Warning for Vacationers: Short Sun-Seeking Getaways Can Disrupt Skin’s Microbiome
The skin, our body’s largest organ, houses a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that act as defenders against harmful pathogens. Researchers in the United Kingdom have uncovered a connection between sun-seeking behaviors and changes in the composition of this skin microbiota. Specifically, tanning has been linked to a reduction in Proteobacteria, although the microbiota tends to recover a few weeks after sun exposure.
Scientists have demonstrated that excessive exposure to sunlight can have a detrimental impact on the short-term diversity and composition of the skin’s bacterial community.
The skin, being the human body’s largest organ, harbors a diverse array of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that collectively form what we call the skin microbiota. Among their various functions, these microorganisms, organized into intricate communities, play a critical role in safeguarding the skin against harmful invaders.
Despite the well-documented risks of extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), which includes DNA damage, inflammation, and premature skin aging, many individuals actively seek out the sun for various reasons.
Due to the scarcity of research focusing on how personal behaviors influence changes in UVR-associated microbiota and their implications for skin health, researchers in the UK have conducted a study examining the impact of sun-seeking behaviors on the skin microbiota of holidaymakers.
Dr. Abigail Langton, the principal investigator at the University of Manchester and the corresponding author of the study published in Frontiers in Aging, explains, “Here we show in a cohort of holidaymakers that their sun exposure behavior significantly affects the diversity and composition of their skin microbiota. We have demonstrated that the development of a tan is associated with lower Proteobacteria abundance immediately post-holiday. However, the microbiota of all holidaymakers was recovered a few weeks after they stopped spending extended time periods in the sun.”
Sun-seeking Takes a Toll on Skin Bacteria
Before embarking on vacations to sunny destinations, lasting at least seven days, the researchers examined the participants’ skin. The skin microbiota primarily consists of three bacterial communities on the skin’s surface: Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. Skin microbiota assessments were conducted on days one, 28, and 84 post-holiday.
Additionally, each holidaymaker was categorized into groups based on their tanning responses. Eight out of 21 participants, who acquired a tan during their vacation, were labeled as ‘seekers.’ The ‘tanned’ group comprised seven individuals who already had a tan before their trip and maintained it throughout. These two groups were collectively referred to as ‘sun-seekers.’ The remaining six participants were classified as ‘avoiders’ as their skin tone remained unchanged before and after the holiday.
Dr. Thomas Willmott, the study’s first author and a researcher at the University of Manchester, commented, “This study was conducted among real-life holidaymakers and provides valuable insights into how sun exposure leading to a tanning response—even over a relatively brief sunny period—can result in a sudden reduction in Proteobacteria abundance, thus reducing skin microbiota diversity.” Despite the rapid decrease in Proteobacteria and the corresponding alteration in skin microbiota diversity, the bacterial community structure had recovered within 28 days after individuals returned from their vacations. Willmott added, “This indicates that UV exposure during holidays has an immediate impact on the skin microbiota, but recovery is relatively swift once individuals return to a less sunny environment.”
Microbiota Disruption and Health Implications
Langton emphasized, “Proteobacteria are dominant within the skin microbiota. Therefore, it is unsurprising that there would be a rapid restoration of the microbiota to re-establish optimal skin health conditions.” However, the authors pointed out that the more concerning aspect is the swift change in microbiota diversity, a factor previously associated with various skin issues. Reduced bacterial richness in the skin, for instance, has been linked to dermatitis. Fluctuations in Proteobacteria diversity, specifically, have been associated with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
The researchers recommended that future studies delve into why Proteobacteria appear to be particularly sensitive to UVR and how these diversity changes affect long-term skin health. Langton concluded, “Ideally, such studies should aim to involve a larger number of participants to provide deeper insights.”
Reference: “Behaviour and sun exposure in holidaymakers alters skin microbiota composition and diversity” by Thomas Willmott, Paul M. Campbell, Christopher E. M. Griffiths, Clare O’Connor, Michael Bell, Rachel E. B. Watson, Andrew J. McBain, and Abigail K. Langton, 8 August 2023, Frontiers in Aging.
DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1217635
It is important to note that this study was funded by the No7 Beauty Company.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Skin Microbiota and Sun Exposure
What is the significance of this research on skin microbiota and sun exposure?
This research holds significant importance as it sheds light on the impact of sun-seeking behaviors on the skin’s microbiota. It reveals that even short-term sun exposure can lead to disruptions in the composition and diversity of the skin’s bacterial communities. This is crucial because the skin microbiota plays a key role in protecting the skin against pathogens and maintaining skin health.
What are the key findings of the study?
The study found that individuals who sought out the sun and developed a tan during their vacations experienced a reduction in Proteobacteria abundance in their skin microbiota. This reduction in Proteobacteria was associated with a decrease in skin microbiota diversity. However, the good news is that the skin’s bacterial community structure recovered within a few weeks after returning from sun-exposed holidays.
How were participants categorized in the study?
Participants were categorized into three groups based on their tanning responses: ‘seekers’ who acquired a tan during their holiday, ‘tanned’ individuals who already had a tan before the trip and maintained it, and ‘avoiders’ whose skin tone remained the same before and after the vacation.
What are the potential implications of reduced skin microbiota diversity?
Reduced diversity in the skin microbiota has been linked to various skin problems, including dermatitis. Additionally, fluctuations in the diversity of Proteobacteria have been associated with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Therefore, the study suggests that changes in microbiota diversity due to sun exposure may have implications for skin health.
What should future research focus on in this area?
Future research should aim to understand why Proteobacteria are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and how alterations in diversity impact long-term skin health. Expanding the number of participants in such studies could provide deeper insights into these relationships.
Who funded this research?
The study was funded by the No7 Beauty Company.
More about Skin Microbiota and Sun Exposure
- Frontiers in Aging Study – The original research article published in Frontiers in Aging.
- University of Manchester – The institution where the research was conducted.
- No7 Beauty Company – The organization that provided funding for the study.
