Have you ever heard of the skin microbiome and wondered what it's all about? Simply put, it's the flora of healthy microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi on your skin that together form a kind of protective shield. Learn exactly how this works and how you can build and strengthen your skin microbiome in this blog post.
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin is our largest organ and protects our body from harmful environmental influences. Have you ever wondered how it does this? The skin microbiome is responsible for this intelligent protective shield effect .
The human microbiome refers to the totality of all microorganisms on or in the body. You may be more familiar with the term microbiome in connection with the gut, where we refer to the so-called intestinal flora. A healthy intestinal flora, as is generally known, is particularly important for health and a functioning immune system.
Not only the intestines, but all of our body surfaces— including the surface of our skin —are populated by a flora of "good" bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These form a protective layer and prevent "bad"—i.e., pathogenic—microbes from multiplying and penetrating the body.
Your skin microbiome is unique, much like your fingerprint. No two people's microbiomes are the same. This is due in part to individual genetics, but also to different lifestyles and environmental factors.
Why is a balanced skin flora so important?
The skin, as our largest organ and the body's outer covering, plays a crucial role in our immune defenses—after all, it is constantly exposed to environmental influences and both good and bad microorganisms throughout the day. A healthy skin microbiome is characterized by a significant preponderance of "good" microbes . When this is the case, the microbiome acts as a protective skin barrier that keeps pathogenic (i.e., disease-causing) germs at bay.
The microbiome also maintains a balanced pH level in the skin , which contributes to a healthy immune system. An intact skin barrier also makes it easier to retain moisture—a prerequisite for healthy, radiant skin.
What happens when the microbiome gets out of balance?
If an imbalance occurs among microbes, this protective function is compromised. Pathogens then have an easier time penetrating the skin. This can lead to inflammatory processes, sensitive skin, irritation, premature skin aging, or even skin diseases such as eczema, acne, neurodermatitis, rosacea, or psoriasis. An altered or impaired microbiome is usually detected at the same time as a skin disease is diagnosed.
How does an impaired microbiome occur?
Such an imbalance can arise, for example, if you over-care for your skin, i.e., use too many or the wrong skincare products. An example that almost everyone is familiar with by now is dry, chapped hands caused by excessive washing or disinfection. This is because the harsh surfactants wash away not only the pathogenic bacteria but also the "good" bacteria responsible for your skin's protective barrier.
The skin can no longer retain moisture as well, pathogenic germs can multiply and dryness can even lead to eczema.
4 tips to strengthen the skin's microbiome
Less is more: Over-treating the skin is particularly harmful to the microbiome, as it irritates it. So, avoid harsh cleansing products, aggressive active ingredients, and overly frequent mechanical exfoliation. A basic routine of gentle products is much better; instead of mechanical exfoliation, a gentle for example, is a good option.
Gentle facial cleansing and skincare: Choose a skincare product with gentle, mild ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or argan oil. These strengthen the microbiome and thus the skin's barrier function.
Balanced lifestyle: A healthy, balanced diet, exercise, and adequate hydration are important factors for an intact microbiome. But it's not just your skin that will thank you; these measures will also have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Prebiotic and probiotic supplements: Prebiotics and probiotics can be a useful supplement to support the skin from within.
You should avoid this:
Harsh surfactants: These strip the skin of its natural oils, creating an imbalance that can lead to dryness and sensitive skin.
Alcohol-containing skincare products: Alcohol is often found in facial toners and lotions, in particular. This removes moisture from the skin, which can damage the microbiome. Instead, choose a mild toner like our DAYTOX .
Unbalanced diet: If you eat an unbalanced diet, your body will lack certain nutrients. This can lead to an imbalance in bacterial colonization, for example, due to an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria.
Too much sun: Avoid too much UV radiation, as it stresses your skin and disrupts the microbiome. Protect your skin every day with sunscreen, such as our DAYTOX
Too much stress: As with almost all areas of life, too much stress also has a negative impact on the skin. If you find ways to reduce stress in your daily life, your skin will thank you.
