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WHY THE SKIN MICROBIOME IS SO IMPORTANT
WHY THE SKIN MICROBIOME IS SO IMPORTANT
The skin microbiome plays a crucial role in skin health. The microorganisms on our skin, which include bacteria, fungi, and viruses, live in a symbiotic relationship with us and influence our well-being.
Are you looking for skincare products to support your skin microbiome? Here you go directly to the shop:
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SKIN MICROBIOME FOR SKIN HEALTH
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is a diverse world of microbes that inhabits our skin surface. These microorganisms are essential for protecting the skin against pathogenic germs and contribute to immune regulation. The skin microbiome varies depending on genetic factors, age, gender, skin area, lifestyle, and environmental conditions.
Why is the skin microbiome important?
The skin microbiome is an essential protective mechanism of the skin. It competes with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and space, thereby preventing infections. In addition, the skin microbiome helps regulate the immune system, which can prevent excessive inflammation.
1. Protection against pathogens
A healthy skin microbiome acts as a barrier against harmful microorganisms and protects the skin from external influences. The skin flora, that is, the totality of microorganisms living on the skin, plays a central role in this.
2. Influence on skin aging
The skin microbiome also influences the aging process of the skin. As we age, the composition of the microbiome changes, which can make the skin more susceptible to diseases. Probiotics and prebiotics for the skin can help alleviate these changes and promote skin health.
3. Microbiome and skin care
The care of the skin microbiome is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Factors such as age, climate, hormonal fluctuations (e.g., during puberty and menopause), hygiene habits, and the use of antibiotics can influence the composition of the skin microbiome and lead to dysbiosis. A dysbiosis, that is, an imbalance of skin bacteria, can promote various skin diseases. Effective microorganisms in skincare can help build and strengthen the skin microbiome.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES IN SKINCARE
The knowledge about the skin microbiome has led to new approaches in skincare. Fermented ingredients, such as postbiotics and prebiotics, can support the skin microbiome and promote skin health. So far, there are only a few cosmetic companies, especially in Germany and the EU, that use fermented ingredients in their products. And when they use these, it's usually only in low concentration. This fact, along with the latest scientific findings, has prompted us at Dr. Emi Arpa Skin to develop innovative products that preserve and promote the microbial diversity of the skin. Therefore, all products from Dr. Emi Arpa Skin contain fermented ingredients. The skincare products even contain at least 10% pre- and postbiotics.
Our star for the skin microbiome is the Essential Essence Skin Balancing Toner with 11% pre- and postbiotics that support the skin microbiome and have anti-inflammatory effects. Our Essential Essence Toner contains the highest concentration of ferments in DR. EMI ARPA Skincare! The carefully selected ferments can be found in the ingredient list as Bifida Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate and Bacillus Ferment.
Skin Balancing Toner
11 % pre- and postbiotics support the skin microbiome, have anti-inflammatory effects
13 amino acids strengthen the skin barrier and provide moisture.
Allantoin promotes skin regeneration and has strong antioxidant effects.
Plus: A peptide that intensely hydrates and promotes the natural exfoliation of the skin
Developed by dermatologist Dr. Emi Arpa
Absolutely great toner that leaves super beautiful and well-groomed skin and especially helps to bring my skin back into balance.
STEPHANIE A.
After each application, it feels like my skin is thanking me for finally understanding what it needs.
INDIRA E.
Refreshing, calming, and I feel that the subsequent products are being absorbed better.
SUSANNE S.
DISEASES CAUSED BY A DISTURBED SKIN MICROBIOME
An imbalance in the skin microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, can lead to various skin diseases:
- Acne
Cutibacterium acnes can have both protective and harmful effects. In the case of dysbiosis, it contributes to the development of acne vulgaris. Acne often occurs during puberty when the hormonally controlled sebum production increases and the skin microbiome undergoes substantial changes. C. acnes breaks down components of skin sebum for energy production, but in acne, this process becomes unbalanced, leading to the accumulation of inflammatory substances. These substances attract white blood cells, whose death leads to typical pus-filled pustules.
- Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease that is associated with a reduced diversity of the skin microbiome and an overcolonization with Staphylococcus aureus .
- Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by redness and inflammation in the face. A dysbiosis of the skin microbiome, particularly an increase in certain bacteria and mites, is associated with rosacea. A higher density of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) activates the immune system and leads to inflammatory processes. In addition, some gut bacteria play a role in rosacea, and reducing these bacteria can alleviate the symptoms. This relationship is referred to as the gut-skin axis.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS TO SUPPORT THE SKIN MICROBIOME
Certain ingredients in skincare products can specifically support and strengthen the skin microbiome:
- Bifida Ferment Lysate and Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate: These postbiotics improve visible skin redness and strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the formation of proteins that contribute to the stabilization of cell junctions in the skin.
- Lactococcus Ferment Lysate: Promotes skin renewal and accelerates the restoration of the skin barrier. It improves the function of the skin barrier, optimizes skin moisture, and regulates the skin's pH level, allowing the lipid-forming enzymes of the skin to work close to their pH optimum, thus leading to an optimized formation of the skin barrier.
- Bacillus Ferment may also have wound healing properties.
- Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide and inulin: These prebiotics serve as a food source for bacteria and together support the commensal skin flora. They strengthen the skin barrier by inhibiting the growth of unwanted bacteria and can alleviate skin symptoms such as dryness and itching.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The skin microbiome plays a central role in skin health by serving as a protective barrier against harmful microorganisms and regulating the immune system. A healthy skin microbiome can slow down skin aging processes and reduce the risk of skin diseases such as acne, atopic dermatitis, and rosacea. Dysbiosis, or imbalances in the microbiome, can cause various skin problems.
The care of the skin microbiome through suitable skincare products is therefore essential. Innovative products with fermented ingredients (postbiotics) and prebiotics can support the microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier. Although so far only a few cosmetic companies in Germany (Europe) use such ingredients in sufficient concentration, Dr. Emi Arpa Skin has dedicated itself to this task. All our skincare products contain fermented ingredients to promote and maintain the microbial diversity of the skin.
The use of such ingredients is an important step in modern skincare and demonstrates how scientific findings can lead to practical solutions that improve the well-being and health of the skin. Discover the benefits of targeted care for the skin microbiome and learn how our products can contribute to the maintenance and promotion of your skin health.
FAQ about the skin microbiome
The skin flora consists of a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. These microorganisms live in symbiosis with human skin and perform important functions for skin health, such as protection against pathogenic germs and support for the immune system.
The composition of the skin flora varies depending on the body region and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, genetic predisposition, lifestyle, and environmental conditions. The skin flora mainly consists of bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Cutibacterium acnes.
Numerous bacteria are found on human skin, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Cutibacterium acnes, and Corynebacterium. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining the acid mantle and the overall health of the skin.
The skin protects the body through its barrier function, which prevents the entry of pathogens and harmful substances. The acid mantle and the skin flora contribute to the defense against microorganisms, while the physical barrier of the skin protects against mechanical injuries and UV radiation.
The acid mantle of the skin is a thin, slightly acidic layer on the skin's surface, consisting of sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells. It has a slightly acidic pH value of about 4.5 to 5.5 and protects the skin from harmful microorganisms and environmental influences.
The normal pH value of human skin is between 4.5 and 5.5. This slightly acidic pH value helps to maintain the skin barrier and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
The skin serves numerous important functions, including:
- Protective function: It protects against physical, chemical, and microbial influences.
- Temperature regulation: It helps to regulate body temperature.- Sensory function: It contains receptors for pressure, temperature, and pain.
- Metabolism: It is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D.
- Immune defense: It forms a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms.
The gut and the skin are closely connected, known as the gut-skin axis. A healthy gut microbiome can positively influence skin health, while dysbiosis in the gut can lead to skin issues such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. Probiotics and prebiotic nutrition can promote both gut and skin health.
Yes, a microbiome analysis can be useful to understand the composition of the skin flora and to identify any dysbiosis. It provides detailed insights into the microorganisms that live on the skin and can help develop personalized skincare products that strengthen the skin microbiome.
Related Blog Posts
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