The impact of skin care products on skin microbiota of healthy infants

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Abstract
Introduction . Early life is a dynamic period for skin microbial colonization and the establishment of local and systemic immunity. The skin microbiota can be notably affected by various factors. Modern approaches to skin care of the infants are based on the principles of pH stabilization, maintaining the skin barrier integrity and optimal microbial diversity. Aim . To evaluate factors contributing to the establishment of skin microbiota and its microbial diversity in early life. Materials and methods . A total of 100 full-term healthy infants were divided into two groups receiving a comprehensive skin care: Group 1 to whom skin care was applied with conventional skin care products, and Group 2 who was treated with natural skin care products. Two samples of forearm skin microbiota were collected from each participant: the first one — on day 1, before using the care products, and the second one — after one-month use of care products. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing method for bacterial identification was used for the study of microbiota. A comparative intergroup analysis of the samples taken before and after the use of skin care products was performed. Results and discussion . Samples were balanced using clinical data, as well as alphaand beta-diversity indices at visit 1. To evaluate skin condition and environmental factors, different data on participants were collected. The results of sample analysis revealed that age may affect the proportions of microorganisms. Other factors such as the presence of siblings, pets, and skin condition had no pronounced effects on the composition of the skin microbiota. During the study, the proportions of the main species did not change from visit 1 to visit to in either group. However, the proportions of the extended set of microorganisms underwent great changes in group 2. Conclusions . A laboratory analysis of samples collected before the use of skin care products showed a relationship between microbiota and age. The skin care products used in the study did not adversely affect the commensal skin microbiota.

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