Sequential - The Skin Microbiome Testing Co?

Chemical peels are dermatological procedures that involve applying a chemical solution to the skin, thereby exfoliating the top layers to allow cell turnover and enhance skin texture and tone. The process involves using different types of acids or chemical agents that can vary in strength, leading to varying depths of peel, from superficial to deep. The procedure needs to be carried out more than once to get beneficial results, and recent research has begun to explore their impact on the skin microbiome. What we know: ??Chemical peels can reduce sebum production and possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic, and comedolytic properties (M?geru?an et al., 2023). ??30% Supramolecular Salicylic Acid Peel have shown to decrease certain bacterial populations such as Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium (Shao et al., 2023). ??A study had found out that the immediate application of the chemical peel, caused a disruption in the skin's microbial composition. However, over a period of several weeks, the skin microbiota had rebalanced to levels similar or better than pre-treatment levels, indicating a temporary disturbance followed by a recovery phase (Vinay Bhardwaj, PhD et al., 2024). ??It was seen that immediately after the peel, C. acnes decreased by 60%. However, within two weeks, these counts began to return to normal levels, reaching baseline levels by the fourth week (Bhardwaj et al., 2024). ??Although the peel initially compromises the skin barrier, the recovery phase showed an improvement in barrier function, potentially due to the regrowth of a balanced microbiome (Bhardwaj et al., 2024). Industry impact & potential: ??Post-peel treatments should be designed to restore and support the skin microbiome. ??Further studies need to be done to delve deeper into the interaction between chemical peels and skin microbiome. Our solution: Sequential is at the forefront of integrating microbiome science into skincare. Our cutting-edge research aims to analyse and understand how skincare products interact with the skin microbiome. By collaborating with us and our skincare professionals we can advise you on treatments that not only enhance skin appearance but also maintain microbiome health.

Antibiotics are a class of antimicrobial substances designed to target and eliminate bacteria. They play a crucial role in modern medicine as the primary agents used to fight bacterial infections. These powerful medications are indispensable for both treating and preventing bacterial diseases, making them one of the most important tools in combating infectious diseases. What we know: ??Antibiotic treatment decreases the bacterial density and alters the bacterial composition in skin (Zhang et al., 2014). ??Subjects treated with doxycycline 100mg and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole showed more significant alterations in skin microbial communities than those that did not receive antibiotics (Jay-Hyun Jo et al., 2021). ??Oxytetracycline reduced the diversity of the skin microbiome. Diversity reduction often indicates a disruption in the natural balance of microbial communities (Pereira et al., 2024). ??Exposure to antibiotics often leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the skin microbiome (Jo et al., 2021). ??The skin microbiome has the ability to recover after antibiotic exposure, but the recovery process can be slow and incomplete. Some bacterial communities may never return to their original state, potentially leading to long-term health impacts (Jeanette Carlson et al., 2017). Industry impact & potential: ??Studies show that after antibiotic treatment, resistant strains can dominate, posing a challenge for future treatments (Jo et al., 2021). ??Companies can innovate by creating targeted antibiotics that minimize disruption to the beneficial microbiota or by developing products that support microbiome recovery post-antibiotic treatment. ??The cosmetic industry can leverage this knowledge to create skincare products that promote a healthy microbiome, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics by enhancing the skin's natural defense mechanisms Our solution: At Sequential, we have the first-ever targeted skin panels, specifically designed to address key skin concerns. These panels, a breakthrough in microbiome research, reflect years of dedicated work by our scientists to identify the microbial factors behind various skin conditions. Unlike traditional microbiome research tools, our panels allow for precise, focused analysis on any specific skin concern.

