For skin to remain healthy and beautiful, it must have a strong microbiome to protect it against external pathogens. The skin's microbiome is the ecosystem of bacteria on its surface that protects it from pollutants, allergens, and pathogens that may otherwise threaten the vitality of your skin. If you've ever wondered what guards your skin against damage, here's what you need to know about your skin's microbiome and how to protect it.
How Your Skin's Microbiome Functions
Skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin's microbiome is an uncountable amount of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses called microbiome or microbiota. These microorganisms are vital in protecting the skin and maintaining your health. Our microbiome develops right after birth as soon as our skin comes into contact with the outside world. Some of the bacteria on the skin help create our immune system and prepare our skin to defend against harmful external pathogens.
Typical Factors That Affect Your Skin's Microbiome
- Genetics
- Exposure to sunlight
- Unhealthy diet
- Pollution
- Smoking
- Chronic alcoholism
Skin Conditions That May Affect Your Skin's Microbiome
- Unhealed wounds
- Acne
- Atopic dermatitis
- Vitiligo
- Eczema
- Warts
- PH Imbalance
How Aging Affects Your Skin's Microbiome
The composition of your skin changes over time with age. The microbial changes in adult skin are mostly related to physiological changes in the body and health issues associated with age. Diseases like irregular bowel syndrome, diabetes, and inflammatory problems can also affect the skin microbes. Prolonged illnesses that compromise the immune system will also cause changes in the skin's microbiome. Aging skin needs specific care to ensure delicate tissues are not harmed.
Ways To Restore Your Skin Microbiome
Adopting a consistent microbiome-friendly skincare routine will help you maintain your skin's microbiome and result in healthy, radiant skin over your lifetime. Try to minimize your use of skin sanitizers that, with time, severely impact your skin's microbiome. Also, avoid over-washing your skin which also has the same negative effect. You can use natural moisturizing products that help keep your skin supple and healthy, reducing the chances of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Knowing your skin type is also a good idea to ensure you follow the correct skincare routine for your microbiome.
Studies continue to show that a healthy diet and regular exercise support your skin's microbiome, so make sure you eat a lot of leafy vegetables and take the right vitamins and minerals. If you begin to notice a skin condition developing, seek medical advice to determine the best course of action before treating the situation yourself.
Be Kind To Your Skin
The microbiome is your skin's defense system. Nurture your skin by taking good care of it and taking good care of yourself to ensure the microbiome is not compromised. Adopting a natural, consistent skincare routine and maintaining a nutritious diet and exercise can give you healthy and radiant skin throughout your life.