Strengthening and protecting the skin microbiome

You're probably familiar with the gut microbiome, also known as gut flora. But did you know that your skin also has a microbiome? This skin flora significantly contributes to the skin's natural barrier function. But what exactly is the skin microbiome? Why is a healthy skin microbiome so important, and how can you strengthen and protect it? We answer all these questions in this article.

What is the skin microbiome?

The skin microbiome refers to the entirety of all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that exist everywhere on the body. Your skin serves as a breeding ground for these so-called resident microbes, and in turn, they help protect your skin from harmful germs. One can say that you and your skin microbiome live in a kind of symbiosis. The skin microbiome is mainly located on the epidermis, with small amounts also found on the dermis.

An important part of the skin's protective barrier

The skin is considered the most important protective organ of the human body. The skin's protective barrier consists of the acid mantle and the outermost cell layer of the skin. The former is naturally slightly acidic (pH value: approx. 5.5) and is significantly influenced by the condition of the skin microbiome.

If the skin's microbiome is disturbed or out of balance, this also affects the skin barrier. The consequence: pathogens have an easy time. They can penetrate the skin and cause diseases.

Formation of the skin microbiome

In a natural birth, the newborn's skin microbiome develops from the mother's vaginal microbiome. If the child is born via C-section, the skin microbiome develops through skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby.

As one ages, the skin microbiome gradually continues to develop. On average, it contains up to 1000 billion bacteria and 1000 types of viruses, parasites, and fungi.

What are the functions of the skin flora?

Primarily, the skin microbiome serves as protection against pathogenic germs. It maintains the pH value to avoid providing a breeding ground for pathogens. And conversely, the skin's pH value is also important for the microbiome. If it is too high (i.e., too alkaline), the bacterial colonization can also get out of balance and increase too much. This is the case, for example, with diseases such as neurodermatitis or rosacea.

What influences the skin microbiome?

Earlier, we mentioned the skin's acid mantle. Its slightly acidic environment provides ideal conditions for a healthy skin microbiome. Pathogens, however, prefer an alkaline environment, which is why they are repelled by the naturally acidic pH value of approximately 5.5.

If this acid mantle is damaged by external influences, the balance of the skin microbiome is disrupted, and pathogenic (disease-causing) germs can multiply more easily. The following factors can contribute to this:

Stress
Medication intake
UV radiation
Overly aggressive cleansing products
Too frequent cleansing

How can you strengthen and protect the skin microbiome?

There are various ways you can strengthen and protect your skin's microbiome.

Microbiome-friendly care

By choosing the right skincare products, you contribute to the well-being of your skin microbiome. Preservatives and alcohol are taboo. These harm your skin in the long run.

Mild cleansing

Less is more – especially when it comes to facial cleansing. Look for mild formulations and don't cleanse too often. Sometimes, simply using clear water is enough. High-quality plant oils are very suitable for removing makeup and for subsequent facial care.

Microbiome-friendly active ingredients

Make sure you only use microbiome-friendly skincare products. Certified tests, such as the MyMicrobiome Standard, can provide insights into this. Our high-quality squalane achieved excellent results (1.1 to 1.2) in runs 18.10, 19.10, and 20.10 of this recognized test. [1]

You can find microbiome-friendly organic squalane in our Bakuchiol Oil Serum and in the Vitamin C Oil Serum Oil Serum.

Probiotics for the skin by ruhi

At ruhi, you can find probiotics for your skin – in the form of the Probiotic Hyaluronic Serum

The live probiotic cultures contained in the serum have been shown to activate the skin's natural protective function by effectively strengthening the skin barrier. At the same time, they soothe sensitive skin and visibly reduce dryness and redness. Clinical studies confirm an improvement in the skin's natural protective function by up to 77%.

In addition, the skin is deeply moisturized by four types of hyaluronic acid, plumping it up from within. Willow bark extract and aloe vera juice have strong anti-inflammatory effects, while white tea extract protects against free radicals. The serum has an intensely moisturizing, balancing, and soothing effect.

Have you tried it yet?

Healthy lifestyle

Finally, we would like to encourage you to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet with adequate hydration is essential for the health of your body, as well as your skin. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provide you with all the important nutrients.

Your skin microbiome also loves fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or kombucha. They contain a lot of healthy bacteria that strengthen your gut and skin flora, and in turn help the skin maintain its protective barrier. Indulgences like alcohol and nicotine, however, disrupt the balance of the skin microbiome, making the skin more permeable to harmful germs. You will also be punished with a dull complexion. But we all want a healthy glow, don't we? For us, that's the best motivation to limit the consumption of indulgences to a minimum.