Remember that time in biology class when you discovered we humans are teeming with microorganisms?
At the time, it seemed like a gross concept; however, we eventually came to understand that the bacterial organisms living within and on our bodies are crucial to our survival.
Within your gut, this bustling community is called your gut's microbiota, with many diverse microorganisms residing in your digestive system. These microorganisms are essential for digestion, immune function, metabolism, and mood regulation.
Similarly, your skin, the body's largest organ, thrives as a living, breathing entity that relies on a delicate balance of microorganisms to maintain health. It's the skin's microbiome, and it keeps the skin balanced, fends off potential bacterial infections and does an excellent job of keeping your skin's immune system ticking along.
In this article, we'll focus our attention on the skin's microbiome and the role microbiome skincare can play in fostering a diverse array of microorganisms to protect the skin's barrier function, calm inflammation, reduce sensitivity, improve the skin's natural healing processes, and maintain overall skin health and vitality.
Understanding the skin's microbiome.
Well before reaching for your first serum, your skin's microbiome was being established; around age 3, your core microbiota formed within your skin. A complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, happily took up residence on the surface of your skin.
A balanced and diverse skin microbiome contributes to skin health and overall well-being. It forms one of the first lines of defence against other unwelcome pathogens that may otherwise invade a weak and unbalanced skin barrier.
Skin Conditions and Your Microbiome
Once we reach our teen years, the skin's microbiome begins to change as hormonal changes trigger oil flow, laying a fine slick of oil across your face, known as sebum; it's susceptible to unwelcome bacteria and why you may develop acne in your adolescence.
But hormonal changes are not the only thing that triggers changes to your skin's microbiome, and not all changes are helpful, leading to troubling skin conditions emerging.
As we go through life, many influences change the skin's microbiome, from genetics, diet, hormonal changes, environmental exposure, air pollution and exposure to UV light and lifestyle choices, like smoking.
Eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, sensitivity, and chronic dehydration can all be triggered by an altered skin microbiome.
Nurturing skin health with Prebiotics, Probiotics and Post Biotics.
A holistic approach to skin health focuses on harnessing the power of three essential elements: prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Each component contributes uniquely to maintaining a healthy and balanced skin ecosystem.
Let's explore how these elements work together to maintain the healthy landscape of your skin.
- Prebiotics: Prebiotics feed and nourish beneficial microorganisms on the skin, leading to a healthier microbiome, improved barrier function, and reduced inflammation.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help keep your skin healthy. They promote diversity in your skin microbiome, soothe irritation, and boost your skin's natural defence mechanisms for clearer and healthier skin.
- Postbiotics: Postbiotics are produced by probiotics during fermentation. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help restore the skin's health.
In skin care, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics aim to create an environment where beneficial microorganisms thrive, leading to improved skin health, reduced skin issues, and more resilient skin.
Benefits associated with microbiome skin care.
- Improved Skin Barrier Function: A healthy skin microbiome is believed to contribute to a stronger skin barrier, which helps to lock in moisture and prevent the penetration of harmful substances.
- Reduced Inflammation: Balanced skin microbiota helps calm inflammation, a common factor in various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.
- Less Sensitivity: Supporting the skin microbiome could reduce sensitivity and reactivity to environmental factors, such as pollution and allergens.
- Enhanced Healing: A well-maintained skin microbiome aids in the skin's natural healing processes, potentially speeding up recovery from minor irritations or injuries.
- Radiant Complexion: A balanced skin microbiome contributes to a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
How do we keep the skin microbiome healthy?
How you cleanse your skin: The first place to start is how you clean your skin. If you use the wrong type of cleanser or cleanse your skin too often, stripping the skin's delicate acid mantle (the balance of oil and water) may change your skin's microbiome. All of our cleansers are pH balanced for the skin; in particular, Anti-Pollution Facial Cleansing Oil will ensure your skin is cleansed without stripping the skin and simultaneously shielding the skin from airborne pollutants.
Moisturise to support the skin: A well-formulated moisturiser will help keep the skin protected and balanced and, in doing so, will assist the skin in remaining in balance; when the skin is protected and hydrated, it helps maintain the delicate balance of the skin's microbiome. For additional support, you can improve the skin's microbiota by integrating a facial oil booster into your daily moisturiser, such as our Pre-Juvenation DNA Oil.
Look at your diet: A varied diet rich in plant-based foods will ensure you consume prebiotics to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, which include certain types of dietary fibre found in foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes and probiotics which provide microorganisms similar to the beneficial bacteria that naturally reside in the human gut and are commonly found in foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, or in supplement form.
Microbiome Skincare: Consider incorporating skincare products with a range of pre, pro and postbiotics into your daily skincare routine. These ingredients can have a positive impact on the overall health of your skin.
Skincare ingredients for a balanced microbiome.
Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics all play a vital role in rebalancing the skin's microbiota. Incorporating them into your skincare routine encourages a diverse and healthy range of microorganisms while discouraging harmful ones.
· Inulin: A prebiotic derived from chicory root, selectively supports protective organisms, helping restore microbiome balance. The Aesthetics Rx® Microbiome Balancing Mist contains inulin, which prevents unwanted microorganism overgrowth while instantly calming, hydrating, and relieving skin irritations.
· Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: Rich in peptides and amino acids, it balances the skin's microbiome. Aesthetics Rx® Instant Rescue Mask uses this probiotic to strengthen the protective barrier, reduce inflammation, and enhance skin health.
· Bacillus Ferment: Combining enzymatic exfoliation with microbiome balance, this probiotic in our Anti-Pollution Facial Cleansing Oil and Pre-Juvenation DNA Oil supports skin health and resilience.
· Lactic Acid: A postbiotic and gentle exfoliant promoting a nourished skin ecosystem. Our Bio Fermented Triple-Action Scrub gently removes dead skin cells, reinforcing the skin barrier, soothing irritation, and promoting radiant, clear skin.
Aesthetics Rx® skincare formulations help promote a balanced skin microbiome, soothe irritation, enhance natural functions, and contribute to overall skin health.
Including these ingredients in your daily skincare routine fosters a thriving, balanced skin microbiome, improving skin health and vitality.
With the support of microbiome skincare from Aesthetics Rx®, we can create a harmonious environment that nurtures your skin's ecosystem by harnessing the power of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.
This holistic skincare approach encourages a radiant complexion and a resilient and well-protected barrier against the challenges of modern life.