Is Your Lotion Killing Your Beneficial Bacteria? Insights from an NIH Study

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed the impact of popular eczema lotions on our skin's essential bacterial communities. What they discovered challenges common perceptions – some of the most popular eczema lotions may be inadvertently harming the beneficial skin bacteria that are crucial for skin health.

 

Revelations from the NIH Study:

The NIH study uncovered a startling truth – certain eczema lotions, often touted as therapeutic, exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Instead of improving skin conditions, these products may actually worsen them by inadvertently disrupting the essential bacterial communities that support skin health. This revelation should serve as a significant wake-up call for users of such products.

 

Understanding the Study's Results:

The NIH study aimed to assess the impact of eczema lotions on our skin's bacteria. They employed a simple chart to categorize lotions as safe or unsafe for our skin bacteria. A full 100% black bar on the chart denotes that a lotion is considered safe for your beneficial bacteria. Conversely, partial or empty black bars suggest that the lotion may harm these vital microorganisms.

 

Click here to view graph

(We are not able to share any specific brands. However, you can go to page 11 on the supplemental article linked above to see if your lotion is on the list.)

Atopic Dermatitis and the Microbiome:

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition marked by inflammation and persistent itching, often shows a deficiency in beneficial skin bacteria. These microorganisms play a pivotal role in maintaining a balanced skin ecosystem and regulating the proliferation of potentially harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. The NIH study accentuates the risks of disturbing these beneficial bacteria, shedding light on how it could worsen symptoms for atopic dermatitis patients.

 

The Consequences of Disrupting Commensal Bacteria:

Our skin's commensal bacteria aren't passive passengers; they function as a crucial defense mechanism against harmful pathogens. When these beneficial bacteria are harmed, it can lead to an imbalance that allows opportunistic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive, worsening skin problems and discomfort. This emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of skin bacteria for overall skin health.

 

Reference:

• Zeldin, Jordan et al. “Exposure to isocyanates predicts atopic dermatitis prevalence and disrupts therapeutic pathways in commensal bacteria.” Science advances vol. 9,1 (2023): eade8898. doi:10.1126/sciadv.ade8898

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