Your skin microbiome - The Basics
Posted by Sara Wainwright on
Skin Microbiome 101
Most people associate probiotics with maintaining a healthy gut but your skin is home to more than 20% of your microbial species. Your skin microbiome is a fascinating bionetwork of bacteria, fungi and viruses which exist to protect your skin, from the moment we are born and every day following. This invisible factory of aggressor-fighting agents is sensitive and needs to be understood to be nurtured and protected. To learn more about your skin microbiome, read on.
What is the Skin Microbiome?
The skin microbiome is an ecosystem of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that live on your skin. Just like in our gut, this invisible layer works in cohesion to keep your skin healthy. If left alone, your microbiome would thrive, however our lifestyles today do not allow that. This is why keeping your microbiome balanced, with limited irritants is so important.
The importance of the skin microbiome
The skin microbiome protects your skin against harmful pathogens, strengthens your skin barrier and regulates your skin immune system. Modern lifestyles have resulted in skin that is often in a state of low-level inflammation A more serious imbalance could present in various skin problems such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Protecting and nourishing your microbiome means happy, glowing skin. Calm, healthy skin not only looks better but also ages slower.
You wear your microbes like living armour that protects you from invading pathogens by competitive exclusion. Your skin microbes also produce Hyaluronic Acid and other moisturising factors.
How do I care for my skin microbiome?
Your microbiome is ever-evolving and can change based on a myriad of factors such as: skincare routine, moving to a new city, seasonal changes, hormonal changes etc. At Calla Lane we recommend caring for your microbiome with the “less is more” philosophy. This means using products on your skin made from ingredients that don't harm your microbiome or that have excessive preservatives and fragrances. Avoiding these ingredients and opting for products aimed to keep your microbiome balanced will nurture your microbiome and allow for it to flourish.
The future
The future of skin care and makeup is rooted in science and the health of our microbiomes. Science has only just begun to understand the complexity and significance of this system, but in the future we will all look after the microbes on our skin.
All of the products offered at Calla Lane are free from harsh preservatives and synthetic fragrances meaning that they are formulated to support your skin microbiome. Additionally, we offer the Esse Foundation which includes prebiotics and probiotics making it microbiome friendly and can be used by those with sensitive skins.
Keep your eyes peeled for our announcement about additional ways that Calla Lane is looking to support your microbiome in the coming days!