China Skin Microbiome: Females with Sensitive Skin have Less Species Diversity and Richness via Cosmetics Design Asia

Females with sensitive skin have less microbiome diversity and richness compared to those with normal skin, according to a study conducted in China.

Funded by the Guangzhou Science and Technology Program, the research also found that people with sensitive skin had lower hydration levels, higher levels of Neisseria genus, and lower levels of
Neisseriaceae family, which is likely due to the weaker microbial barrier.

Sensitive skin causes itching, dryness, redness, and swelling, after exposure to dry and cold climates, or cosmetic products due to the damaged skin barrier function. Globally, self-declared sensitive skin is observed in about 70% of the adult population.

Similar to the gut microbiome, every individual’s skin carries a unique microbial population, so researchers in China sought to analysis skin microbiome in 60 female subjects in Guangzhou with normal skin or sensitive skin.