Benefits of stevia for your skin's microbiota
Thousands of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses live and reproduce in our human body. The total number of microorganisms present is called the microbiome, and the micro-ecosystems that colonize our body in different areas are called the microbiota. These microorganisms protect us from pathogens and interact with all body systems.
In the following figure we can see the differences in the composition of the microbiome by anatomical location:
Figure obtained from the article: Differences in the composition of the microbiome by anatomical location, where the relative distributions (percentages) of taxa projected at the phylum level are represented.
In the article Microbiota of the skin: the skin ecosystem, 2013, it is mentioned that “9 out of 10 human cells present symbiotic relationships with the microbiota”. Therefore, the alteration of this can produce or create a propensity to certain diseases, such as acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, dermatitis and more complex diseases such as cancer.
The microbiota of our skin can be altered by different factors, be they environmental, hygiene habits, smoking, exposure to antibiotics, stress, eating habits, to name a few.
The following figure exemplifies the relationship that our microorganisms have with our immune system, which may or may not adapt to the intervention of external factors.
Figure obtained from the Journal of the Colombian Association of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery.
An example of a microorganism that can affect our skin due to its imbalance in its habitat is Propionibacterium acnes, which colonizes the sebaceous glands, from which it obtains energy. It is eight times more frequent than other bacteria and is located in a higher proportion on the face and chest. Although it is related to some dermatological conditions, it has also been found to have many benefits for our skin, such as producing a substance called bacteriocin that protects the polysebaceous niche against some pathogens. In exchange for this protection, it uses the nutrients of our sebum, thus generating a mutualistic relationship.
Representative figure of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Obtained from Wikham Laboratories.
At Xilema our formulas are safe and beneficial for our microbial ecosystem. An example of this is our regenerating balm, in which we use prebiotics such as stevia (Estevia rebaudiana), a plant native to South America that helps to reverse imbalances in our skin. Apart from containing powerful nutrients and antioxidants, it has also discovered properties to eradicate certain pathogens, such as Streptococci and fungi such as Candida albicans.
Our balm is an ancient formula where only plant extracts are used without any refined ingredients, of the highest quality.
Because we know that our skin and the microorganisms that interact in it always deserve the best.
We invite you to try the simplicity and benefits of the earth in our Xilema products.
Reference sources:
Elsevier Connect, 2020. Differences in the composition of the microbiome by anatomical location.
Esther Molina Montes, 2018. Microbiome, microbiota and cancer. Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO).
Luz Angélica Patiño, Camilo Andrés Morales, 2013. Microbiota of the skin: the skin ecosystem. Journal of the Colombian Association of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery.