Here’s the 101 on the skin microbiome and how to care for yours.
What Is the skin microbiome?
There are 1,000 different bacterial species and up to 80 different fungi species.
Some of these are also residents of yourgut microbiome, includingStaph,Strep, andCandidaspecies.
There are also a fewBifidobacteriumandLactobacillusspecies on certainareas of the skinbut much less so than in the gut.
The skin microbiome changes depending on the “eco-niche3,” or location.
And the microbiome differs with age and gender.
Communicates with our immune system.
We now know that’s not true.
Protects us against infection.
Tempers inflammation.
The microbiome and skin immune system “talk” to each other regularly, dampening inflammation.
Likewise, our good bacterial residents can inhibit the release of inflammatory compounds from the immune system.
Protects us from environmental aggressors.
In fact,new research showsthat it can protect us from harmful UV rays.
How is the microbiome compromised, and what happens?
This is called the “hygiene hypothesis,” and there’s alot of research6to support this important concept.
Dittofor the skin microbiome.
You’re using the wrong products.
So if you’re addicted to “clean,” you could be damaging your skin microbiome.
Take soap and sulfates, for example: By their very nature, it’s alkalinizing.
That’s how it works to remove dirt and microbes.
But recall that our skin microbiome prefers a pH of about 5.
At this relatively acidic pH, the healthy microbiome thrives.
It’s also understood that the opportunistic bacteriathe dysbiotic playersdo better at a higher, more alkaline pH.
And soap has a pH of up to about10.
Your gut microbiome is compromised, too.
New research shows that anythingdamaging to your gut microbiome8also influences what’s happening to the skin.
It’s called the gut-skin axis, and scientists are just beginning to understand the connection.
You over-do it with skin care in general.
Modern lifestyle.
In fact, research finds that contact with natureor the lack of contactdirectly influences your microflora diversity.
How can I support my microbiome?
Here’s how:
Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
I recommendgood fats, proteins, carbohydrates, colorful vegetables, andclean water.
Identify and remove trigger foods.
For example,dairyandglutenare both associated with exacerbating a range of skin issues, including eczema and acne.
Take care of your gut.
Much research exists on theuse of probioticsin supporting a healthy gut and therefore skin microbiome.
*
Be smart about hand sanitizers and harsh soaps.
Let your microbiome thrive.
Finally, see to it you moisturize your hands regularly after washing and sanitizing.
Work up a sweat a few times a week.
If you’re eating well, the sweat you produce is likely a fortifyingprebioticfor the skin microbiome.
Keep your stress levels in check.
Just as elsewhere in the body, stress likely negatively influences what’s happening with your skin.
Find a stress management method that works best for you, such as yoga or meditation.
Can topical biotic ingredients help?
postbiotic hand cream
Rich yet fast-absorbing formula that nourishes your microbiome.
Topical bioticslikepre-, pro-, and postbioticsare a growing area of research and development.
Many brands have come out with products and collections intended to help nurture the skin’s microbiome.
(Like most skin care items, some products work well, while others are just hype.
Biotic skin care is no exception.)
This branch of skin care typically comes down to three categories.
The takeaway.
Not only will it help our skin aesthetically, it helps protect our body.
