The Importance of Preserving a Healthy Skin Microbiome
What is the best option for preserving a healthy skin microbiome: regular soap, antibacterial soap, or hand sanitizer that kills 99% of bacteria?
In order to preserve a healthy skin microbiome, which of the following would be best: regular soap, antibacterial soap, or hand sanitizer that kills 99% of bacteria? Explain why.
Final answer:
Regular soap is the best choice for preserving a healthy skin microbiome. It removes dirt and oils that can harbor pathogenic bacteria without significantly disrupting the beneficial skin flora. Using antibacterial soap and sanitizers could disrupt this balance, potentially leading to health issues.
Explanation:
The best choice for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome would be regular soap. Our skin is home to various communities of nonpathogenic bacteria, also known as skin flora, which play important roles such as producing antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Antibacterial products like antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer, especially those containing triclosan, could potentially eliminate this beneficial bacteria along with pathogenic ones. This could disrupt the balance of our skin microbiome, which is not good for our health.
In comparison, regular soap removes dirt and oils that could harbor pathogenic bacteria without significantly disrupting our normal skin flora. The act of scrubbing the skin itself when washing hands with regular soap provides physical removal of microbes, and this process, known as degerming, plays a crucial role in decolonizing transient microbes. On the other hand, hand sanitizers might not be as effective in removing microbial biofilms or soil and grime as soap and water, and thus might not be the optimal choice here either.
The skin microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that live on the skin's surface. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's health by protecting it against harmful bacteria and maintaining its pH balance. Preserving a healthy skin microbiome is essential for overall skin health and immunity.
Regular soap is designed to cleanse the skin without disrupting the natural balance of the skin microbiome. It effectively removes dirt, sweat, and oil, while still preserving the beneficial bacteria that promote healthy skin. On the other hand, antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers may kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the skin microbiome.
By choosing regular soap over antibacterial products, you can help maintain a healthy skin microbiome and reduce the risk of skin infections. Remember to opt for a mild, fragrance-free soap and moisturize your skin after washing to keep your skin microbiome in balance and promote healthy skin.