There exists, in the human body, a microcosm invisible to the naked eye. An immense jungle, inhabited by millions of creatures: the microbiota. This ecosystem, composed of bacteria and other tiny beings, is present on the skin, in the hair, and in all parts of the human body. It is essential for maintaining a healthy organism and until recently remained a secret of nature. But now, thanks to innovative research in the field, scientists are beginning to unveil this universe and understand how its mechanisms can be harnessed for our well-being.
"Today, we know that the microbiota is important because it can do things that our body cannot, such as digest certain substances, produce vitamin D, and regulate our immune response to environmental stimuli," says Luciana Vasquez, Science Manager at Natura. "Studies show that the microbiota even influences mental behaviors through mechanisms that regulate the production of neurotransmitters."
Understanding the mechanisms of the microbiota and its functions in the human body is of utmost importance for Natura, as it helps the company develop smarter products capable of interacting with the microbiota in a way that assists the body in "doing its job."
On the skin, this colony of billions of tiny creatures exists above the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, and helps regulate its interaction with the environment. If balanced and healthy, this microbiota prevents potentially harmful external agents from gaining access and causing damage in the form of diseases and inflammations. Studies have already shown that in areas affected by dermatological problems, the composition of the microbiota is different from that of healthy regions.
But the microbiota is not the same across the entire surface of human skin. The types of microorganisms vary according to factors such as humidity, oiliness, and temperature of each observed area. "Today, we know that some regions of the skin are colonized by specific bacteria, depending on whether the area is drier, wetter, or oilier," says Luciana. "This is a science that continues to be developed."
Another interesting detail is that each individual has their own microbiota, like a personal and non-transferable signature, which varies according to a series of factors such as dietary habits, use of antibiotics, and even the climate of the region where the person lives. "The microbiota brings a signature for each individual," says Luciana. "Everyone has their own."
In this sense, Luciana emphasizes the value of a balanced microbiota. "We can draw an analogy between the microbiota and the ecosystem of a forest. If we have a forest with few species, it will be fragile and can degrade quickly in the face of an invasion. But, on the other hand, if we have a diverse forest, the system tends to be more stable and resilient."
Natura works to help, through its products, to maintain the skin's microbiota balanced. This is the result of investment in cutting-edge technology and research. By staying at the forefront of innovation, the company is able to break old paradigms and offer better results to consumers, considering that a balanced microbiota is key to strong, beautiful, and healthy skin.
