What is the Skin Microbiome and why is it important?
The skin microbiome seems to be a popular topic of conversation at the moment. The skin microbiome or flora as it is also known, has always been an element of our skin, but just hasn’t been as talked about it and more recently, the important of it’s role is been highlighted.
Highlighting the importance of it’s presence and role is a great step forward and is yet another reason why skin barrier protection is so important in maintaining healthy skin. It has broadened our understanding of skin biology and favours skincare that works with our skin barrier and not against it.
Firstly, let’s look at what actually is skin microbiome?
Skin microbiome is an ecosystem of microbiota that reside on the skin which is made up of trillions of microscopic organisms, mostly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses and archaea that live on and in our skin’s various layers. These are invisible life-forms but are an important part of your overall health. They do not equate to ‘dirt’ or ‘bad bacteria’ but instead keep the skin healthy.
Your skin microbiome begins from birth and cleverly it is in constant communication with its environment and our skin. The make up of the microbiome will defer in different areas, environments and what influences it is subjected to. Such as some microorganisms thrive in moist areas, like your elbow creases or feet. Others like dry or oily spots. In addition, great variations in skin microbial communities might occur between people living in rural environments and those living in urban environments. And it can change with influences such as hormones, diet, and genes.
But regardless of the slight differences in the make up of the microbiome, it plays an important part in protecting our skin from pathogens, controlling skin immunity, nutrient absorption and supporting our skin barrier.
The role of skin microbiome?
‘It’s part of a physical layer that protects you from the outside world. It works with other parts of your skin to:
- Fight infection. Some microbes act like a natural antibiotic. They also help keep your skin acidic, which helps fight infections and diseases.
- Help your immune system work. Microbes in your skin act as a kind of warning flare, alerting your immune system to harmful bacteria or viruses. They also play a role in how your cells respond to UV light.
- Heal wounds and control inflammation. Signals from your skin microbiome can activate or de-activate your immune system. That helps you heal and controls harmful inflammation’*
When the microbiome is healthy it works with skin barrier traps moisture in, and keeps irritants and potential pathogens out. Keeping inflammation and infection down.
What happens if our skin microbiome is imbalanced?
If our skin microbiome and in general skin barrier becomes compromised this can make it more susceptible to germs, inflammation and infection. This imbalance is called dysbiosis.
Banishing good bacteria from your microbiome can play a role in flare-ups of rosacea, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. Research has also shown that it can also show up as sensitive, dry, red skin and can even accelerate signs ageing in the skin like loss of elasticity, uneven tone, and wrinkles.
How do I keep my skin microbiome healthy?
Similarly, in the way we talk about protecting your skin barrier the same applies here as it is part and parcel of the skin system.
Don’t over wash or over clean the skin
Over cleaning the skin can upset the balance of your microbiome, especially if you use lots of antibacterial products. Avoiding harsh surfactants that strip the skin of its natural oils and denature proteins. Harsh ingredients will remove the essential moisturising and nourishing substances that keep your skin barrier healthy.
Choose a cleanser that is non-irritating and non-damaging to the skin. If you are left with a “tight” feeling after cleansing indicates your skin has been stripped of vital lipids.
Recommendation
Photozyme MD | Probiotic P291 Gentle Cleanser 177ml -£32.00
- Uses natural ingredients
- Cleanses and tones the face
- Moisturize and protects the skin
- pH balanced leaving skin refreshed and radiant
Don’t over-exfoliate the skin
Over-exfoliation can lead to redness, irritation, and strips the skin barrier and microbiome away leaving the skin more vulnerable.
Instead keep exfoliation down to a minimal or use more gentle forms of exfoliation such as enzyme exfoliation or using more gentle acids such as lactic acid.
Recommendation
AnteAGE MD | Regenzyme – £37.50
This non-acid blend of powerful botanical enzymes produced through bacterial fermentation, enriched with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich ingredients, will soften skin and slough away surface dead skin cells, leaving the skin polished and hydrated.
Designed to be gentle enough for all skin types.
Benefits
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Phthalate-Free, Acid-Free
- Enzymatic exfoliation digests only dead surface skin cells leaving healthy ones intact
- Great for sensitive skin and Acne Safe
- Perfect for all skin types Can be used multiple times a week
- Nourishing lipids leave the skin hydrated
Wear a broad spectrum high factor SPF
UV damage can effect your skin barrier’s ability to perform correctly, not to mention the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Having SPF in your make up or moisturiser is not sufficient and a separate SPF product is required for adequate protection.
Recommendation
iS Clinical | Eclipse SPF 50+ – £32.00
ULTRA SHEER, BROAD SPECTRUM, SPF 50+
BENEFITS
- Provides all-physical broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
- Ultra-sheer, fast absorbing with a weightless finish
- Dermatologist tested
- Water resistant
- Antioxidant protection with Vitamin E
Hydration and moisturise
Moisturiser helps keep maintain a healthy skin barrier and supports your skin in carrying our essential roles. Look for a moisturiser that contains ceramides, glycerin and/or fatty acids.
Recommendation
NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream – £45.50
NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream is a lightweight, deeply hydrating and reparative cream that is good for all skin types, including acneic and barrier impaired skin. It is an unscented and non-greasy formula that may be used on dry, sensitive or irritated skin. Skin is naturally renewed and repaired through daily use.
BENEFITS:
- Designed to repair the skin barrier which stops water loss in the skin
- Includes lipids, the skin’s natural fats, for complete healing to the barrier
- Lipids play a key role in maintaining the smoothness and firmness of skin
- Facilitates natural development of the outside layer of the skin
- Contains cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides needed to repair the skin
- Deeply hydrating for even the most damaged skin
- Unscented formula appropriate for the most sensitive skin
- May be used on acneic skin
*Published from web MD.com – What Is the Skin Microbiome? Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on April 14, 2021