Skin Microbiome – Clearing Up Confusion

Everyone’s skin is different, and it can say a lot about someone’s health, but if you take a closer look, our skin is more similar than you think. Even though it is invisible to the naked eye, skin microbiome plays an important part in maintaining healthy looking skin.

What is Skin Microbiome?

Skin microbiome, also known as skin microflora, is comprised of millions of microorganisms— mainly bacteria, but also includes fungi, viruses, as well as mites. Although other parts of the body have their own microbial communities, the skin microbiome refers to microbes that reside directly on the skin.

What Does Skin Microbiome Do?

A large group of the microorganisms of skin microbiome are beneficial, providing a vital function that the human genome has not evolved. They work together to preserve protective borders against invasion by more pathogenic or harmful organisms and to control aspects that contribute to the overall health of our skin. The four dominant phyla of bacteria that make up the skin microbiome are Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, and they are present for everyone.

There are other types of bacteria which can vary depending on different skin types and individuals. As well as working together, they can also feed off each other’s excretion which will uphold balance within the skin microbiome. In order to maintain overall homeostasis, beneficial bacteria has to overpower pathogenic bacteria, otherwise dermatological issues like acne and psoriasis will occur.

The workings of the skin microbiome regulate immunity by assisting wound healing, fighting off external factors, limiting allergen and UV exposure, and minimising oxidative damage. This keeps the skin barrier intact and hydrated, as well as controls how well cosmetic products are absorbed.

What Affects the Skin’s Microbiome?

There are a huge number of external factors that come into contact with the skin that the skin microbiome has to fight off. If your skin microbiome is unbalanced or disruptive, these elements like the weather or cosmetic products can negatively affect your skins condition.

However, it has been said that it is because of these external factors that disruption is caused in the first instance. Due to the change in our lifestyles over the years, there are certain daily activities that our skin isn’t completely equipped to handle.

Hot showers and baths, our increased soap usage and a sugar-heavy diet all contribute to knocking our skin microbiome off balance. Even though our diet doesn’t directly affect our skin, our gut bacteria is linked to our skin bacteria and immune system. So, having balance within our gut results in a balanced skin microbiome.

How to Support and Improve Skin Microbiome

Cosmetic products have recently been created with skin microbiome in mind, like antimicrobial soaps and cleansers. However, using these too much can affect the beneficial bacteria and can cause an imbalance.

A number of probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic products have also been introduced that can help healthy skin microorganisms flourish. For example, products developed with isolated live bacteria and lysates like: bifida ferment lysate, lactococcus ferment lysate, lactobacillus ferment lysate, also including kombucha (fermented tea), oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and more.

By choosing the right cosmetic products, formulated with natural ingredients, and balanced pH, this is one of the best ways to support and improve your skin microbiome. Pair this with a healthy and nutritious diet with lots of water and your skin microbiome will maintain in-balance and your skin will be glowing.