Your skin microbiome may influence the wrinkles you develop with age

1 year ago 60

Certain bacteria have been linked with a loss of collagen, the protein that gives youthful skin a smooth appearance. Better understanding the role of these bacteria in wrinkles and skin sagging could lead to new anti-ageing treatments

Health 21 February 2023

By David Cox

A transmission electron micrograph of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one of two bacteria associated with a loss of collagen in older women

A transmission electron micrograph of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one of two bacteria associated with a loss of collagen in older women

CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

From our mid-20s onwards, our skin progressively loses its elasticity and plumpness, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Why this occurs isn’t entirely understood. However, new research suggests that the microorganisms that reside on our faces may be involved.

A protein called collagen acts as a scaffold for our skin, giving youthful skin a smooth appearance, but the quantity and quality of our collagen production declines with age.

Julia Oh …

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