The Freeloaders on the Skin
For all you germaphobes out there—don’t freak you out about what you’re going to read next. Germs are good for your skin and there are millions of them on your skin right now! All the bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms on your skin make up what we call the microbiome. I unfairly refer to these microorganisms as freeloaders, but they actually play an active role in our skin health. In addition to the skin, you also have a microbiome in your intestines, which is essential to help digest food and supports your immune system.
Everyone’s microbiome is slightly different. Although we tend to have the same organisms on our skin, they can vary in amounts or proportions from person to person. Our microbiome starts early in life and is created based on genetic and environmental factors, like how you came into this world (vaginal delivery or c-section) or if you were breastfed or bottle fed with formula. Now what about probiotics? Well, eating that vanilla yogurt this morning doesn’t mean that the Lactobacillus it had will hang out on your skin. In fact, bacteria have to be able to take up residence on your skin, what’s called engrafting, in order to become part of the microbiome. Only certain organisms can engraft on your skin so touching your car door or cell phone doesn’t automatically mean the bacteria there is now living on your skin.
Think of the microbiome like a battle of good vs. evil, where the good bacteria compete with the bad bacteria and unwelcomed microbes for food and resources. As long as the good bacteria win, the microbiome is balanced. However, stress, smoking, exercise, personal hygiene products, medications like antibiotics and certain foods can change your microbiome or throw it off balance. When the microbiome isn’t happy, the skin isn’t either. A skin microbiome that isn’t balanced may lead to inflammation in the skin and make some skin conditions, like eczema worse. A microbiome that isn’t balanced has also been linked to acne and fungal infections. And if you’re not convinced that the microbiome is a superhero yet, check this out—studies suggest that the microbiome might protect you from nonmelanoma skin cancers!
Your microbiome is dynamic and like other things, changes as you get older. As we age, the skin barrier weakens, oil production decreases and the skin barrier weakens. This creates an unstable environment for the microbiome so older skin often does not have an optimal microbiome. No matter what your age, keeping your microbiome balanced is the key to good skin health. Choosing products that restore the microbiome provide the perfect environment to keep your microbiome happy. And for those of you cringing as you read this—ditch the harsh antibacterial soaps. Choose a gentle, low-pH cleanser instead. Don’t think about all the germs on your skin as the enemy. They are here to help you and need to be cared for. Yes, cared for!
Trotter’s Take: Embrace the microbiome and respect the role it plays for our skin health.
Learn how the microbiome is not your enemy but the key to great skin by listening to my podcast with Dr. Peter Lio.
