Skin microbiome: Top tips to nurture yours

What is the skin microbiome? What is skin flora? And why is the skin microbiome important? Learn more about it all with NIVEA

CARING FOR YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME

Skin is the body’s largest organ. And it’s host to millions of microorganisms – a mix of good bacteria, fungi, and viruses – that work together.

These microorganisms are often referred to as the skin’s flora, and they make up the skin’s microbiome.

WHY IS YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME IMPORTANT?

The skin's microbiome is an "invisible layer" of natural bacteria on your body and is an important component when it comes to maintaining healthy and beautiful skin.

A healthy skin microbiome is diverse and populated by good and bad bacteria. The more strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi present, the better. The key to this healthy skin microbiome is balance: the good bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check. So we need to feed and nurture that good bacteria when we’re caring for our skin.

Good bacteria vs bad bacteria

Everyone’s microbiome is unique. And everyone’s microbiome shifts, depending on which area of the body you’re looking at. Ultimately, you want the various skin flora to work in harmony and balance. That’s when you (and your skin) will really shine

HEALTHY MICROBIOME, HAPPY YOU

The aim is to keep your skin’s microbiome healthy and balanced, so it’s able to fight off the unhealthy bacteria and fungi.

When the bad bacteria start to take over, inflammation can spike and skin concerns begin to flare up. Scientists believe that the microbiome plays a massive role in preventing inflammation and infection.

A truly healthy skin microbiome and skin barrier will keep moisture in, and bar any potential pathogens.

When bad bacteria take over…

When there’s an overgrowth of bad bacteria, you’ll see it reflected in your skin’s condition. As inflammation increases, skin ailments will start to show themselves, such as:

- Acne
- Atopic dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis

Slight damage to the skin barrier can even show up as sensitive skin. This newfound sensitivity and reactiveness can accelerate other skin issues, like a loss of elasticity, patchy skin, and new lines and wrinkles. So it’s important to be on the lookout for any signs of imbalance and address them as soon as possible.

WHAT DAMAGES THE SKIN’S MICROBIOME?

Your skin’s flora exists in a delicate ecosystem, so it’s important to be careful.

Various things can impact the state of your skin’s microbiome, from what you eat, to simply over-cleansing or using skincare that is too drying for your specific skin type.

The overuse of soap and sanitisers designed to kill germs can also strip our skin of natural oils and the healthy bacteria we rely on for skin microbiome diversity and health.

It’s also important to eat a balanced diet and get some exercise in your routine. This will put you in good stead, keep all your good bacteria thriving, and will help relieve stress. If you need further stress management help, yoga is a wonderful solution – and a key tool in a full-body, holistic approach to skincare.

HOW TO BALANCE YOUR SKIN’S MICROBIOME

If you’re noticing breakouts or other skin ailments, it might be time to reevaluate your skincare.

Luckily, there’s a selection of products designed to give your skin’s microbiome a boost.

Strengthen your skin’s microbiome with 2 simple tweaks

1. Choose gentle products
Focus on adding nourishing things to your skin and look for products with aloe, jojoba, and shea butter.

2. Use products that hydrate the skin
Some toners designed for oily or combination skin can dry out the surface layer of your skin, potentially damaging your skin’s microbiome. It’s best to find a nourishing formula that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils.

CARING FOR YOUR BODY

If you’re noticing an eczema flare-up or dry, flaky skin around your body, a damaged skin microbiome could be to blame.

NIVEA offer a range of moisturising and skin-balancing body care to help you heal that damage. NIVEA Repair and Care Body Lotion is specially designed by dermatologists to care for dry skin. It works in harmony with your skin’s microbiome to care for and nourish, while the deep moisture serum hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier for supple, healthy skin. That serum mirrors your skin’s own moisture-locking lipids, binding and holding water to keep your skin soft and supple for longer.

Explore Repair & Care Body Lotion

CARING FOR YOUR FACE

Do you have sensitive skin? You could have an imbalance in your skin’s microbiome.

Choose gentle cleansers and skincare products to help protect your skin microbiome. If you find a product stings or seems too abrasive or strong, it might be damaging your skin microbiome. That’ll open the door to bad bacteria and pathogens.

In order to heal your skin barrier and repair your skin’s microbiome, NIVEA Q10 Sensitive Anti-Wrinkle Day Care is full of anti-inflammatory Licorice Extract and other ingredients designed to soothe and care for inflamed and overly sensitive skin. Plus, it works in harmony with your skin’s microbiome to nourish all of the good bacteria – the skin’s first line of defence against external aggressors.

BALANCED AND HAPPY

Investing in your skincare routine and searching for the right products for your skin will pay dividends in the end. You’ll find your skin barrier improves, your skin flora will flourish, and the skin microbiome will be strong, healthy, and able to protect you from inflammation and infection. And you’ll always be able to put your best face forward.

PRODUCTS TO HELP WITH YOUR SKIN MICROBIOME

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Face Care