A new study has uncovered some pretty cool facts about how our skin changes as we age and how those changes may contribute to age-related diseases. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Connecticut and the Jackson Laboratory, looked at the skin of young adults, older adults living at home, and older adults living in nursing homes. They found that while none of the microbes (like bacteria, fungi, and viruses) on our skin were consistently associated with chronological age, certain microbes were more common in older adults and those living in nursing homes.
One of the most exciting findings was that older adults had less of a specific type of bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes on their skin. This is the same type of bacteria that causes acne, but it also protects our skin from harmful germs. So, when older adults have less of this bacteria, it may make them more susceptible to infections. The study also found that older adults living in nursing homes had more of a type of bacteria that can cause infections compared to young adults or older adults living at home.
The study suggests that the skin microbiome may play a significant role in age-related diseases and could be a target for treatments to prevent them. So, next time you look at your skin, just remember that it’s not just your age that’s causing the changes, it’s also the tiny microorganisms living on it!
GIbiome 