The skin microbiome and how to improve it

Although we encourage to double cleansing and talk about the importance of thoroughly cleansing the skin of make-up, sunscreen, sebum and dirt, it is important to understand the difference between good cleansing and excessive cleansing. Healthy skin is not squeaky clean, but just like our intestines, our skin also has its own ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses, which significantly affects the function and condition of the skin. This is called the skin microbiome.

What is the skin microbiome?

The skin's microbiome consists of tiny microbes living on the skin's surface, whose task is to protect the skin from pollution, viruses and disease-causing bacteria from the environment. The skin's microbiome tries to ensure, among other things, that infections or diseases do not develop on the skin.

If the microbiome is not in balance, the skin may show symptoms such as itching, dryness, or different skin diseases may develop on the skin, such as acne. The right kind of skin care aims to keep the microbiome of the skin as intact as possible, so that it can perform its important task of protecting our body.

Maintaining the balance of the skin's microbiome is actually the cornerstone of all skin care!

The importance of a healthy skin microbiome

Healthy skin contains a variety of different microbes, so that the skin microbiome is able to defend itself against possible disease-causing agents. These microbes include e.g. bacteria, fungi and viruses and they are a normal part of the skin of a healthy person.

The microbiome of the skin varies a lot between different individuals and is also affected by the environment, age, genetics, nutrition and how the skin is cared for. One of the tasks of cosmetics is, among other things, to prevent the growth of the wrong kind of microbes on the skin and correspondingly to increase the balance of good microbes.

What does skin microbiome imbalance mean?

In a normal situation, when a temporary disturbance occurs to healthy skin, the skin is able to return to its normal state without help. On the other hand, if the microbiome is not in balance, it means that the skin is not as strong in fighting off bacteria and viruses from the outside. An imbalanced skin microbe means that there is too much or too little of something or some microbes.

If the skin's microbiome is out of balance, its ability to fight disease-causing agents decreases, and then the skin shows symptoms of being sensitive, irritated, or in the worst case, the skin becomes sick. Skin care or medication prescribed by a dermatologist can restore the balance of the skin's microbiome.

The microbiome and skin diseases

Healthy skin also has bacteria that can turn into pathogens if the skin's microbiome gets out of balance. The most famous of these is cutibacterium acnes, which is one of the bacteria that causes acne. People suffering from acne have more of this bacteria than normal, which causes inflammation in the skin and, at worst, skin damage. So each of us has this bacteria on our skin, but when there is a suitable amount, it is not dangerous.

Another common one is staphylococcus aureus, which occurs a lot especially in atopic dermatitis. In atopic dermatitis, the skin's protective wall is weakened, which affects the skin's sensitivity, moisture balance and sensitivity to inflammation. When the skin's protective barrier is weak, the skin's microbiome also goes out of balance.

It is good to treat both acne and atopic dermatitis under the supervision of a dermatologist, but an effective skin care routine supports skin healing and well-being. Next, we discuss ways to take care of the skin's microbiome.

How is the skin microbiome taken care of?

The right kind of gentle products support the well-being of the skin and allow the skin to balance. Certain ingredients have been studied to have properties that strengthen the skin's microbiome, such as pro- and prebiotics. On the other hand, some procedures or products can damage the skin's microbiome if they are used too much or if they are not suitable for your skin.

Here is a summary of guidelines for considering the skin microbiome in skin care:

Gentle skin cleansing

Wash the skin with products whose pH is close to the natural acidity of the skin, i.e. pH 5.5 - this washes the skin well, but does not cause an unnecessary imbalance in the skin.

Appropriate hydration

The skin needs hydration to function properly, but the appropriate amount of hydration is personal for everyone.

Moderately active substances

Active ingredients such as retinol and vitamin c are excellent ingredients, but they should be used according to the endurance of your skin. Some people's skin can tolerate many active ingredients at the same time, others' skin can only tolerate one or none at all. The simultaneous use of too many active ingredients or too strong concentrations of active ingredients can destabilize the skin's balance.

You can only find the best durability and frequency of use for different active ingredients by testing your own skin. Start with a few uses a week and increase the frequency of use slowly, and observe your skin's reaction. The same applies to the combination of ingredients; by testing, you know which active ingredients are suitable for your skin to use at the same time.

Temperance when exfoliating the skin

Exfoliating the skin is a good way to take care of the skin's balance, but too much exfoliation is one of the most common causes of an imbalance in the skin's microbiome. The skin should not be exfoliated more than 1-2 times a week. If you want to exfoliate your skin more often than this, you can choose a product that is very gentle and contains so few exfoliating ingredients that you can use them more often.

However, be careful not to exfoliate your skin too much - it often does more harm than good!

Use ingredients that support the skin's microbiome

Well-known ingredients that support the skin microbiome are, for example, fermented ingredients , lactic acid bacteria, yeast extracts, as well as prebiotic oligosaccharides and plant extracts.

Ingredients that strengthen the skin's protective barrier , such as lipids and ceramides, can also contribute to the well-being of a healthy microbiome.

Cosmetic products for maintaining a healthy microbiome

1st stage of cleaning

Axis-Y Biome Resetting Moringa Cleansing Oil contains five different lactic acid bacteria to balance skin function.

Step 2 of cleaning

Ma:nyo Bifida Complex Ampoule Gel Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser for unbalanced skin.

Toner / essence

Mixsoon Galactomyces Ferment Essence is an effective especially brightening and cleansing skin balancer. Especially good for skin prone to impurities.

Serum / ampoule

Ma:nyo Factory Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule contains yeast extract that supports the skin's microbiome and numerous other fermented ingredients.

Isntree TW-Real Bifida Ampoule contains three different peptides, as well as numerous fermented ingredients that fight skin damage and signs of aging.

Moisturizer

About Me Rice Makgeolli Ceramide Cream is perfect for drier skin, a rich cream that strengthens the skin's protective barrier and supports the microbiome, which melts into the skin. It is particularly suitable as a night cream for normal skin as well!

Summary

The skin's microbiome is the skin's protective mantle. When the microbiome is balanced, the skin does not itch, is not dry, and the skin does not have diseases or rashes.

You can take care of your skin's microbiome by treating your skin gently, cleaning it at least once a day from all the impurities and excess sebum accumulated during the day, and using products suitable for your skin.

You can get advice on finding the right products from our expert salespeople or you can also contact Yeppo's beautician !