The skin microbiome and Silver Honey

What is the skin microbiome and why is it important?

The skin is the body's largest organ, separating and protecting our internal structures from the outside world. It's therefore no surprise that external microorganisms - such as bacteria, fungi and viruses - often decide to settle on the skin. "Microbiome" is the name given to the microorganisms that live in harmony on the skin's own bacteria.

Therole of the microbiome in the healing process:
The skin is not naturally sterile - the microorganisms are meant to mix with the skin's own bacteria. While the effects of the skin microbiome are still not 100% understood and research is still ongoing, human studies have established that the skin microbiome is crucial to an individual's basic health and wellbeing. In fact, dysfunction in the skin microbiome has been linked to autoimmune diseases and infections in humans*.

Studies on equine healing processes show that the horse's skin and skin microbiome is a rich and stable environment that is disrupted by wounds and tissue damage. However, this points back to the importance of a balanced microbiotic environment to ensure effective and complete healing of a wound.

Several studies continue to clarify the impact and importance of the skin microbiome on the wound healing process**. When tissue is destroyed, there is a decrease in the diversity of microorganisms and thus the skin microbiome is disrupted, leading to a delay in the healing process. Studies in both horses and humans show that a well-balanced microbiome shortens healing time. Adding a wound care product that helps restore and maintain the skin's microbiome can therefore be an effective way to speed up the healing process.

Silver Honey uses the natural properties of both manuka honey and MicroSilver BG to nurture and protect the skin's natural microbiome.

*Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Sept 2018; v.19(9):2699
**Source: PLoS Onev; v.13(11); 2018