Abstract:

The skin serves as a multifaceted barrier with numerous biological functions, and the presence of skin microbiota is integral to its overall functionality. Increasingly, the bacteria residing on the skin are acknowledged for their positive impact on human health. Staphylococcus epidermidis, the predominant colonizing bacteria on human skin, demonstrates remarkable resilience on normal skin surfaces due to its adept environmental adaptation, surface adhesion capabilities, and its role in maintaining cutaneous homeostasis and immune function. When skin health is compromised, Staphylococcus epidermidis demonstrates beneficial effects by exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, promoting collagen synthesis, replenishing ceramide levels in the skin through sphingosphydase secretion, enhancing the tight junctions of keratinocytes to maintain skin barrier homeostasis, and interacting with host cells to preserve skin integrity. Furthermore, Staphylococcus epidermidis mitigates UV radiation damage by producing cytokines such as lipoteichoic acid or 6-HAP. Staphylococcus epidermidis and its metabolites have the potential to be utilized topically for skin improvement, either in their natural form or through genetic manipulation to enhance their beneficial properties. Cosmetic companies may explore the integration of these bacteria and their metabolites into skincare formulations to enhance skin health and preserve the skin’s microecological equilibrium, potentially offering personalized skincare solutions utilizing the consumers’ own Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Key words: Staphylococcus epidermidis, cosmetics, efficacy, symbiotic strains