Your skin is home to millions of microbes—bacteria, fungi, and viruses—that form an ecosystem called the skin microbiome. This diverse community protects your body, maintains your skin’s barrier, and supports your immune system. Yet everyday habits, from the products you use to how much time you spend outdoors, can disrupt this balance, potentially contributing to chronic health issues. Why Your Skin Microbiome Matters Like the gut microbiome, the skin microbiome is essential for overall health. Beneficial microbes on your skin produce antibacterial substances, break down oils, and teach your immune system to tolerate harmless organisms while defending against harmful ones. An imbalanced microbiome—too few beneficial microbes or too many harmful ones—has been linked to conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even non-skin-related diseases such as asthma and arthritis. Modern Life’s Impact on Skin Health The way we live today may be harming our skin microbiome in subtle but significant ways: ??Harsh Products: Antibacterial soaps, antibiotics, and chemical-laden beauty products can kill beneficial microbes, weaken the skin’s barrier, and lead to inflammation. ??Less Nature Contact: Spending less time outdoors limits exposure to diverse microbes found in plants, soil, and animals. This can reduce the microbiome’s diversity, which is associated with poorer health outcomes. How Nature Helps Rebalance the Skin Research suggests that reconnecting with nature can enhance the diversity of the skin microbiome. For example: ??In daycare centers enriched with forest materials, children developed healthier microbiomes and improved immune markers after just one month. ??Adults who gardened with microbe-rich soil showed increased skin microbiome diversity and anti-inflammatory benefits. These findings suggest that direct interaction with nature—like touching soil, gardening, or spending time with animals—may improve skin and immune health. Tips for a Healthier Skin Microbiome ??Choose Gentle Products: Avoid overwashing or using harsh chemicals that strip beneficial microbes. Opt for microbiome-friendly skincare. ??Reconnect with Nature: Incorporate gardening, hiking, or spending time with pets into your routine. Direct contact with nature is more effective than passive exposure. ??Diversify Your Microbiome: Seek varied environments and experiences to support microbial diversity. The Bottom Line Your skin microbiome is a critical part of your overall health. By reducing harsh chemical exposure and reconnecting with nature, you can nurture this invisible ecosystem, strengthening your skin’s defenses and potentially lowering your risk of chronic diseases. Small changes—like replacing antibacterial soap or taking up gardening—can have a big impact. Start today to create healthier skin and a healthier you.

Intense Pulsed Light or IPL is a non-invasive treatment method that uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and aging. The technology functions by emitting various wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and target specific chromophores, such as melanin in hair follicles or hemoglobin in blood vessels. This process causes the targeted chromophores to heat up and break down. Unlike lasers, an IPL device emits multiple wavelengths of pulsating light. What we know: ??There are observable changes in the overall microbial diversity on the skin post-IPL treatment, with some bacterial populations decreasing and others increasing (Liu et al., 2021). ??A study found that IPL treatment significantly reduced the population of Cutibacterium acnes, and thereby inhibiting sebum secretion (Liu et al., 2021). ??It was also seen that the relative abundance of Staphylococcus epidermidis increased? (Liu et al., 2021). ??Blue light specifically targets bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), IPL’s broader spectrum affects a wider range of chromophores, potentially leading to broader microbial changes (Hannah Serrage et al., 2024). ??The changes in microbial populations due to IPL are often temporary, and after returns to its baseline state over time (Serrage et al., 2024). Industry impact & potential: By influencing the skin microbiome, IPL may provide therapeutic benefits for conditions linked to microbial imbalance, such as acne and rosacea. IPL could be incorporated into treatment regimens not only for cosmetic enhancements but also for the management of chronic skin conditions, thus broadening its clinical applications. Our solution: At Sequential, we conduct skin microbiome testing for your personalised skincare products. We have a database of 20,000 microbiome samples. We also have expert researchers and dermatologists that can advice you on an ingredient or product.

