Page 150 - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

INOVACIJE I IZAZOVI U OBRAZOVANJU I SESTRINSKOJ SKRBI - KNJIGA SAŽETAKA

Microbiome – Do We Benefit from Microorganisms?

The skin is made up of more cells than any other organ of our body. The health of the skin and
its functionality depend on its microbiome, which is part of the microbiome of the entire body.
The microbiome consists of all the microorganisms that live in and on the body, consisting of
bacteria, viruses and fungi. The skin microbiome plays a key role in the overall health of our
skin and significantly contributes to protection against skin problems. The microbiome
develops immediately after birth, as soon as the newborn comes into contact with the outside
world, and the early colonization of various microorganisms is important for the development
of the child's immune system and the preparation of the skin for life exposed to external
influences. Together with the skin, the microbiome creates an acidic skin coat that protects
against the penetration of pathogenic organisms, while the body's own microbiome copes well
in acidic conditions around pH 5, while pathogenic organisms cannot tolerate such conditions.
Bacteria that naturally live symbiotically on the skin are called resident bacteria. When the
microbiome is in balance, the skin provides bacteria with a habitat and nutrients, while the
bacteria protect the skin from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. Alkaline and
aggressive detergents remove resident bacteria, dry out the skin, the types and composition of
the microbiome change, and pathogens and allergens penetrate the skin more easily. Cleansing
agents of pH 5 acidity are optimal for the skin, they preserve the moisture and oiliness of the
skin, the microbiome of the shield that remains active and the system of penetration of
pathogenic microorganisms.
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The aim of the 7 grade students' research is to determine the pH value of solutions of three
types of soap before and after the addition of substances that reduce alkalinity.
The assumption is that by adding substances that have an acidic pH, they could achieve a
lowering of the alkaline pH of the soap, and that it still has effective properties for removing
impurities.
Naturally handmade soap based on lye, naturally made soap based on glycerin and purchased
liquid soap, which is a synthetic detergent based on its chemical composition, are dissolved in
the water.
Using a universal indicator, the pH value of the solutions was determined before and after the
addition of citric acid and goat's milk containing caprylic acid.
The results of the research showed that commercial liquid soap has a pH of around 5.5, which
was achieved by adding additives, preservatives and dyes, which we are not sure how they work
in the long term. Natural handmade soap based on alkali or glycerin with the addition of goat's
milk or citric acid is slightly alkaline and is close to the natural pH value of the skin, making it
suitable for use and preservation of the natural microbiome.

Key words: skin microbiome, acidity and alkalinity of cleaning agents, mini research paper

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