Sun vacations are bad for your skin’s microbiome.

Sun vacations are bad for your skin's microbiome.

The Surprising Effects of Sunbathing on the Skin’s Microbiome

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It’s no secret that excessive sun exposure can harm our skin, leading to premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. But a recent study has uncovered another surprising effect of sunbathing – it can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria that reside on our skin, known as the skin’s microbiome. This disruption can have potentially harmful effects on our skin health.

The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester’s Center for Dermatology Research, analyzed the skin of 21 healthy volunteers before and after their vacations in sunny locales. The participants were divided into three groups: “seekers” who developed a tan, “tanners” who had a tan before their vacation, and “avoiders” who maintained the same skin tone throughout the holiday.

The researchers found that all the individuals who sought a tan experienced significant changes in the diversity of their skin’s microbiome. Specifically, the presence of Proteobacteria, a type of bacteria that lives on the skin, was significantly reduced in those who developed a tan. Fluctuations in Proteobacteria have been associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Abigail Langton, the senior researcher involved in the study, explained that during the 28-day post-holiday period, the skin’s microbiome recovers, but the skin may be more vulnerable to infection or irritation due to the loss of Proteobacteria and the overall imbalance in the skin microbiota.

Dr. Adam Friedman, chair of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, noted that ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is present in sunlight, has antimicrobial properties and can quickly alter the skin’s microbiome. UV radiation also suppresses the skin’s immune response and can directly cause skin cancers.

Despite these findings, it’s important to note that other factors associated with sun exposure, such as salty ocean water, sunscreens, and hardening of the skin, can also influence the skin’s microbiome. Therefore, it’s unclear from this study what specific actions should be taken to protect the microbiome.

Nonetheless, Langton and Friedman both emphasize the importance of practicing sun safety. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, seeking shade during the sun’s strongest hours (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.), and taking other measures to minimize direct sun exposure.

While further exploration is needed to identify specific ways to protect the skin’s microbiome, Friedman suggests that future research might reveal the importance of incorporating microbiome-protecting agents, such as prebiotics, into skincare routines alongside sunscreen.

Understanding the delicate relationship between sun exposure, the skin’s microbiome, and overall skin health opens up avenues for further research and the development of preventive measures. Until then, remember to prioritize sun safety while enjoying the outdoors.

Sources:

  1. Frontiers in Aging
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration – The Risks of Tanning