Many females report using personal lubricants during intimate sexual activities to help alleviate vaginal dryness and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Clinicians also frequently use vaginal lubricants to conduct gynecologic exams. Lubricants are classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices, and they are subject to more regulatory control than general-use products due to their intended use in contact with sensitive skin and mucosal tissues. What we know: ??Research indicates that some lubricants can disrupt the vaginal microbiome by altering its pH and microbial composition (Katie McElroy et al., 2016). ??There are a few differences in the vaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles of lubricant users and controls, and it was seen that there was a decrease in the relative abundance of Lactobacillus crispatus following use of lubricant, which is a predominant bacteria in a healthy vaginal microbiome (Tuddenham et al., 2021). ??Most clinical and personal lubricants contain parabens and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and CHG have a detrimental effect on the vaginal microbiota by decreasing the overall bacterial load, including health-associated Lactobacillus spp (Pawe? ?aniewski et al., 2021). ??Two commonly used brands of lubricant, Surgilube and KY Jelly, contain chlorhexidine and can alter vaginal microbiota (McElroy et al., 2016). ??Water-based lubricants on the vaginal microbiome of premenopausal and postmenopausal women remained unchanged, although the vaginal microbiome differed significantly between them (Michael Krychman et al., 2023). Industry impact & potential: ??The industry is shifting towards the development of microbiome-friendly lubricants. ??Companies are focusing on formulations that support the natural vaginal flora, reduce irritation, and maintain optimal pH levels . Our solution: Sequential is a company dedicated to advancing microbiome research and testing formulas not only in skin, scalp, oral microbiome, but the vaginal microbiome as well. We utilize advanced genomic sequencing techniques to profile individual microbiomes, providing insights into the specific composition and health of the microbiome. We conduct human clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of products. These trials involve recruiting participants to test new formulations, ensuring real-world applicability and effectiveness.

?? SCS Formulate 2024 Starts Tomorrow – Join Sequential! Come visit us at Stand 1012 to discover Sequential's innovative skin microbiome diagnostic patches and our microbiome-compatible formulation solutions. Don’t Miss Our Talk: ?? Date: November 13 (Day 2) ?? Time: 12:10 - 12:30 PM ?? Topic: "Insights and Research on the Skin Microbiome: The Importance of Scientifically Backed Solutions" Let’s connect and shape the future of skincare innovation—see you there!

?? Sequential’s Skin-Focused Targeted Panels Are Revolutionizing Microbiome Research! ?? It’s been a few weeks since we launched our Targeted Panels, and the response has been incredible! To celebrate the launch, we’re still offering 20% off analysis for contracts signed before December 31st—but spaces are filling up fast! Don’t miss your chance to leverage this cutting-edge tool for your research. Designed to evaluate skin conditions like Acne, Atopic Dermatitis, Rosacea, Sun/UV Exposure, and Malodor, these panels are helping researchers and brands gain deeper insights into the microbiome’s role in skin health. ???? What makes these panels so groundbreaking? ? They’re the first of their kind, offering a uniquely focused approach to microbiome analysis. ? Built on a robust database of over 25,000 microbial samples, delivering reliable, actionable results. ? They’re opening doors to targeted innovations in skincare research and development. ?? Learn more and book your panel: https://lnkd.in/eEqtB8WX Let’s transform skin microbiome science together!

The oral-lung axis is an emerging field of research that explores the connection between oral health and the lung microbiome. Growing evidence indicates that maintaining a healthy oral microbiome and good oral hygiene practices may play a crucial role in protecting lung health. What We Know: ??The oral-lung axis is a closely linked and bi-directional connection between the oral and lung microbiomes. This relationship highlights the role of the oral microbiome in lung health and disease (Juncal ALZAGA GARMENDIA & Pilar Cebollero Rivas, 2024). ??The oral microbiome is one of multiple factors that affects and challenges respiratory health. Others include host genetics, diet, lifestyle and exposure to toxicants (smoke, biofuel, pollutants) (Sara Cicchinelli et al., 2023). ??The lung microbiome frequently overlaps with the oral microbiome due to the close connection between these two anatomical regions through the oral-lung axis. Salivary flow and microaspiration are the primary mechanisms that promote the establishment of the lung microbiome (Garmendia & Cebollero-Rivas, 2024). ??Smoking is an environmental factor that significantly alters the composition of the oral and subgingival microbiota, leading to oral dysbiosis characterised by a diverse, pathogen-rich, commensal-poor and anaerobic microbiome. These changes impact lower airway dysbiosis through the oral-lung axis, negatively affecting respiratory health (Cicchinelli et al., 2023). Industry Impact and Potential: ??Dental plaque migrating to the lungs can worsen lung microbiome imbalances and related diseases. For example, the periodontal pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum in the lungs is linked to worsening Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Conversely, COPD can also disrupt the oral microbiota. This bidirectional relationship emphasises the need for more research and suggests that improving oral health could help prevent and manage lung diseases (Garmendia & Cebollero-Rivas, 2024). ??Researchers urge dentists and physicians to be more aware of the oral microbiome's impact on COPD and other lung diseases. They emphasise the need to prevent periodontal disease and slow the progression of COPD by monitoring and addressing oral health (Anitha Subbappa et al., 2023). ??Interventional studies have demonstrated that periodontal treatments aimed at supporting the oral microbiome can help improve symptoms of COPD, prompting development of innovative products to support oral health (Lin et al., 2023). Our Solution: At Sequential, we specialise in microbiome analysis and product development for the oral, skin, scalp and vaginal regions, leading the way in solutions that maintain the microbiome. With our expertise, we are well-positioned to collaborate with your company to create innovative products that promote a healthy oral microbiome, enhance microbiota diversity, support lung health, and protect against lung diseases.

