Will there ever be personalized cosmetic products perfectly suited to everyone’s needs? This is the challenge we wish to undertake, thanks to recent discoveries on the microbiome, the ecosystem of one trillion microorganisms living on the surface of our skin. Explanation.

Everyone today is familiar with gut flora and the role of its billions of microorganisms in digestion and immunity. What few people know, however, is that the health of our skin also depends on a living ecosystem: the skin microbiome. Rich in a trillion bacteria and other kinds of microorganisms, it not only acts as a shield against external aggressions, such as UV rays and pollution, but it also forms a genuine ecosystem with our skin. These bacteria, yeast or viruses play an essential role in our organism, by constantly interacting with our cells. “The microbiome is a key player in the health of our skin, so it is essential to take care of it,” confirms Luc Aguilar, director of clinical and biological research for L’Oréal R&I.

But this cutaneous ecosystem is also fragile, and its balance can be easily altered under the effect of an excessive multiplication of certain microorganisms or the installation of undesirable bacteria. In case of imbalance, skin damage can then appear — micro-inflammations, dandruff, eczema or acne.

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