Prebiotic Colloidal Oat Supports the Growth of Cutaneous Commensal Bacteria Including and Enhances the Production of Lactic Acid.

Background: Multiple skin conditions have been associated with alterations in the diversity and composition of the skin microbiome, including dry skin and atopic dermatitis. In these conditions, a number of commensal skin bacteria have been implicated in supporting a healthy skin barrier, including . Recent clinical studies in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis and dry/itchy skin have shown significantly improved skin barrier function and microbial diversity upon treatment with moisturizers containing 1% colloidal oat.

Expression of cutaneous immunity markers during infant skin maturation.

Background/objectives: Infant skin undergoes a maturation process during the early years of life. Little is known about the skin's innate immunity. We investigated the dynamics of innate immunity markers collected from the surface of infant skin during the first 36 months of life.

Hard water softening effect of a baby cleanser.

Background: Hard water is associated with atopic dermatitis (eczema). We wanted to determine if a baby cleanser and its individual components altered free ionized calcium (Ca) in a simulated hard water baby bath. For these studies, an in vitro determination of free Ca in a simulated hard water baby bath, and an in vivo exploratory study of free Ca absorption into skin from hard water were performed.

Diversity of the human skin microbiome early in life.

Within days after birth, rapid surface colonization of infant skin coincides with significant functional changes. Gradual maturation of skin function, structure, and composition continues throughout the first years of life. Recent reports have revealed topographical and temporal variations in the adult skin microbiome.