2023-08-09 10:15:00
Who says been said sun, tan and idleness… But beware of skin effects ! The largest organ in our body, the skin is made up of (very) many bacteria, essential for protect us from external aggressions. But sometimes this balance is disturbed. In particular in question according to a study published on August 8: the sun. While its impact on the health of the skin is well known, that on the microbiota is less.
To find out more, researchers from the University of Manchester (United Kingdom) analyzed the skin of 21 volunteers – with various tanning habits – before a sun holiday of at least a week, then on the 1st, 28th and 84th days after their return. A “ significant change in microbial diversity was observed in all study participants on the 28th day after returning from vacation (source 1). More specifically, a reduction of proteobacteria (one of the main skin bacteria) in participants who exposed themselves to the sun “, was observed after returning from vacation. Good news: this “reduction has recovered over time”, more precisely in the minus following the holidays.
Changes in skin microbiome composition are associated with sun-seeking behavior. Vacation UV exposure has an acute effect on skin microbiota, but recovery is relatively quick once the person returns to a less sunny climate.
In video: why should we protect ourselves from the sun?
What are the impacts?
It is therefore plausible that the loss of bacterial diversity observed with increased facultative tanning may also have an impact on skin health, the researchers believe.
Sun exposure disrupts the balance of our skin, but what can be the consequences?
- The role of our skin’s microbiota “in protecting the organ against damage caused by UV rays” has been demonstrated, say the researchers. A disturbance of this balance could therefore reduce our skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun, increasing the well-known risks of UV. “High doses of ultraviolet (UV) radiation are associated with acute and chronic reductions in skin health, including skin cell DNA damage, inflammation, and photoaging,” the researchers recall. .
- Of the skin diseases are linked to the bacteria present on our skin. Disruption of proteobacteria counts “has been previously associated with psoriasis, eczema, and diabetic foot ulcers,” the study states.
- Beyond our skin, this phenomenon could have “a negative impact on the immune homeostatic network of the skin, contributing to systemic diseases ».
Pour effective protection from the sun and limit the risk of diseases such as skin cancer, it is essential toavoid the sun during the hottest hours in summerand in case of exposure to apply a sunscreen (minimum SPF 30), to get in the shade and to wear covering clothes.
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