How to Maintain a Balanced Microbiome for Healthy Skin
If you’re interested in maintaining healthy skin, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a balanced microbiome. This naturally occurring layer of microorganisms on our skin is essential for shielding us from harmful pathogens that cause acne, increased sensitivity, and eczema. However, when the microbiome is out of whack, the skin is negatively impacted. In this article, we’ll discuss the ways in which we damage our microbiome and skin, what happens when the microbiome is disrupted, and how to rebalance your microbiome.
Culprit #1: Antibiotics
It’s well-known that antibiotics and bacteria (both good and bad) aren’t friends. In general, the skin microbiome is sensitive to the use of antibiotics, whether it’s ingested or applied topically. This is also true for antibacterial soaps, as they impact the microbiome’s pH through the use of surfactants. Antibiotics disrupt the balance of microorganisms on our skin, preventing them from performing their essential functions.
Culprit #2: Harsh Ingredients
Skincare products that contain harsh, stripping ingredients can also create an inhospitable environment for essential good bacteria. Concentrated acids and unstable vitamin C, for example, can mess with the pH level of our skin, reducing the level of diverse microorganisms on the skin and throwing off the microbiome.
What Happens When Your Microbiome is Out of Whack
If your skin microbiome is disrupted, it can become dry, irritated, and inflamed. Your skin barrier can also be affected, leading to increased vulnerability to injury and damage. Moreover, it can worsen existing skin conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis. Imbalanced skin microbiome can manifest as increased sensitivity, redness, tightness, and irritation, or increased acne flare-ups than usual.
How to Rebalance Your Microbiome
While there’s no overnight fix for an imbalanced microbiome, Dr. Marisa Garshick recommends paring back your skincare routine to the basics and only using ultra-gentle products that support barrier health. Ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and other soothing agents aid in regenerating the skin. A good option to restore the microbiome is using gentle cleansers like the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, which replaces your average cleanser and actively works to help restore the microbiome. It features a combination of pre and postbiotics, which help nurture good bacteria and deliver skin-nourishing byproducts, respectively, as well as ceramides that naturally seal moisture in and keep irritants out. Follow it with a good moisturizer like Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream or Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum and a sunscreen like Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 for daytime. Avoid any microbial-based soaps or topicals that can hinder the balance of good bacteria on your skin.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy microbiome is essential for achieving and maintaining healthy skin. By avoiding harsh or antimicrobial ingredients, using gentle products with soothing agents and nutrients, and only utilizing antibiotics or antimicrobials when necessary, you’ll be taking proactive steps to support your microbiome’s health.
