Amongst other things, skin protects itself against infection through the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Combined with the unique physical barrier of the skin, the AMPs present the first line of defence against invading pathogens. This line of defence also includes staphylococcus epidermis, which is a major constituent of microflora living on the skin. It prevents colonisation and overgrowth of pathogens already on the skin, and produces its own AMPs as well. These observations show that normal human skin uses many modes of action to defend and protect itself – and supports other studies that associate various diseases of the skin such as atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis and rosacea with an imbalance of microflora on the skin.
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Click here for more research on miscellaneous skin conditions
For links to skin and personal care products click here.
Top of page |
