Why would I sequence my skin microbiome?

The way that gene sequencing works is that it uses a chemical reaction to “magnify” the genes in a sample. It is called the Polymerase Chain Reaction … PCR.

Advances in the field of genomics over the past 26 years have led to substantial reductions in the cost of genome sequencing. This liberates researchers to delve further into the hidden secrets of the human body and to reveal the intricate ecologies that are our microbiomes. These advances are not likely to slow down, and we can look forward to a future where each individual’s sequenced microbiome can be used to determine a customised probiotic regime to achieve maximum anti-ageing results.

Looking at the diversity of resident microbes that occur in different skin biomes will help to explain why, for example, psoriasis occurs on the outer elbow, but atopic dermatitis (AD) occurs on the inner elbow.

A closer look at the skin microbiome will also help explain the rise of skin disorders such as AD and its correlation with changes in hygienic practices, antibiotic exposure, and lifestyle.

Any attempt to optimise skin health without taking microbes into account is doomed to failure. Armed with more knowledge of the system that we’re dealing with, we can look at new ways to maintain balance and fine-tune your skin’s performance.

By sequencing your skin microbiome, you are able to determine your individual ecology. Once you have a clear idea of what is going on in and on your skin, you will be able shift your microbiome in the right direction by promoting the growth of symbiotic bacteria and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Only then will targeted therapies with the correct products and treatment protocols be able to optimise the health of your skin.