Embrace Radiant, glowing skin The Natural way!
When it comes to achieving healthy, radiant skin, most of us think about cleansers, moisturizers, and serums. But there's an often-overlooked aspect of skincare that can make a world of difference: your skin's microbiome or flora. In this blog post, we'll explore the fascinating world of the skin's microbiome as well as an introduction to oil based skincare and how it can work with and enhance your personal microbiome!
What is the Skin's Microbiome or Flora?
Did you know your skin has its very own ecosystem? It's called the microbiome—a community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on your skin's surface. This microbiome plays a vital role in keeping your skin healthy and happy.
The skin's microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, that reside on the surface of your skin. It's like a bustling city of tiny inhabitants that work together to maintain the health and balance of your skin.
Just like the gut microbiome, a diverse and well-balanced skin microbiome is essential for skin health. These microorganisms play various roles, including:
Protection: Beneficial bacteria act as a protective shield, preventing harmful pathogens from invading the skin.
pH Regulation: The microbiome helps regulate the skin's pH, keeping it at an optimal and slightly acidic level.
Moisture Balance: Certain bacteria contribute to the skin's natural moisturizing factors, helping to keep it hydrated.
Anti-Inflammatory Actions: A healthy microbiome can help reduce skin inflammation and redness.
Wound Healing: Some skin bacteria are involved in the wound healing process.
How does your skin care routine affect your Microbiome?
Like many, I've experimented with a range of facial products over the years, from over-the-counter solutions to prescription creams, without achieving the desired results. I used to believe that the effectiveness of a product was directly proportional to its strength, but now, I've come to realize the potential drawbacks of harsh chemicals on the skin. While this mindset is gradually shifting, there's still progress to be made in understanding the impact of harsh chemicals on our skin.
Traditional face cleansers and facial products can work against the skin's microbiome in various ways. Here's a few of the common ones:
Harsh Cleansers: Many traditional cleansers contain strong detergents and surfactants that can strip away not only dirt and excess oil but also the natural oils and beneficial microorganisms that help maintain the skin's health. This disruption can lead to dryness, irritation, and a less diverse/imbalanced microbiome.
pH Levels: Some cleansers, especially those with high pH levels, can alter the skin's natural acidity. The skin's microbiome prefers a slightly acidic environment, so shifts in pH can affect the balance of microorganisms.
Antibacterial Cleansers: Certain antibacterial cleansers are designed to kill bacteria, but they can also eliminate beneficial bacteria, which are essential for a healthy microbiome.
2. Exfoliants:
Physical Exfoliants: Scrubs with abrasive particles can disrupt the skin's protective barrier, potentially harming both the microbiome and the skin itself. Over-exfoliation can exacerbate this issue.
Chemical Exfoliants: While milder than physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) can still affect the microbiome if used excessively. Proper moderation is key.
3. Antibiotics and Topical Medications:
Prescription Medications: Antibiotics and other prescription medications, especially when applied topically, can target both harmful and beneficial bacteria on the skin. This can lead to a temporary imbalance in the microbiome.
4. Moisturizers and Serums:
Moisturizers: Some moisturizers contain ingredients that can support the skin's microbiome by providing a protective barrier and locking in moisture. Look for products with ceramides, fatty acids, and natural oils.
Probiotic and Prebiotic Skincare: Some facial products are formulated with probiotics or prebiotics, which aim to nourish and support the growth of beneficial microorganisms on the skin.
5. Sunscreens:
Physical Sunscreens: These can act as a protective barrier that may help maintain the skin's microbiome by shielding it from UV damage.
Chemical Sunscreens: Some chemical sunscreens can be harsh on the skin and may affect the microbiome, especially if they contain synthetic fragrances or other potentially irritating ingredients.
6. Other Factors:
Habits such as long exposure to hot water, sun burn, unhealthy foods, stress, and washing your face too much can all play a factor in your microbiome as well.
To maintain a healthy microbiome, choose gentle cleansers, avoid over-exfoliation, and be mindful of harsh antibacterial or fragranced products. Consider microbiome-friendly skincare with gentler, natural ingredients that work alongside and enhance your skin's natural microbiome and functions.
For more info on some of the top skincare ingredients to avoid in products,
check out this post.
What is Oil-Based Skincare?
After learning about all the chemicals and questionable ingredients in my skincare and how it might be throwing off my skin's natural defenses and function, I decided to look into oil-based skincare.
Which, at first I was hesitant because I have naturally oily/combination skin.
But, I quickly learned that even a 100% oil based serum would actually help balance oil production, provide essential fatty acids, and maintain the skin's barrier function. That's when I formulated this serum with lightweight, non-comedogenic oils.
How can oil-based serums help support and enhance your microbiome?
Certain natural oils like jojoba have antimicrobial properties that promote a balanced microbiome as well as offer an extra protective layer on your skin. By nourishing your skin with oils, you create an environment that supports the growth of good bacteria while keeping the harmful ones at bay. Oil-based skincare products, like facial oils and oil-based cleansers, have gained popularity and traction in recent years, and for a good reason.
These products can be incredibly beneficial for the skin's microbiome in several ways:
a) Hydration & Protection: Our skin craves hydration, particularly in the dry winter months. Natural oils have this amazing ability to penetrate deep into the skin, providing long-lasting moisture that also enhances your skin's protective oil barrier. Just a few drops can work wonders in locking in hydration and restoring balance to your skin.
b) Nourishment and an Antioxidant Boost: Nature has packed these oils with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that do wonders for your skin. They nourish, protect, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving you with a healthier, more vibrant complexion.
c) Finding Your Balance: It might sound counterintuitive, but oil-based skincare can actually help balance your skin's oil production. These oils provide the necessary nutrients to regulate sebum production, resulting in a harmonious complexion that's neither too oily nor too dry.
How to Chose an oil-based skincare product
What I look for when choosing oils or products:
a) Cold Pressed: Look for high-quality oils that suit your unique skin type and concerns. Make
sure to use cold-pressed oils as they retain their potency and purity, giving you the best results. Other methods using heat to refine the oil can kill many of the beneficial properties!
b) Chose one tailored to your skin type: Everyone has their own unique skincare needs. Chose oils that support your specific skin needs, such as choosing non-comedogenic & lightweight oils/blends if your skin is prone to acne or on the oily side.
c) Essential Oil Inclusion: I like to include essential oils in my skincare for their many benefits, as well as giving it a pleasant scent without any artificial fragrances. Tea Tree & Frankincense are two of my favorites for their beneficial properties!
d) Use a blend: While many oils are powerhouses on their own, it is considered best to use a variety to diversify the benefits and select oil combinations that complement each other.
Here is a link to the facial oils I have formulated and offer:
Conclusion
Knowledge about your skin's microbiome is a vital player in the quest for healthy, radiant skin. By nurturing it with the right skincare choices, including oil-based products, you can create an environment where your skin's natural beauty can flourish. While I have had a positive experience with oil-based products, individual responses to oils can vary, so it's essential to find what works best for your skin type.
I'd love to hear what works for you! If you've found an oil based product or individual oil you love, leave a comment!
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