In a groundbreaking development in the field of health and well-being, a first-of-its-kind clinical research has unveiled a significant connection between mental health and the bacteria residing on our skin. This novel concept, often referred to as ‘psychodermatology’ within the beauty industry, has now gained substantial scientific backing. A recent UK-based clinical study, published in the esteemed British Journal of Dermatology, has shed light on the intricate relationship between the skin bacteria found across various body areas and an individual's psychological well-being.
The research, a collaborative effort between scientists at the British FMCG company Unilever, the Microbiome Innovation Centre, and the Brain & Behaviour Lab at the University of Liverpool, involved a comprehensive assessment. The study collected skin microbiome samples from different body regions, including the face, scalp, and underarm. Simultaneously, the participants responded to psychological well-being questionnaires. The findings were remarkable. Higher levels of a common skin bacterium, Cutibacterium (previously known as C. acne), were found to be linked with enhanced psychological well-being.
Specifically, having an abundance of Cutibacterium on the face and underarm was associated with reduced stress levels. Moreover, a greater presence of this bacterium on the underarm skin was correlated with an improved mood. Across multiple body sites, an increase in Cutibacterium consistently corresponded to more positive mental wellness. This discovery is particularly significant as, while there has been extensive research on the correlation between the gut microbiome and mental health, this study is the first to focus on the role of the skin microbiome in mental wellness.
For this study, 53 participants took part. Microbiome sampling was carried out through skin swabbing from the forearm, face, scalp, and armpit. In addition to the physical sampling, they completed psychological measures related to global or general well-being, which included aspects such as Affect Grid, Sleep Quality, Stress NRS-11, and PSS-10, as well as body site-related well-being. The bacterial DNA extracts obtained from the samples were analyzed using advanced techniques. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Illumina sequencing of the V1 – V2 region of the 16S gene were employed. The microbial diversity was calculated as Shannon diversity and Faith’s Phylogenetic diversity. Subsequently, correlations were determined between the psychological measures, microbial diversity, and genera for each body site.
According to the study authors, these results highlight, for the very first time, “the nuanced relationship between the skin microbiome and psychological well-being.” The fact that increased Cutibacterium was consistently associated with positive well-being outcomes “underscores the need for further investigation into specific bacterial taxa that may be involved in a skin-brain axis, as well as the importance of specific microbial communities on the body and their potential influence on this connection.”
The concept of the skin-brain axis, which is emerging as a crucial area of study, has received a significant boost from this research. Unilever, which maintains one of the world’s largest collections of human skin microbiome data, with over 100 patents secured and over 30,000 samples analyzed, has played a pivotal role in advancing this knowledge. Jason Harcup, the chief R&D officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever, stated that these new insights support the concept of the skin-brain axis. He remarked, “Research has shown that bacteria in the gut can affect psychological well-being, but the role of skin bacteria has been less understood, until now.” He further added, “Our results reveal that greater relative abundance of Cutibacterium across various body regions is associated with enhanced well-being, reduced stress and improved mood, suggesting for the first time that the skin microbiome may impact mental well-being.”
Harcup also emphasized the importance of these findings in the context of consumer behavior. He noted that beauty shoppers today no longer view the pursuit of beauty and well-being as separate entities. Instead, they are seeking products that not only enhance their physical appearance but also support their mental well-being and contribute positively to their overall health. By advancing our scientific understanding of the skin-brain axis, the aim is to develop holistic products that can improve the well-being of consumers, both internally and externally.
This study opens up new avenues for research. Scientists will now be eager to explore further how the skin microbiome interacts with the brain. For instance, they may investigate the biochemical pathways through which Cutibacterium and other skin bacteria communicate with the nervous system. Understanding these mechanisms could potentially lead to the development of new therapies for mental health disorders. It could also revolutionize the skincare and beauty industry. Products could be formulated to promote the growth of beneficial skin bacteria like Cutibacterium, thereby not only improving skin health but also having a positive impact on mental well-being. Additionally, this research may prompt further studies on how lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and skincare routines affect the skin microbiome and, in turn, mental health. As we continue to uncover the mysteries of the skin-brain axis, we may be on the verge of a new era in understanding and promoting human health and well-being.
