The relationship between sensitive skin syndrome and the skin microbiota

The skin being the first line of protection against foreign molecule is home to diverse microorganisms consisting of bacteria, fungi and viruses. The ratio of these contributes to skin health, and although some are not harmful and are even beneficial to the skin, an imbalance of harmful pathogens may contribute to skin disorders. Skin sensitivity

syndrome (SS) is a common disorder but its pathology is yet to be characterised. Though past research has found correlations between skin microbiota composition and varying skin conditions, the link between the skin flora and SS, specifically, is yet to be understood and research is conflicting. Despite this it is well known that the human

microbiome plays a significant role in health, and in the skin, can influence how the skin reacts to stimuli. It would therefore be beneficial to understand the relationship between skin flora and SS, and determine the potential microbiome composition variance between individuals with sensitive and non-sensitive skin. By working with Sarah

Kuenhe in partnership with the CTP PhD studentship, we could determine microbiome variance, allowing for microbial therapeutic interventions, such as topical probiotics and other skincare approaches that would improve microbiome composition and alleviate the symptoms of SS. To achieve this we aim to determine microbiome

comparison between sample groups, with further in-depth analysis with Oxford Nanopore sequencing. Lab model testing will then be done, where microbiome combinations previously identified would be introduced to a skin model, and skin barrier function microbial attachment and replacement will be assessed.