George K.
Science is always bringing us new, interesting data that we can use to build a healthier, happier life. Here are some new skincare items that you might not be aware of yet.
What Is The Skin Microbiome?
Your skin is the largest organ you have, and it is essential in filtering out toxins, as well as maintaining your immune system, and keeping you free of unwanted diseases. It is colonized by a huge number of microorganisms, that make up a healthy community that is largely beneficial to our health. There are literally trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living on our skin, and collectively they are called the Microbiome.
This complex array of skin bacteria provides an important and essential immune response for the human body, and it is thought that the bacteria in the skin can provide useful information for the body’s immune system to use for various reasons in helping us stay healthy. It is essential in fighting off infection, protecting us against environmental damage, keeping the skin well hydrated, and regulating pH levels. Resident skin bacteria is diverse and might vary slightly from one person to the next.
Skin Probiotics
Just like the flora that lives in our gut, the skin microbiome can become off-kilter through the use of antibiotics, soaps, and abrasive scrubs. This can lead to some bacteria flourishing, while other bacteria are weakened. This isn’t always good for healthy skin. It can lead to issues like Acne, Eczema, Rosacea, and flaky, dry skin.
To combat imbalances in the skin biome, many forward-thinking skincare companies have developed interesting probiotic sprays and creams to help re-establish a good balance of flora on the skin.
If your skin looks great already, you might not need a probiotic (or prebiotic) skin spray or cream. However, if you suffer from rosacea, acne, eczema, or are combating chronic dryness, the key to your problem might just be a probiotic for your skin.
Ways To Maintain Healthy Skin Flora
One way to restore a healthy balance of flora to the skin is by using probiotic or prebiotic skincare products. Probiotics can restore bacterial balance directly, where prebiotics provide the necessary nutrients and environmental aids to encourage the growth of healthy bacteria that already exist on the skin.
You can also restore balance to your skin by keeping the skin bacteria healthy through your skincare routine. To help maintain the balance of your skin’s Microbiome, you should start by decreasing your use of antibacterial or other harsh cleansers.
Soap-based cleansers, especially those that are labeled as anti-acne or antibacterial, are hard on the skin’s natural flora. While antibacterial soap is necessary for clean hands (especially in the era of a pandemic), the copious use of antibacterial soaps on the body and face might be overkill and can throw off your natural skin microbiome, to the detriment of your overall skin health.
Switch to cleansers that are labeled as “for sensitive skin”, “gentle”, or labeled as being better for people with problematic skin. Non-soap cleansers are preferred.
Natural skin masks, made with ingredients found at home can also help maintain the natural balance of flora. A skin mask made with yogurt is ideal for this purpose. An easy mask to make combines natural yogurt with honey, applied to the skin, and then allowed to sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off your mask thoroughly, and then moisturize or go on with your normal skincare routine
This mask is great for maintaining the Microbiome, and is also wonderful for increasing moisture, brightening the skin, and toning the skin.
