What is the skin microbiome?
Sara P.
A dermatologist based in Canada.
Overview
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and is inhabited by a diverse microbial environment, most of which are harmless or even beneficial to the host. The skin is also the interface with the external environment and is therefore inhabited by a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as mites. These microbes (sometimes called the skin flora) are harmless and even beneficial and play a vital role in the immune system and skin appearance.
What is the skin microbiome and why is it important?
The skin microbiome (also called the skin microbiota) is the ecosystem of bacteria on the surface of the skin. Known as the skin microbiome, it is important for the health of your largest organ ,helps keep it healthy and well.
Like the micro-organisms in the gut, these organisms play an important role in protecting against pathogens . To protect itself from pathogens, the skin microbiome forms a physical barrier, and when the barrier is disrupted or the microbial balance is disturbed, it can cause skin or systemic diseases.
They remain on the skin and together with viruses and fungi form the resident skin microbiota, harmoniously promoting skin health and forming a protective barrier.
Microorganisms play a role in the development of non-infectious skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, psoriasis , and acne . Damaged skin can cause non-pathogenic bacteria to become pathogenic.
What affects the skin microbiome?
Many common skin diseases are associated with changes in the microbiome called dysbiosis. Changes in the skin microbiome may also be the result of reduced production of sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin, as well as reduced skin water content and immune system dysfunction. When the skin's protective barrier is disrupted and the microbiome becomes unbalanced, it makes the skin vulnerable to many problems.
How do I care for my skin microbiome?
Using a gel calming of inflammation makes skin less sensitive and more resilient against environmental triggers and protects the skin microbiome.
A balanced diet and fluid intake can help maintain healthy and beautiful skin from within. Avoiding stress, environmental pollution and harmful lifestyle factors like nicotine or too much alcohol may also contribute to a healthy skin microbiome.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Rich in Shiitake and Mannentake Mushroom BioComplex, the unique gel texture immediately cools when applied to even the most sensitive skin.
Takeaway
The skin is the external interface between the human body and the environment, while providing a home for trillions of symbiotic microorganisms, collectively referred to as the skin microbiome. these microorganisms can offer include preventing transient pathogens from colonizing the skin surface, either by competing for nutrients, releasing chemicals against them, or by stimulating the skin's immune system.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
