For centuries, much attention was paid to skincare and beautification rituals. Its most famous follower, who became known as one of the most beautiful women, was Cleopatra. She took care of her skin with baths made of milk, oil and aromatic flowers. Nowadays, there is such a wide range of skincare products that we often get lost between all these products or change them too quickly. Apart from the fact that this is not the best for our skin, we often do not use the products that suit our skin type. When choosing products, the most important thing is to know the impact of our skin's microbiome, as it plays a key role in its appearance. It is an essential factor for homeostasis and effective restoration of the keratinized epidermis and for maintaining a healthy hydrolipidic layer of the skin surface, which is responsible for shine and radiance. The skin's microbiome is located in the hydrolipid layer and represents the biosystem or community of trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites along with their genomes.
These microorganisms are the ideal allies of your beauty and are responsible for the youthfulness and radiance of the skin. But we cannot talk about the skin microbiome without mentioning the gut microbiome.
The microbiome, in general, has a significant impact on the ability to naturally regenerate all cells in the body, including skin cells. Among other things, the skin can heal wounds and protect itself from mechanical or thermal damage. In addition, it is well known that the skin plays an important role in immunity, but it is even better known that the gut microbiome is the most numerous and vital microbiota in regulating immunity. In addition to digestion and absorption of nutrients, it is also responsible for many other functions such as hormone regulation, toxin elimination, sleep, mood, thinking, weight regulation and even skin health.
Every disorder in the gut affects the entire organism (and skin as well) through the gut-skin axis. It is believed that some microorganisms of the gut microbiota are also found in the skin. However, this is a relatively new area of scientific research. Furthermore, the skin microbiome is also exposed to various external factors (UV radiation, use of cosmetics unfavourable to the microbiome, nutrient deficiencies for microorganisms, etc.), making the skin a relatively unfavourable environment for bacterial growth.
However, research increasingly confirms that dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance between good bacteria and pathogens in the gut microbiome, can also lead to inflammatory processes on the skin. Rosacea, dermatitis, acne and psoriasis are just a few examples. However, the skin microbiome is undoubtedly influenced by the aforementioned external factors. It can change depending on genetics, age, lifestyle, vegetation, clean air or the change of seasons.
The microbiome forms the skin flora
The microorganisms that make up the skin's microbiome are found on the surface and in the deeper layers beneath the epidermis. Together they form the skin flora. The richer and more diverse the microbiome, the better the skin barrier. This intelligent system decides what is allowed to enter the skin and what must be blocked. In addition, the microflora strengthens the protective acid mantle, which consists of lactic acid and various amino acids from sweat and free fatty acids from lipids that bind the cells in the horny layer of the epidermis.
The microbiome forms a perfect symbiosis with the skin when it is in balance. It nourishes itself with proteins from dead skin cells, sebum lipids and sweat minerals. In turn, it gives the skin shine and radiance, better moisture retention (hydration) and supports the processes necessary for maintaining the elasticity and health of the skin.
Today, scientific researchers estimate that more than 10,000 species of microbes populate the human ecosystem. It seems almost impossible to know and count them all. However, we should consider some basic subdivisions. We can say that microorganisms are either resident (they live permanently on the skin, and we ingest them at birth) or transient (they live only occasionally). In addition, the skin microbiome can change throughout life or due to certain life situations caused by stress, climatic conditions, etc. and varies from person to person. Different areas of the skin have different microbial profiles, so that the skin flora on the face is different from that in the armpits or on the legs and arms. When classifying the microbiome according to skin sites, a distinction is made between moist, dry and oily areas. For example, Cutibacterium microorganisms are found on the forehead, back, and in areas prone to greasiness, Malassezia spp . and Corynebacterium spp . Corynebacterium colonizes the armpits, groin, navel and other moist areas, Staphylococcus spp ., Streptococcus spp . and Pseudomonas . Dry areas of the skin are most commonly inhabited by Actinobacteria , Firmicutes , Proteobacteria , Bacteroidetes , Cyanobacteria and a large number of G bacteria.
What happens with skin microbiome when dysbiosis occurs
The basal layer of the epidermis is constantly producing new cells, ensuring continuous renewal and healing of the skin. At Matinata, we always advocate natural path to strengthen and regenerate the skin. However, when the skin's natural barrier is disrupted, dysbiosis occurs. Skin becomes prone to disorders and wounds, and all its protective functions are impaired. The problem of modern lifestyle is that the diversity of the microbiome is becoming more deficient, which makes it challenging to fight pathogenic bacteria. The pH of the skin increases, the skin becomes alkaline, it loses its lipid mantle and becomes dry.
The dysbiosis of the skin microbiome is caused by the frequent use of too alkaline soaps and other cosmetic products with synthetic ingredients (SLS, SLES, preservatives, etc.), aggressive cleaning agents, artificial fragrances, air fresheners and polluted air, pesticides and herbicides that may be present in food, as well as lack of spending time in nature and lack of contact with soil.
The consequences are many and range from chronic inflammation of the skin (dryness, excessive sebum production, redness) to accelerated signs of aging such as loss of elasticity, pigmentation spots and wrinkles.
Microbiome friendly skincare
We need fewer products, not changing them too often and using dozens of products for similar purposes. We need a better approach to skin care products, to ingredients we use in cosmetic formulations, to the signals our skin gives us, and to the joy of taking care of ourselves.
Your skin does not need mineral oils, synthetic preservatives, parabens, fillers, harmful sulphates, surfactants, artificial colours and fragrances. Plus, many ingredients alter the skin's physiological pH, leading to extreme acidity (and irritation) and excessive alkalinity (damage to the acid mantle). Instead, look for products that contain cold-pressed plant oils compatible with the skin barrier and intercellular lipids and natural active ingredients rich in antioxidants - ideal allies in protecting against free radicals.
Matinata uses carefully selected natural ingredients that support skin barrier functions, are biocompatible with every skin type, and maintain skin barrier health at optimal levels. Find out what and how to use it based on your skin type. Among the natural vegetable oils rich in omega-3-5-6-7-9 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and phenols, you will find chia seed oil, watermelon, raspberry, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, wild rose, passion fruit and many more. Read our article about the oils we use in Matinata products that are good for skin flora and how they change the skin for the better.
The natural antioxidants we use include many vitamins, green tea, aloe vera, cactus extract, pomegranate seed oil, sea buckthorn... Also, ingredients like Gotu Kola, Coenzyme Q10, Ectoin ®, Glycoin ® and those with postbiotic properties like hyaluronic acid or ceramide - your skin microbiome will love it. All these ingredients are found in the Matinata Discovery Set containing five essential products suitable for the complete care of every skin type.
Proper skin cleansing includes removing makeup and cleansing the face with a mild product every night before bed, avoiding washing (and showering) with hot water. And it will be part of a gentle relaxation ritual in your skincare routine.
Foods that are loved by good bacteria
The gut microbiome is positively affected by eating postbiotics, polyphenols and fermented products (kimchi, kombucha, kefir, soy sauce, miso paste), which naturally have a positive effect on the skin. Positive impact on the skin microbiome also include:
• Adequate sleep.
• Sufficient fluid intake.
• Plenty of time in nature.
• Regular exercise (and sweating, which nourishes the skin microbiome).
• Clothing made from natural materials.
Yes, beautiful, healthy, nourished and glowing skin comes from within. When it comes to topical care, introduce skincare products that naturally respect and care for your skin microbiome. You will have an ideal ally for your beauty.