In recent years, the most advanced genetic analysis technologies have revealed the complex but delicate biodiversity of microorganisms living on our skin.
Together, they form a beneficial ecosystem on our skin – the skin microbiome.
Read here to learn exactly what it is and how you can restore balance to your skin’s microbiome.
Your Own World: A Brief Introduction to the Complex World of Skin Microorganisms
Just a few years ago, scientists thought the skin's biofilm was neutral and passive. But recent discoveries have shown how wrong that idea was. Microorganisms on our skin are constantly interacting with it. In the best case, the microbes living on your skin are well-balanced and diverse, forming a healthy ecosystem. A balanced microbiome can help wounds heal, lower the skin’s pH, and even work like a personal coach for your immune system.
It’s important to remember that your microbiome is as unique as your fingerprints — because many different factors influence its makeup. It’s not just about whether you live in a big city or, for example, on a farm. The condition of your skin (whether it’s oily or moist), your age, genes, and lifestyle all play a role, and each of these factors is constantly changing your microbiome. As a result, even within the same family, people can have completely different skin microbiomes.
Is Everything in Balance?
Unfortunately, no.
Many lifestyle factors can disturb the balance of our skin’s microbiome — starting with our morning skincare routine. Some types of microbes die when they come into contact with soap foam, while others can handle cleansing agents better. This leads to an imbalance in the microbiome. Under ideal conditions and on healthy skin, the microbiome can recover quickly from such disruptions. However, recent studies show that imbalance — known as dysbiosis — is not the exception, but rather the norm.
Dysbiosis directly affects the health and appearance of our skin, as well as the effectiveness of our skincare routines. No matter how good the formula or active ingredients in your cream are for your skin cells, your skincare won’t give the best results if your microbiome is out of balance.
What disrupts the balance of your skin’s microbiome?
- UV radiation: it changes the DNA of microbes
- Surfactants (cleansing agents): they remove food sources for fat-loving microorganisms and raise the skin’s pH, which weakens many beneficial strains of bacteria
- Pollution: it changes the structure of the skin’s surface and weakens its protective barrier, which affects microbial colonization
- Incorrect skincare products: they can stress or weaken the skin, and with it, the microbiome.
