By: Zayna Azimi

 

We often think about bacteria as something we want to keep off our skin—but that’s not the whole story. Our skin is home to trillions of microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, that work together to keep it healthy and balanced. These are the “good” microbes, and without them, our skin would react to everything it came in contact with.

Let’s break down why your skin’s microbiome matters and how to take better care of it.

 

What Do Good Microbes Actually Do?

Think of good microbes as your skin’s built-in defense team. These microorganisms can produce substances to stop harmful microorganisms from colonizing the skin or can change their behavior to make them less harmful. They also play a large role in the immune system, training it to become stronger against external harmful factors. For example, these microbes tell the immune system how to distinguish between friendly and unfriendly bacteria so your skin knows when to clear it out.

Mother Nature Calls

Most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. This means your skin is not getting exposure to those healthy microbes that keep your skin (and body!) healthy, meaning your microbiome will lack the diversity it needs to thrive.

Try to get outside daily—whether that’s yoga in the park, a hot girl walk, or just taking your skincare routine to the patio. A little dirt and fresh air can go a long way.

Fresh Sheets, Fresh Face

Resting your face on a dirty pillowcase is a recipe for unwanted bacteria. Sheets, pillowcases, and towels can collect oil, sweat, product buildup, and bacteria over time—all of which can disrupt your skin's balance.

Change your pillowcases at least once a week, and aim to wash your face towels every 3 uses.

 

Don’t Overdo It

If you’re acne-prone, you might feel the need to cleanse frequently—but overcleansing or using harsh products can actually strip away the good microbes your skin needs to stay healthy. So when it comes into contact with bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes it won’t have any bacteria on your side to help fight it.

Avoid cleansing too often or using harsh cleansers. Keep a look out for sulfate-free products that are pH-balanced. Since our skin is naturally acidic and we want to keep it that way to support our skin barrier.  Your microbiome will thank you.

Boost Your -Biotics

Not all skincare ingredients work on the surface—some help support your skin on a microbial level. Here’s how:

• Probiotics: These are live microorganisms (usually good bacteria) that can help balance your skin’s ecosystem. 

• Prebiotics: These are food for the good microbes and ingredients that help them thrive. 

• Postbiotics: These are the byproducts that probiotics produce, which can calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.

→ The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum for Sensitive Skin Hydration

To get some 2 in 1 action, BiotechBeauty®’s BiomeBounce® Moisturizer Serum has both prebiotics and postbiotics for that glow. Not to mention the BiomeBronze® and BiomeBlush® got your bases covered there too (yes, even makeup can boost your skin barrier). A BiotechBeauty®, we use saccharomyces lysate extract and xylitol. Saccharomyces Lysate Extract is a postbiotic derived from yeast that helps to hydrate your skin and increase absorption of actives. Xylitol is a prebiotic that reduces moisture loss and attracts moisture. As you can tell, balancing your skin microbiome is all about keeping it healthy and hydrated.

For us acne-prone hotties, it’s easy to get swept up in a whirlwind of products and routines, sometimes forgetting that our skin knows how to take care of itself. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between a solid skincare routine and overdoing it. Supporting your skin microbiome means embracing that sometimes less is more! Stay gentle, get outside, and let your skin find its natural balance. 

Curious to learn more about the science? Read our blog here on how prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics work!

A happy microbiome = happier skin.

XO,

BiotechBeauty®