The skin microbiome is a concept that is being studied more and more among dermatologists, and also among immunologists. We should not confuse the microbiome with the intestinal microbiota, which, being similar, is not the same.
When we refer to a microbiota, we are talking about microorganisms that live in another larger organism. We have as an example the group of microbes that inhabit the human intestine. But another concept is the microbiome, which includes microorganisms plus their genetic information.
Thus, the skin microbiome is the set of microorganisms and their genetic material, which is usually found in our skin tissue. Because, although we do not suspect it, bacteria and fungi live on the skin all the time, without causing disease.
It is said that the microbiome of the skin is very large, weighing – if we could weigh it – up to half of our body mass – including the skin itself. This volume works as a defensive barrier against the outside.
What is the skin like?
For many, the microbiome is part of the definition of skin. It is assumed that we cannot exist without having these microorganisms living there and that, therefore, the concept of skin includes them.
The skin is part of a system called the integumentary. Here we include the skin, the appendages, the glands and part of the mucous membranes that extend from the skin into the cavities.
A key function of the skin is protection. In reality, it is the first physical and immunological barrier available to the body to stop the advance of infections and harmful external agents.
As a physical barrier, it intervenes with the outside, and as an immunological barrier we count multiple defense cells that are distributed throughout the skin tissue.
The regulation of homeostasis also finds a necessary and vital organ in the skin. To maintain body temperature, for example, we require the skin to perform the necessary heat and cold exchanges. At the same time, substances and hormones must pass through the skin to become active, such as vitamin D.
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