This multi-omic analysis skin microbiome clinical case study aimed at understanding how skincare products with prebiotics and postbiotics influence the communities of microorganisms on the skin (skin microbiome) and the chemical processes happening there (metabolome). This type of research helps to clarify how these products can improve skin health at a molecular level.
What is Multi-Omic Analysis?
The skin is the body’s largest organ and is home to a diverse community of microorganisms that play a vital role in maintaining its health and function. Disruptions in this skin microbiome can lead to various skin disorders, making it an area of increasing interest in dermatology. In recent years, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics have gained prominence for their potential to modulate the skin microbiome and promote skin health.
However, the precise mechanisms by which these skincare products impact the skin when applied topically have remained largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we embarked on a comprehensive study using a multi-omic approach to decipher the impact of skincare products enriched with pre/postbiotics on the skin microbiome and metabolome.
Methodology and Metabolomics Analysis
Study Design and Sample Collection
A randomized clinical study was conducted to assess the impact of pre/postbiotic-enriched skincare products on the skin microbiome and metabolome of individuals with dry to extremely dry skin. Fifty-three female participants aged 18–70 with dry/extremely dry skin on their lower legs were divided into two groups.
One group used a shower gel and body lotion with triple-biotics, while the other group used standard shower gel and body lotion. Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks. Skin swabs were collected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and metabolomics analysis.
The statistical significance of differences in skin hydration and TEWL between the groups was determined using paired t-tests.
16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and Data Analysis
V1-3 region of 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to profile the skin microbiome. Taxonomic classification and differential abundance analysis were performed.
Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing and Data Analysis
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was conducted to explore the functional potential of the skin microbiome. Taxonomic and functional classification analysis were performed.
Untargeted Metabolomics
Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was conducted to characterize the chemical makeup of the skin surface. Discriminant metabolites were identified and correlated with clinical measurements and microbial composition.
Results
Clinical Outcomes
All test groups demonstrated excellent skin tolerability throughout the study, with no product-related adverse events. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in skin hydration after 3 weeks of body wash use, with further enhancement at 6 weeks. No significant differences in skin hydration were observed between the prebiotic and control groups.
The Prebiotic group showed a significant reduction in opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas anadarae, while commensal bacteria like Staphylococcus equorum, Streptococcus mitis, and Halomonas desiderata SP1 increased.
Correlation of Skin Bacteria, Metabolites, and Clinical Outcomes
An integrated multi-omics approach revealed correlations between the skin microbiome, metabolome, and clinical outcomes. Discriminant metabolites were identified and correlated with skin hydration and TEWL. Notably, 96 discriminant clinically relevant metabolites were discovered, and these metabolites were then correlated with microbial composition and functional pathways.
Positive correlations were found between certain bacterial species, such as S. mitis and H. desiderata SP1, and skin hydration, while S. anadarae exhibited a negative correlation with skin hydration. Discriminant metabolites were also found to correlate with specific bacteria, with potential implications for skin health.
Discussion
Our study validated the prebiotic effect of skincare products enriched with triple-biotics in a clinical setting. While the overall composition of the skin microbiome did not undergo significant changes, we observed subtle shifts in bacterial taxonomic composition and function that led to significant alterations in the skin metabolome.
Reductions in opportunistic pathogens like P. stutzeri and S. anadarae were observed in the Prebiotic group, while commensal bacteria like S. equorum, S. mitis, and H. desiderata SP1 increased. Notably, these commensal bacteria exhibited positive correlations with skin hydration.
Our findings suggest that prebiotic-enriched skincare products positively impact skin microbiome composition and activity, leading to increased skin hydration. These products may benefit skin health by modulating bacterial carbohydrate metabolism, resulting in the production of metabolites that contribute to improved skin hydration.
In summary, our study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms through which topical pre/probiotics can enhance skin health. The identified bacteria and metabolites associated with skin hydration may serve as targets for future innovations in topical skincare treatments.
