Whilst we might know about the importance of taking care of the skin, do we know enough about the skin microbiome and how it affects not only the appearance but also overall health of the skin and bodies?

Otherwise known as the skin microbiota, your skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that lives on the surface of the skin. It acts as a defence barrier to guard against pathogens that could negatively affect both the condition of the skin and overall health. When balanced, the skin is happy and healthy – and we can definitely see it in the mirror. But, when there are more harmful bacteria than there are good bacteria, things become unbalance. The result of this is a plethora of skin issues that nobody is hoping for, so once we truly understand the ecosystem that lives both in and on us, then we can understand how best to manage it.

The Two Types Of Microbiome

Like we mentioned, the skin microbiome is the ecosystem of microorganisms found on the surface of the skin, but we all have a second type of microbiome too, in our gut. Our gut microbiome refers to the ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, parasites and other microbes that live in our gut, and plays a key role in our digestion and keeping the immune system functioning at its very best. Both the gut and skin microbiome are closely intertwined with one another, so if our gut microbiome is off balance, it can negatively impact our skin microbiome to. This has been proven in studies which found that whenever there was a high percentage of bad bacteria on the surface of the skin, there were excessive amounts of bad bacteria found in the gut too, showing our gut health can impact whether we have skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

One way we can improve our skin microbiome is to first address any issues within the gut. From including more dietary fibre, implementing regular exercise, consuming more probiotics and addressing any medicine that could be affecting your gut – there are many steps that can be taken to improve your gut microbiome, which in turn can positively impact your skin microbiome. These lifestyle changes can over time amount to a significant improvement in the body overall, and how our skin looks and feels. Alongside improving our skin from the inside out, we can make changes topically with a skincare routine that works with and not against our skin microbiota. 

But not all skincare is made equally, and unfortunately we can end up causing more disturbance (and therefore damage!) to our skin microbiome than improvement.

The Wrong Products Can Make Things A Whole Lot Worse

When it comes to the topic of ‘bad bacteria’, many people wrongly assume that opting for antibacterial products, like facial soaps with with antibacterial ingredients, will eliminate the bad bacteria on the skin and restore the microbiome back to its natural, balanced state. The truth is, antibacterial and harsh products alike can end up stripping the skin of all its bacteria, good and bad! This is because they’re unable to differentiate between the different bacteria and simply work on eliminating them all – which can end up encouraging the onset of skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Waterless Beauty (and what it does for our microbiome!)

Finding products to nurture our skin microbiome is crucial to maintain healthy and protected skin, as well as for the prevention of inflammation and aggravation. Unfortunately, whilst we might all have our consistent skincare routines in place, a little known fact when it comes to our skin is that water in skincare can be extremely drying and therefore irritating for our skin barrier – despite it being a natural hydrator for our bodies, it doesn’t have the same impact when used topically on the skin. And with most products made up of mostly water, accompanying ingredients in the product are so heavily diluted they end up having little impact.

Which is why waterless skincare really shines. Formulated completely free from water means the products purity, potency and thus the efficacy are all enhanced. Opting for waterless skincare allows for concentrated formulas, filled with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants to fortify and nourish the skins microbiome, therefore over time creating skin that is more resilient and better able to fight off foreign hazards and pathogens; keeping our microbiome balanced and healthy. Which is why we recommend a simple three step routine of purely waterless products to see improvement, because when it comes to waterless beauty a little really does go a long way.

Simple But Resilient

Start your routine with the Vemel No.1 Cleansing Oil, a unique blend of Camellia Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil and Raspberry Extracts (to name a few!) means your skin is left purified yet nourished, and without any drying sensation on the skin. Follow up with our Active Radiance Serum, with powerful oat active to repair and renew the skin lipid barrier and lock in moisture. Finally, finish off with our Vitamin Rich Face Butter, an intensely hydrating and nourishing moisturiser, so skin will retain moisture and be better equipped to fight off unwanted threats and bacteria. With an entire routine of waterless products, as well as being free from added fragrance and essential oils – your skin microbiome can heal and strengthen over time to become its healthiest self.

So, in order to keep our skin microbiome in the very best condition we can, a combination of internal work on our gut microbiome paired with a skincare routine that goes the extra mile to work with and not against our skin is truly all it takes – that and a little perseverance.