What Is Skin Microbiome & Why It's Important

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) relates microbiomes to the gut as trillions of microscopic bacteria that inhabit the gut and affect virtually all aspects of your health including digestion. The gut microbiome is one topic that over the years has been broadly examined. Much like the gut, our skin has its share of microscopic inhabitants whose presence and activities on the skin affect its overall state and complexion. We are going to elucidate what the skin microbiome is, what we know or don’t know about it, and its effect on our skincare goals, concerns, and routines from current research on the skin microbiome.

So what is the skin microbiome?

Microbiomes in the human skin is a topic that is still in the novel stages of research. However, ongoing studies have confirmed its existence and how it impacts the complexion of the skin. The skin microbiome is a territory that comprises different microorganisms. The surface of your skin is a busy ecosystem of various fungi, bacteria, and parasites that make up the skin microbiome. As weird as this may sound, the NCBI assures us that the presence of these microorganisms fights dangerous organisms which try to invade your skin. They also serve as much needed shield for your skin against infections and environmental stressors.

Why is skin microbiome so important?

Every individual is in a symbiotic relationship with his distinctive microbiome. This is a mutually beneficial relationship in which the bacteria protects the skin and hence the body, from the invasion of disease-causing germs known as pathogens while the skin in return provides the bacteria with a home and nutrients to sustain it.

The skin has a protective armor that is formed from a combination of the skin and its microbiome. This acid mantle protects the skin from the infiltration of pathogens thereby preserving its habitat. Unlike pathogens that cannot cope under the strain of the acid mantle, the skin microbiome can survive very well in such conditions with an acidity of around pH 5.

When the skin microbiome is balanced, it keeps it healthy and hydrated. The balance of the skin microbiome can be affected by some environmental elements like exposure to UV radiation, age, or change in the skin's pH. This imbalance can cause skin dehydration and irritation. Seditious skin diseases like acne or atopic dermatitis can also occur due to this imbalance of the skin microbiome.

Good vs. bad bacteria

The skin is a habitat for good and bad bacteria. When the balance favors the bad bacteria, it causes skin irritation which can develop into blotches. This imbalance is also seen in the outbreak of inflammatory reactions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis.

Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the most studied families of the good bacteria known as oral probiotics. Lactobacillus is gotten from lactic acid several strains of it possess anti-inflammatory properties, which decreases the risk of skin disorders. They also boost skin nourishment and hydration by strengthening the skin barrier.

Bad bacteria like staph and some E. coli strains, on the other hand, tend to spiral out of control in growth and hurt the skin. They penetrate and damage tissues resulting in a lot of diseases and making the skin unhealthy.

How to balance skin microbiome?

To balance your skin microbiome and maintain beautiful skin, you need to have a balanced diet and take lots of fluid. It is equally important to avoid harmful substances like nicotine, stress, environmental pollution and reduce the intake of too much alcohol.

The gentle cleansing of the skin with products that contain extra-mild surfactants and pH-balanced formula protects the skin’s natural pH balance. They also sustain the skin's resilience against environmental triggers.

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