Perioral dermatitis (PD) is a common and prevalent inflammatory skin condition characterised by small, red papules and pustules around the mouth. While the exact cause of PD remains elusive, research suggests that the skin microbiome could be a significant factor in both the development and treatment of this condition, offering new avenues for understanding and managing PD. What We Know: ??PD most commonly affects adult women aged 20-45. It can also appear around the eyes (periocular) and nose (paranasal), leading to the alternative name "periorificial dermatitis." Despite this, PD does not share many characteristics with other forms of dermatitis (Tolaymat & Hall, 2024). ??The exact cause of PD remains unknown, but various environmental factors have been linked to its onset. These include the use of topical and inhaled corticosteroids, which are believed to disrupt the hair follicle microflora and contribute to pathogenesis. Although most patients are female, no hormonal link has been established (Tolaymat & Hall, 2024). ??PD development is associated with certain oral hygiene practices, such as using fluoride-containing toothpaste, chewing gum and dental fillings. Additionally, excessive skincare routines (e.g., over-exfoliation) and the use of specific cosmetic products (like combining moisturisers and foundations, as well as certain sunscreens) have been implicated (Tolaymat & Hall, 2024). ??Treatment for PD typically involves topical creams, oral antibiotics and removing cosmetics. Zinc supplementation has also shown efficacy. Avoiding propyl gallate (food additive E310), found in some oils, crisps, spices and cake mixes may also help manage PD, as it is thought to aggravate the condition (Gürtler & Laurenz, 2022). Industry Impact and Potential: ??Studies suggest that Candida albicans, fusiform bacteria and Demodex mites may play a role in the onset of PD (Tolaymat & Hall, 2024). ??Research indicates that Streptococcus and Rothia are common on the perioral skin of healthy infants, but more studies are needed to understand the microbial landscape of PD in adults. Given the correlation between PD and epidermal barrier disorders (which are linked to microbial dysbiosis) this area of research holds significant potential for developing new treatments and preventive strategies (Fer?ek et al., 2021). Our Solution: Exploring the microbial implications of PD could lead to novel treatments like targeted probiotics, prebiotics and microbiome-modulating skincare products. Sequential offers customisable microbiome studies to assess your products' impact on skin microbiome integrity. With our guided formulation services and extensive participant database, we support your efforts to understand and treat conditions like perioral dermatitis, marking an exciting shift towards more effective, personalised dermatology care.

?? Join Sequential Bio at SCS Formulate 2024! We’re excited to announce our participation in SCS Formulate, the UK’s premier cosmetic science event, taking place November 12-13, 2024 at the Coventry Building Society Arena. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the latest in formulation, ingredients, and raw materials with top industry experts! Don’t Miss Our Talk: ?? Date: November 13 (Day 2) ?? Time: 12:10 - 12:30 PM ?? Topic: "Insights and Research on the Skin Microbiome: Advances, Limitations of Pre-, Pro-, Postbiotic Formulations. Do's and Don'ts in Skincare" Find Us at Stand 1012 to learn about Sequential's latest advancements in skin microbiome research, including our innovative diagnostic patches and cutting-edge approaches to microbiome-compatible formulations and our targeted skin microbiome panels! We look forward to connecting with you—let’s drive innovation in personal care together!