that naturally protect the skin. Ultraviolet rays can disrupt this ecosystem, affecting both the health and resilience of the skin.
The impact of UV rays on the skin microbiota
Visit skin microbiota is composed of billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, forming an essential biological barrier. Prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly to UVA and UVB rays, can disrupt this balance.
Research shows that certain families of protective bacteria decrease after several hours of intense exposure, while other opportunistic species can proliferate. This skin dysbiosis is associated with inflammation, impaired skin barrier function, and increased sensitivity to external aggressions.
UV rays don't just affect the skin's flora. They also alter the skin's metabolism by reducing certain protective lipids and stimulating oxidation, which further weakens the microbial ecosystem.
Restoring balance: current approaches
1. Skin probiotics and postbiotics
Topical application of probiotics, beneficial microorganisms, can help compete with pathogenic bacteria and support the skin's natural defenses.
Visit postbiotics, on the other hand, contain bacterial fragments or active enzymes that can promote a favorable environment without introducing live bacteria. They reduce the risk of irritation and help restore microbial balance after sun exposure.
2. Prebiotics to feed good bacteria
Visit prebiotics are compounds that serve as “food” for beneficial bacteria. Applied to the skin via appropriate skincare products, they promote the growth of protective species and limit the spread of unwanted microorganisms. Inulin or some oligosaccharides are examples of prebiotics used in skin care formulations.
3. Overall maintenance of the skin barrier
Rebalancing the microbiota also involves simple actions:
- Moisturize your skin regularly to support its hydrolipidic film.
- Avoid overly aggressive cleansers that can destabilize the flora.
- Protect the skin from excessive exposure to prevent further disruption.
The role of sunscreen
Sunscreen remains essential for preventing the harmful effects of the sun, but certain formulas can influence the microbiota, particularly those containing nanoparticles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as they have antimicrobial properties.
Although scientific data is still limited, the ideal solution is to choose a suitable sunscreen that is well tolerated and compatible with maintaining the skin's flora.
