Skin is a complex and dynamic ecosystem beginning with the microbiome and acid mantle inhabited by bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses. Collectively, these microbes are referred to as the skin microbiota and are essential to skin physiology and immunity. The skin microbiome is a doorway to the external environment and is a complex habitat that is greatly influenced by the biodiversity of the unique ecosystems present on skin. The microbiome varies in each area of the body. There is a symbiotic relationship with microbiota that play an integral role in the maturation and homeostatic regulation of keratinocytes and immunity with systemic implications. Skin microbial populations play a significant role in health and disease and modulate due to intrinsic and extrinsic factors.1

Skin is a protective structure between the body and the environment with built-in defense mechanisms that survey, react, respond, regulate, and detect environmental fluctuations within and outside of cells. Skin encompasses abundant adaptive mechanisms to restore itself quickly to structural and functional integrity. The health of the entire body, including skin, relies on its ability to carry out cellular immune surveillance and response to microbial intruders, conduct biological repair, monitor trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and barrier defense systems and function, maintain cell-to-cell communication and signaling, and rebuild tissue systems to maintain a continual state of homeostasis. Dermatological research and studies confirm that numerous signal functions influence important controls in the epidermis that begin with or are triggered in the stratum corneum.2 All epidermal and dermal components must remain a sustainable force for cellular regeneration, tissue building, pH, homeostasis, and overall health and appearance. 

Assaults to the stratum corneum can interfere with its natural metabolic ability and function of maintaining a strong barrier. Consistent overexposure to ultraviolet rays, environmental fluences, wounding, lifestyle habits, poor nutrition, disease, allergens, and more compromise this barrier. Overuse of cosmetic products may cause a low trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and excessive aggressive treatments could compromise the barrier as well. The proper approach to skin conditions requires a deeper understanding and analysis to recognize subtle symptoms. How should professionals proceed with preventative or remedial interventions that support improvement and lead to a healthier skin? 

Alexandra J. Zani is an international educator, licensed instructor, speaker, author, and researcher in the professional skin care industry. She is on the Education Commission of the IAC (International Association of Applied Corneotherapy), a faculty member of DermaEducation TV for postgraduate education, and NCEA nationally certified. Her career has included business ownership and management, consulting, product development, and authoring textbooks and industry trade publications. Her academic background includes cell biology and medical technology. Zani has received numerous advanced certifications, both in the United States and abroad, in the dermal sciences, oncology aesthetics, microcurrent, LED, and non-ablative laser. Zani is the owner of AEsthani Skincare Institute, LLC in Greenville, South Carolina.