Microbiome-friendly skincare and beauty products have been steadily gaining attention and popularity, and we can only expect to see more of them in the coming year. So, how has recent research helped us to understand why a balanced microbiome is important? Well, microbiome is a term for an ecosystem (each person's is different) on our skin, consisting of microorganisms which include fungi, bacteria, viruses (and skin mites) and they do a lot of good for our skin's healthy functioning and appearance by reinforcing skin barrier function.
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Affected Microbiome
When there's a disbalance in the microbiome environment, be it due to diet preferences, overuse (or use of harsher ingredients) of skincare products or lifestyle conditions, our skin can react by producing extra oil, acne, by flaking, drying, or by bringing on issues such as infections, eczema and psoriasis. But how can we know which products are bad and which are good for our microbiome? Until more research is conducted, a good place to start is this: the more natural ingredients a product contains, the less likely it is to disturb the microbiome. The fewer ingredients it contains, especially synthetic ones, also takes away a significant part they may play in causing skin problems.
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Balanced Microbiome
What we do know through research done so far is that ferments, probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic skincare products help the good guys in our microbiome and are beneficial to our skin's health, look and feel, both short and long term. To get better acquainted with microbiome-friendly cosmetics, here are 10 products which have been proven to not only not disrupt, but actually help maintain and grow the good micro-army needed to defend and care for our skin — from head to toe.
This is a rinse-off mask which washes away very easily, which means less strain on the face. The clay in the name stands for both kaolin and bentonite — which absorbs dirt and moisturizes. The mask facilitates healthy cell turnover and leaves behind clearer and softer complexion with every use.
Eminence recently launched a line of products formulated specifically to microbiome wellness needs. Since cleansers are typically the first product our skin comes into contact with at the start of the day, you could try using a face cleanser that's non-disturbing to the microbiome. This one comes with kombucha, ginger, white tea and jasmine and won't compromise the moisture barrier, giving your skin that refreshing, yet tender wake-up.
