What is the skin microbiome…and how can you protect it?
Did you know that your skin is home to trillions of teensy-tiny bacteria, fungi, and viruses known as the skin microbiome?
Before you cringe and start clawing at your face, take comfort in knowing that these organisms are tasked with an essential job. They keep the largest organ of your body happy and healthy. That’s right – these are little critters you want shacking up with you!
According to this article in www.nature.com, “…skin microorganisms have essential roles in the protection against invading pathogens, the education of our immune system and the breakdown of natural products1,2,3. As the largest organ of the human body, skin is colonized by beneficial microorganisms and serves as a physical barrier to prevent the invasion of pathogens. In circumstances where the barrier is broken or when the balance between commensals and pathogens is disturbed, skin disease or even systemic disease can result…”
While our skin acts as a barrier in protecting our bodies from assault by the outside world, microbiomes play a role in protecting our skin from the same assault. Microbiomes ask little of us in return. They quietly go about their business without disrupting our lives.
Why is the skin microbiome such a hot topic?
Commonly referred to as skin flora, microbiomes create a living, breathing physical barrier. Microbiomes protect your skin from nasty germs, help manage your skin’s pH, as produce skin nutrients and essential skin lipids.
A healthy microbiome can protect against skin infection by:
- Preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic organisms
- Fighting against external and environmental factors
- Keeping inflammation in check
- Promoting wound healing
- Acting as a barrier to some environmental allergens
Your skin’s microbiome is under threat
Soap was invented around 2800 BC in ancient Babylon. Since then, the skincare industry has been doing everything it can to destroy the little fellow inhabitants on our skin. Skincare products designed to eradicate harmful bacteria wreck our skin microbiome, killing good bacteria in the process.
A few examples of harmful products and ingredients include:
- Antibacterial soaps
- Preservatives in topical products
- Toxic phthalates
- Sulphates
- Alcohol and fragrance
- Super astringent toners
- Harsh skin scrubs, and peels and exfoliators
Yes, exfoliation and peels decongest and reveal new skin cells, but they also eradicate the microbes that moisturise, balance, and guard against skin damage.
What happens when your skin’s microbiome is thrown off balance? Simply put, Pandora’s Box is left wide open. Skin problems – from atopic dermatitis and eczema to rosacea, impetigo, and acne – are invited to come out and play. A microbiome imbalance can also result in various visible skin issues, including dryness, dehydration, sallowness, fine lines, and premature ageing.
A new dimension in skin health
The good news is that skin products inspired by nature can protect your skin’s delicate communities of skin flora.
That means choosing gentle moisturisers with cleansing agents that actively improve the level of good bacteria living on your skin. After all, if they look after us, it’s only fair that we return the favour, and take care of them.
A fresh perspective on the skin microbiome
With so many skincare options available, it’s hard to know which products get the ‘microbiome-friendly’ seal of approval. Have a closer look at the ingredients of your facial products. For the most part, those containing highly concentrated organic ingredients. Think live bacteria, bacteria extracts, or ingredients meant to enhance skin microbe activity such as clay blends, plant, fruit, nut, and seed-based oils, often provide a nutritional source for the skin microbiome.
Cherish Beauty’s skincare range is formulated to give your skin’s microbiome support. Our products help your microbiome to thrive, rather than destroying it with aggressive chemicals. We offer a wide range of skin microbiome-friendly cleansers and moisturisers, as well as enhancing serums, face masks, and toners.
Buy microbiome-friendly skincare products
Want to add some skin microbiome-friendly beauty to your routine? Click here to discover our favourite skincare must-haves that will benefit your skin and are cruelty-free and eco-friendly!
