What if we told you that the bacteria present on our skin was a good thing? As a general rule we want to get rid of microbes and bacteria, but these microscopic wonders are essential to healthy, great-looking skin. Zoom on the skin microbiome!
So, what is a skin microbiome?
Also known as skin flora, the microbiome is composed of all the different microorganisms – mainly bacteria and yeasts – living on our skin, and each of us has a different skin flora, starting from the moment we’re born.
In recent years, research has concentrated on gut bacteria, and it’s only relatively recently that scientists have started to look at the way microbes can be beneficial to our skin. Their research is helping to understand issues like eczema and acne better, but also to help treat problem skin more effectively. But it’s not just about treating skin complaints, understanding your skin’s natural defences opens up infinite possibilities for keeping skin looking healthy and beautiful.
What do we mean by an imbalance in the skin microbiome?
The microorganisms that cover our skin are essential. In short, this symbiotic relationship helps our skin against the worst our environment can throw at us, and help preserve our skin cells. Life has changed beyond recognition, and this can weaken our skin’s natural defences in the form of this invisible universe.
Your skin’s natural balance is particularly susceptible to pollution, an over-rich diet, a lack of vitamins, and even some medicines. It can also be affected by excessive skin hygiene using products packed with synthetic ingredients that can wipe out bacteria that naturally colonise your skin.
Some soaps are particularly harsh and can even strip away your epidermis and natural skin oils, resulting in itchy and even sore dryness. It’s exactly these imbalances that can promote skin imperfections and loss of radiance.
So, how can I help my skin flora?
There are several solutions available to help rebalance your skin’s natural microbiota and promote healthy and protected skin.
You can do this by optimising your beauty routine. For example, in the morning, try using a foaming gel or a lotion to cleanse our skin and a milk for the evening. As for “real” soap, try to use it sparingly, as it can dry your skin and its detergent effect strips away oils.
Consumers have also moved towards natural products with fewer preservatives. For best results, avoid exfoliating your skin too frequently and too harshly. Stick to one exfoliation per week and rinse with cold water. It’s also a good idea to avoid very hot showers (easier said than done, granted, especially in winter weather). These few little steps will do your skin the power of good, shielding it from the external environment even more effectively. The more reliable the shield, the fewer imperfections there will be!
Cosmetics of the future?
So, what does the future hold for cosmetics? Who knows, but a few years from now beauty products might literally “come alive”. Studies on gut bacteria have already shown that these tiny marvels are as powerful as some medicines for a range of conditions, from metabolic and inflammatory disorders to depression and even cancer! And it’s not uncommon nowadays to take probiotics to help keep it in tip-top condition.
Scientists are now looking to harness these microorganisms in cosmetics, which could make it possible to avoid the use of preservatives and to have skincare that’s kind to the good bacteria!
Suitable for both light and dark skins, Lakroz products are naturally sourced and kind to skin, which means happy bacteria and happy you!
