Protecting your Skin’s Microbiome

We know about the importance of good bacteria for gut health and many of us take daily supplements to strengthen the immune system – but it also plays a part in our skin health.

In the world of skincare, the significance of good bacteria has grown hugely over the last few years, as research has shown that protecting and respecting the skins microbiome, i.e the billions of microbes that live on our skin, has a big impact on the skin’s health and, as we know, the healthier the skin, the better it looks.

These good bacteria don’t just reside on the skin’s surface, they can be found all the way down the subcutaneous fat layer, meaning that they also have an impact on our overall health and immunity.

Studies have shown that stripping the skin of its flora can cause acne breakouts, irritation, and hyperpigmentation, whilst also impairing the immune system’s communication with other parts of the body.

Of course, everyone’s microbiome is unique to them, for example, if you reside in the country your microbiome will differ to someone living in a city. Your age has an impact on the body’s ability to produce molecules like hyaluronic acid and collagen, both essential to hydrated and smooth skin, which will also affect your microbiome.

The magic of skin is that it adapts to each individual environment and, possibly after a breakout or two, will try to rebalance itself to ensure the protective layer of your skin is maintained. The emphasis being on the word ‘try’ – with modern life, environmental pollutants, alcohol and late nights impacting on your skin health every day, introducing more good bacteria into your skincare routine will help your skin to find that balance.

Much like in gut health, skincare with pre and probiotic ingredients will feed and encourage good bacteria to flourish, which improves the barrier layer’s natural defences and keeps the bad, spot causing bacteria at bay. Prebiotics are basically the food that promotes bacterial growth and probiotics are the live microorganisms themselves.

Also, look for skincare that uses plant extracts in their ingredients. These are also great for the microbiome and can help boost the skins defences.

Codex Labs have developed their Bia Skin Superfood to actively nourish the skin with probiotics that soothes, hydrates and rejuvenates the skin. A celebrity favourite, this is cream to gaining a cult status for its efficacy and scientific prowess.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/codex-beauty-bia-skin-superfood

Support a healthy microbiome with Verdilab’s Natural Moisturiser Probiotic Cream, a formula that moisturises and acts as a protective biomimetic shield against environmental pollutants. This light cream provides an all-natural complex that easily absorbs whilst providing immediate hydration.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/verdilab-natural-moisturizer-probiotic-cream

Ayurverdic skincare brand, Almora Botanica brings us their Purifying Gel Cleanser, which balance and detoxifies whilst preventing breakouts. Harnessing adaptogenic botanicals, a little goes a long way with its high concentration of active ingredients that deeply cleanses and protects to leave your skin glowing.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/almora-botanica-purifying-gel-cleanser

Powered by probiotic technology, the Dew Good Illumination Serum by Coola protects from the damaging and ageing effects of UVA/UVB. Along with its organic, lightweight SPF 30 protection, it has BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ technology that all supports the skin’s natural, youthful glow.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/coola-dew-good-illumination-serum
For the ultimate glowing complexion, Skin Design London’s Alpine Rose Glow Crème harnesses the power of nature to balance and renew the skin whilst offering powerful antioxidant protection that actively protects the skin’s stem cells.

https://johnbellcroyden.co.uk/products/skin-design-alpine-rose-glow