MICROBIOM - the living ecosystem of our skin
What is behind the term microbiome and how it affects our skin flora
What do you think if you hear the word probiotic? About a delicious yoghurt or to a breakfast drink? Well, that's what we all think. But also the beauty world relies on useful bacteria, because they strengthen and support our skin flora immensely. What do bacteria have to do with our skin? A lot. Because our cells, the organs and especially our skin is colonized by 70 to 100 trillion microorganisms. The interaction of this species-rich ecosystem is quite important to our health.
But let's focus on our skin. With one and a half to two square meters, it is the largest sensory organ and performs daily: it absorbs, breathes, detoxifies and protects against harmful environmental influences. To do all this, it depends on a shield: the microbiome. But what exactly is hidden behind the term microbiome? We will explain it to you!
What is the microbiome of the skin?
The microbiome refers to the complete sum of all microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses. Bacteria? You don´t want to have it on the skin, right? Yes, you do! These bacteria are beneficial for our skin health. Because they form on her a kind of symbiosis, a shield of the pathogens fought, the skin flora brings into balance and can heal wounds. However, a distinction must be made between good and bad bacteria. Because a good skin flora is characterized by the fact that the beneficial bacteria (the good ones) are in the majority and have control over the bad bacteria and keep them in the shaft. Sounds a bit like a hard fight on our skin - so it is! How you can support the good microorganisms, we explain later in the text, now let´s go back to the definition of the microbiome.
The microbiome is invisible to the naked eye and different from person to person. The microbiome is influenced by gender, age, DNA, our lifestyle and of course the environment. Fun Fact: People who are particularly close and share, for example, the same living space, often have a very similar microbiome, as the microorganisms exchange and eventually melt together. Your own microbiome is composed of different factors. But what all microbiome have in common is that they are very sensitive.
What are the tasks of the skin microbiome?
- It strengthens the immune system of the skin
- It strengthens the skin barrier and provides an improved moisture balance
- It protects against harmful environmental influences and pathogens
- It controls the pH of our skin
What happens if the microbiome is disturbed?
In summary, the microbiome of the skin is a kind of protective shield, as long as there is a balance between the good and bad microorganisms. Pathogens are warded off, wound healing is boosted and our skin health is in harmony. If there are sudden skin diseases such as acne, redness, itching or even eczema, the microbiome is most likely out of whack. Intruders trigger inflammation and skin damage. If the balance is disturbed for the first time, the microbiome needs about 72 hours to regenerate.
Neurodermatitis Info: Scientists have found that the pattern of colonization of the skin of affected persons at inflamed areas changes greatly. The variety of good bacteria is very low. In contrast, the bad organisms multiply, which greatly influences the healing of the wounds. What surprised the microbiome researchers but also: the non-inflamed skin showed an altered skin microbiome. For this reason, it is particularly important that eczema patients regularly use the same skin care and avoid experiments as possible. Only then can the severely disturbed skin barrier be rebuilt.
How can we support our microbiome?
Similar to the intestinal flora, the skin microbiome also reacts to our lifestyle. Anyone who moves little, does not pay attention to his diet, smokes constantly or drinks alcohol weakens the cosmos of the microorganisms and thus also the skin health. Excessive stress and pollution can also help. The biggest problem for the microcosm is our exaggerated hygiene, because it disturbs the natural acid mantle. Shower gels, lotions or soap quickly disturb the skin flora. But not to wash, is not a solution. It is much more important to pay attention to the right products. These should be best pH-neutral, very gentle and without any colorants and fragrances. Dermalogica's Intensive Moisture Balance Cream for dehydrated skin strengthens the natural microbiome and promotes skin health. The cream makes the appearance of the skin look firmer and fuller. If you have a very sensitive skin, you can fall back on the Remedy Cream and the Remedy line from the Italian label Comfort Zone. The line with a prebiotic made from natural sugars has a protective and nourishing effect. Tripeptide Cream by Skin Regimen protects your skin from environmental toxins and pollutants that we are exposed to every day. It firms the skin, has a tightening effect and provides sufficient moisture throughout the day. Rivoli's balancing emulsion Le Visage Emulsion Ré-équilibrante strengthens the skin's natural protective action and ensures a healthy and fresh appearance. The optimal state of health of the skin is achieved while it gains firmness and moisture.
What does the skin microbiome have to do with our bowels?
The microorganisms in our intestine have a direct effect on our skin. In a disturbed intestinal flora, the skin has to contend with an imbalance, because most of our microbiome is in the intestine. There, the small organisms help with digestion, metabolism and regulate intestinal health. A disturbed intestinal flora is caused by factors such as unhealthy diet, no intake of probiotic foods and especially the treatment with antibiotics. And if our bowels are not feeling well, we are not feeling well. He is the center for a good skin, for well-being and harmony.
Discover more microbiome cosmetics in our Bestkosmetik onlineshop and bring your skin flora into balance.