Microbiome skincare is complex. How clever marketing behind inferior products has turned “microbiome” into a buzzword.
Fact 1: Different areas of your skin have unique microbiomes.
The forehead might harbour more Cutibacterium acnes due to its oil production, while drier areas like the forearms support more Staphylococcus species. This is why personalised care is key to achieving overall optimal skin health.
Fact 2: The skin microbiome can interact with the gut-brain axis
Through a process called immune signalling, the skin microbiome can interact with the gut-brain axis triggering overall well being. Products that calm the skin’s microbiome could help reduce stress-related skin issues such as eczema or acne.
Fact 3: As we age, the diversity of our skin microbiota diminishes, leading to slower skin healing and increased sensitivity.
Left unresolved, these issues lead to ageing. Probiotic and prebiotic skincare can support microbial diversity, targeting sensitivity and slowing down ageing.
Fact 4: Westernised lifestyles show a loss of skin microbiome diversity
With an overuse of sanitisers, antibiotics, and cleansers, skin in Westernised regions have experienced a loss of skin microbiome diversity compared to Indigenous communities. This could make Western populations more prone to inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Fact 5: Remember this equation: Probiotics + Prebiotics = Best Results.
While probiotics (live bacteria) are a popular trend, these microbes need prebiotics (food for bacteria) in order to thrive on the skin. Products combining both may be more effective.
Fact 6: Pollution is a major threat to the microbiome.
Environmental pollutants can disrupt the skin’s natural microbial balance, leading to premature ageing and sensitivity. Skincare that protects the microbiome from pollution is increasingly relevant in today’s world.
Fact 7: Microbiome health affects skin pH.
A balanced microbiome helps maintain the skin’s optimal pH (around 4.5 – 5.5). Harsh cleansers or overuse of exfoliants can disrupt the microbiome and, in turn, the pH balance, causing irritation.
Fact 8: Microbiome-safe doesn’t always mean natural
Some synthetic ingredients are less disruptive to the microbiome than certain natural ones. For instance, essential oils can sometimes have antimicrobial properties and disrupt beneficial bacteria.
As microbiome science continues to trend in the skincare industry, it’s important to separate fact from marketing. Bookmark this post to refer back to it as often as you’d like.
