The Skin Microbiome: Important aspects in skin health and beauty care

Microbiomes are collections of microorganisms that reside inside and on the human body. The microorganisms are innumerable. The total number of microbe cells in and on the human body is nearly equal to the number of human cells. Like your gut skin has its ecosystem made up of millions of microorganism which makes the skin microbiome.

Maintaining a healthy microbiome is important because it plays a vital role in the skin’s overall health.

Highlights:

• Skin microbiome
• Are Skin Microbiomes Important?
• Skin conditions caused by an unbalanced microbiome
• Factors that influence Skin Microbiome diversity
• 5 tips to improve Skin Microbiome balance
• The Bottom line

Skin Microbiome

A microbiome is a grouping of microorganisms in one location. The gut microbiome is made up of all of the bacteria that live in the intestine, and the skin microbiome is made up of all of the organisms that live on the skin. The microbiome of your skin contains more than 1,000 distinct species of bacteria and more than 80 varieties of fungi. Your skin's pH is somewhat acidic (pH- 5.0) and a healthy microbiome protects you from harmful bacteria and agents like sebum.

Like a fingerprint, the microbiota is believed to be unique to each individual and must be understood to adapt your skincare needs to fit you perfectly.

Are Skin Microbiomes Important?

The Microbiome is a physical barrier that safeguards your skin from harmful pathogens that can damage your skin or deteriorate your overall health. 

Microbiome helps to:

Boosts your immunity: Previously, it was thought that the microbiome only resided on the skin's upper surface. According to research, microbes are also found in the subcutaneous fat layer, and they play an important role in alerting the immune system to harmful bacteria and viruses.

Reduce Inflammation: Your microbiota can activate or deactivate your immune system. It can aid in the healing and management of dangerous inflammations.

Protects from infection: Microbes keep skin acidic (Ph-5.0), which inhibits pathogen growth. They work as a natural antibiotic, inhibiting the growth of a variety of dangerous bacteria. The skin microbiome, like the gut microbiome, protects your body from illness.

Heal Wounds: Your microbiota aids wound healing by limiting allergen exposure, keeping it moist and reducing oxidative damage. A study has shown that Staphylococcus epidermidis protects skin from UV rays.

Skin conditions caused by an unbalanced microbiome

Skin health and its appearance depend on the strong balance of the microbiome. It is marked unhealthy if microbiome diversity exists under 10,000 species. Its imbalance results in irritation, dryness, and other skin conditions.

Skin conditions associated with an unhealthy or imbalanced microbiome include:

• Acne
• Uneven Texture
• Dark Spots
• Moles
• Wrinkles
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Dandruff

Factors that influence Skin Microbiome diversity?

The microbiota of healthy people appears to be quite stable. Its diversity, however, is still determined by the host and its surroundings.

Listed below are some factors that affect the microbiome:

Age: From the moment you're born, through puberty, adulthood, and old age, your microbiome is constantly changing and evolving, changing in tandem with your body's evolution.

Gender: Men and women have diverse microbiomes due to hormonal variations. Men, for example, tend to sweat more than women.

Genetics: The health of your skin is influenced by your DNA. Certain people, for example, are naturally more prone to skin diseases than others.

Furthermore, there are several external factors to consider, including:

Diet: Your microbiome can be altered by the things you eat, and the consequences can persist for years.

Climate: Your microbiome will be different if you live in a warmer climate than individuals who live in colder climates.

Hygiene: The volume and type of bacteria that dwell on your skin are affected by how often you wash and what products you use.

It is important to be aware of which variables are affecting your skin and to take those into account when selecting products and routines.

5 tips to improve Skin Microbiome balance

Implement the following five tips to keep your skin's microbiome healthy.

1. Regular workout

Sweating is a strengthening prebiotic for your skin microbiome, and physical activities cause you to sweat. Exercise is also beneficial to one's general health. It has a positive impact on your gut microbiome, which is also beneficial to your skin microbes.

2. Eat healthy and stay hydrated

Microorganisms in the gut also affect skin health. Plant-based foods or prebiotics (such as fiber) can be a great option for the digestive system because they feed good bacteria.

In addition, drink at least 3 liters of water per day. Chronic dehydration can harm your microbiome.

3. Moisturize your skin

Managing moisture is the key to a healthy microbiota. So keep your skin hydrated with moisturizers composed of natural components. Look for prebiotic components like colloidal oatmeal in your products. Prebiotic oats not only moisturize and soothes dry and sensitive skin but also feed your skin's natural bacteria, ensuring that it is in perfect balance. If your skin feels dry, apply it in the morning.

4. Choose mild cleansers

Cleaning your skin is beneficial. Over-cleaning and using antibacterial soap, on the other hand, can disrupt your microbiome's balance.

Because antibacterial soaps are unable to distinguish between good and bad microbes, both are eliminated. By doing this, you might destroy the natural flora on your skin. So, apply gentle cleansers to your skin and don't overdo it.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking is always damaging to your health. Smoking has been shown in studies to induce inflammation and disrupt the microbiome of your skin.

The Bottom line

The microbiome is your skin's protector. The importance of a healthy microbiome in each part of the body has never been more important in people's lives than it is now. However, it is extremely delicate and requires a lot of care. Keeping your microbiome healthy requires maintaining a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle, and using proper skin care.