Caring for your skin’s microbiome has become a hot topic in skincare circles. In fact, there are now products dedicated to it – and if you’re not already using one, you probably should be. Because a healthy skin microbiome is essential for great skin.
Not sure what your skin’s microbiome is? It’s an ecosystem of organisms that live on the skin and it contributes to its overall health, including how well skincare products are absorbed. Within the community of organisms, there are hundreds of species of bacteria. Don’t worry – bacteria are a good thing for skin. When you have a diverse balance of bacteria, you have a happy microbiome.
How does the microbiome affect skin? A lot of skin problems are caused by the destruction and imbalance of skin flora, which can lead to a thinner stratum corneum. When your skin barrier is compromised, that’s when issues like increased skin sensitivity, acne and a loss of moisture occur, not to mention your skin struggles to regenerate (hello, early signs of ageing). A healthy skin microbiome protects against infection, aids in wound healing, minimises oxidative damage, and helps keep skin hydrated and plump.
Needless to say, maintaining a healthy skin microbiome should be a top priority for every skin type.
But why are our skin biomes so out of whack? Well, one of the biggest factors is our fear of oil and bacteria. We’ve spent decades scrubbing our skin to try and get it squeaky clean, without realising that we’re often doing more harm than good. We’re upsetting our skin’s natural pH balance and we’re stripping away essential bacteria.
That’s where prebiotic and probiotic skincare products can help. They contain good bacteria to rebuild and strengthen the skin’s barrier, protect against pollution, soothe inflammation, and reduce acne.
Australian natural skincare brand Minenssey’s new Hydrating range contains two power players in all of its formulas: deeply moisturising flannel flower, and ACB Yogurt Dermal Respiratory Factor, a probiotic extract which supports stimulation of collagen production and improves oxygen uptake for cellular respiration. Together, they replenish and lock in moisture while helping restore your skin’s microbiome and fighting the signs of ageing.
Not sure what your skin needs to glow at its healthiest? Here are our go-to skincare products for supporting a healthy skin biome.
For dry skin
Traditionally, toners have a reputation for being drying, harsh and irritating, however one of our favourite products in the Minenssey line-up is the Hydrating Dynamic Facial Essence, because it has none of those negative qualities we often associate with a toner. This nutrient-spiked toner is like a tall drink of water for dry skin. In addition to flannel flower, it’s also enriched with plumping hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich jojoba, desert lime and bilberry. It leaves skin feeling instantly nourished and soft, not stripped and tight. And of course, it simultaneously looks after your skin’s microbiome so your skin is happier and healthier.
For irritated skin
Eczema, psoriasis and other chronic skin inflammation conditions are common side effects of a depleted microbiome. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ is a soothing body cream-gel that replenishes lipids in the skin and locks in moisture to reduce irritation, itchiness and redness.
For oily skin
When you perfect that balance of good and bad bacteria in your skin, you create a healthy environment that acne-causing bacteria can’t survive in. Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum contains a complex that works with, not against, your skin’s natural microbiome to keep blemishes at bay.
