Healthy Skin
How to look after your skin microbiome
There’s a lot of chat about the bacteria living in our gut, but what about the skin microbiome?
The microbiome refers to the trillions of microscopic organisms living in our body. These tiny tenants are mostly strains of bacteria but also include helpful viruses, fungi, mites and yeasts. Along with our gut, our skin is teeming with beneficial bugs. These help to give us additional protection from the outside world. The skin microbiome is our first line of defence against potential invaders lurking in the outer environment.
The gut-skin axis
What’s extraordinary about the separate communities of microbes in our gut and on our skin is that they appear to be in constant communication with each other – via the gut-skin axis.
Several studies show a bidirectional link between any bug imbalances (also known as dysbiosis) in our gut and skin. This means if our gut health isn’t up to scratch, we’re likely to see this reflected in our skin and vice versa. In fact – from acne to psoriasis, dandruff to eczema – research shows that each and every complexion complaint is associated with unique changes to both our gut and skin microbiome. While this is still a young and emerging science, it opens up new and exciting treatment options for some of our most common skin concerns.
How to look after the skin microbiome
Head outdoors
Changing our skin microbiome for the better may be as simple as taking a walk in the park. Research shows that the bacteria collected from regular exposure to soil, plants and outdoor air can all have a beneficial effect on our complexion.
Cautious cleaning
Harsh soaps and strong fragrances can alter the skin pH. They can also scrub away the beneficial bugs we need to maintain a healthy complexion. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and steer clear of products that leave skin feeling stripped and squeaky-clean.
Ammonia-oxidising bacteria
There’s some good evidence to suggest that applying ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) to our skin can help to re-establish a healthy skin microbiome. This mighty microbe has been developed into a live probiotic skin spray by Mother Dirt.
Gut goodness
Looking after the gut will reap rewards for our skin. Eating plenty of fibre and loading up on probiotic foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi can help to give bugs a boost.
A helping hand
Give your good bugs a helping hand with Microbz Bio-Live Gold. The award-winning probiotic contains 15 carefully selected bacterial strains, mainly from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families. It’s been brewed to the same acidity as the stomach (3.2pH) so the bacteria can reach the gut alive and ready to work. Take a tablespoon daily before breakfast. Use code LIZLOVES for 10% off.
