What is the skin microbiome and why do we need to protect it?
What is the skin microbiome and why do we need to protect it?
As a clinic owner and skincare formulator, my main goal is to keep my patients’ skin healthy and strong. A crucial part of achieving this is by protecting and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier and microbiome. Overcomplicating skincare routines or overloading the skin with too many products can stress this delicate ecosystem. That’s why this year, I’m encouraging my patients to embrace a minimalist approach to skincare – focusing on just the essentials. This simple shift can help the skin function at its best.
Why the microbiome matters
The microbiome is an ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that live on the skin’s surface. That might sound unsettling, but these bugs play an important role in maintaining our skin health. They strengthen the skin barrier to prevent water loss and entry of harmful microbes, they regulate inflammation, balance pH levels and thwart environmental damage. Think of the microbiome as your skin’s protection army that works to keep it balanced, resilient and radiant. But the microbiome can become imbalanced with use of harsh skincare products, environmental factors and a poor diet. Research shows a clear connection between an unbalanced microbiome and inflammatory skin issues such as breakouts, eczema flare ups and rosacea.
Why does the skin microbiome need extra care in January?
Winter is notoriously harsh on the skin, but January presents its own challenges. Festive indulgences combined with cold weather and central heating can disrupt the skin’s microbiome, leaving it vulnerable to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. To make matters worse, many people turn to harsh cleansers or over-exfoliation at the start of the year in an aim to detox the skin. While this might be well intentioned, these actions can strip away the healthy bacteria that our skin needs to thrive.
How can we protect the skin microbiome?
Skip harsh cleansers and soaps
Foaming cleansers, bubbly bath soaks and shampoos can be drying on the skin. They can strip away its natural oils and disrupt its acidity, which can cause dryness. To protect the microbiome, go for mild options that preserve the skin’s natural oils and beneficial bacteria. Look for cleansers containing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, these are non-stripping and keep the skin barrier intact.
Avoid over-exfoliating
While it’s tempting to start January with a deep clean and exfoliation, this can actually do more harm than good. Abrasive scrubs and over exfoliation can disrupt the microbiome and weaken the skin barrier leading to dryness, irritation and sensitivity. Pick chemical exfoliants containing BHAS and AHAs, and limit their use to once or twice a week.
Use microbiome-friendly products
Look for products formulated with pre and probiotics. Probiotic promote the growth of good bacteria living on the skin, while prebiotics nourish the existing microbiome – both can help to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser for example, is filled with prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can reduce inflammation and improve overall resilience.
Meanwhile, our Night Recovery Cream is enriched with probiotics to nurture healthy bacteria on the skin while you sleep.
Hydrate
Cold weather and indoor heating can leech moisture out of the skin, which can throw the microbiome off balance. Use a rich, hydrating moisturiser filled with microbiome-friendly ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide or probiotics to nurture and repair the skin barrier. Try our Night Recovery Cream.
Shield the skin
The microbiome thrives when the skin barrier is balanced, so protect it from environmental stressors. Wear SPF daily, even during the winter, to block UV rays that can disrupt the skin’s delicate balance. Our Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser protects, hydrates and repairs the skin.
When it comes to skincare, sometimes less really can be more. By simplifying our routines and focusing on what the complexion truly needs, we can achieve long-term skin health. The Dr Somji Skincare line has been designed with this in mind – each product is formulated with gentle, effective ingredients and smart delivery systems to support and protect the skin’s microbiome.
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.