Your Skin's Secret Weapon: The Power of Your Microbiome - AI Podcast
Jun 10, 2025•8 min
Episode description
Story at-a-glance
- Your skin microbiome helps protect against UV radiation damage by metabolizing harmful cis-urocanic acid (cis-UCA) using an enzyme called urocanase, preventing immunosuppression and inflammation after sun exposure
- Urocanase-positive bacteria rapidly respond to UVB exposure, shifting skin microbiome composition within hours and creating a protective feedback loop that supports overall skin health
- Conventional sunscreens often disrupt beneficial skin bacteria, while certain microbes produce protective compounds like pigments, antioxidants, and enzymes that naturally neutralize harmful UV radiation
- Linoleic acid (LA) from vegetable oils accumulates in skin cells, making them vulnerable to UV damage. Conversely, C15:0 fat can eventually replace LA in cell membranes
- Reducing LA intake and supplementing with 2 grams of C15:0 daily can help boost skin health in 12 to 18 months, enabling greater sun resilience without relying on conventional sunscreens
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