Unilever Researchers Discover Connection Between Skin Microbiome and Aging in Pioneering Study

Unilever scientists have conducted a groundbreaking study linking the skin’s microbiome to how old we appear, published in the British Journal of Dermatology. The study revealed that individuals with a more resilient and stable microbial community tend to look younger, while those with a fragile microbiome appear older. A notable finding was the abundance of the bacteria Acinetobacter in those who looked younger.

Furthermore, the research highlighted that the application of retinyl propionate, a common retinoid in anti-ageing products, not only improved skin physiology but also modified the microbiome to resemble that of younger-looking individuals. This suggests that skincare can potentially target the microbiome to develop new anti-ageing solutions.

The study examined 65 individuals between 40 and 50, categorizing them based on their ageing appearance using VISIA CR images. Key skin characteristics were measured before and after using the product for four weeks. The findings propose a new perspective on skincare, focusing on strengthening the skin’s microbial community for anti-ageing benefits.