Understanding the Skin Microbiome: An Essential Guide for Your Skin

Much more than an external envelope, the skin is a true organ necessary for life. It constitutes both the separation and the exchange ground between our internal environment and the external environment. As a result, it is exposed to multiple attacks and variations to which it constantly adapts, especially in winter. Cold, wind, rain, snow, ice… are all factors that can attack our skin barrier , starting from the solstice on December 21. Find out more about this microbiome and effective solutions to protect it.

Understanding the skin microbiome

This microbiome includes a collection of microorganisms that live in our bodies and on our skin. These microorganisms perform different functions depending on where they are located. A normal skin microbiome consists of skin bacteria, fungi, mites, and viruses. Some of these are good, others are bad and harmful, but there is a fine balance that allows the skin to remain healthy.

Your skin microbiome is very important. The good bacteria on your skin help keep it healthy by eliminating the bad ones, some of which can cause inflammation and other problems. The good bacteria also prevent the bad ones from taking over, which would otherwise unbalance the microbiome and cause skin problems .

Difference between microbiome and microbiota

The skin microbiome is therefore the set of microorganisms that live on the surface of our body and contribute to its balance. But be careful not to confuse it with the microbiota! While these two terms are often used together, they actually refer to two different things.

The microbiota is the set of microorganisms themselves, while the microbiome includes these microorganisms, their interactions and the environment in which they live.

What are the winter attacks on the skin microbiome?

The winter cold poses significant challenges to the skin and its microbiota, orchestrating a complex choreography between the external elements and our skin ecosystem . When the degrees drop, several phenomena affect the epidermis, but it is equally crucial to recognize the beneficial effects that a thermostat below 0° can generate.

What are the effects of cold on the skin?

Cool temperatures, usually associated with low humidity, can induce dehydration of the epidermis , disrupting its skin barrier and increasing sensitivity. Second, the cold induces vasoconstriction of blood vessels, reducing the supply of nutrients and oxygen, potentially contributing to a dull and tired appearance. The extreme conditions of winter can also alter the skin's barrier function , making it more permeable to external aggressions. Finally, the cold can stimulate blood circulation, thus promoting better oxygenation of skin tissues and bringing a toned glow to the skin.

What is the impact of cold on microorganisms?

Temperature fluctuations can disrupt the balance of the skin microbiota , creating conditions conducive to the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms. Cold weather can also lead to a reduction in microbial diversity , weakening the microbiota's ability to maintain a healthy balance. An unbalanced microbiota often makes the skin more vulnerable to infection, compromising natural immune protection, highlighting the importance of a suitable skincare routine.

Considering these elements, it becomes evident that although cold weather can present challenges for the skin, it can also be harnessed in a positive way to stimulate skin vitality and strengthen the resilience of the microbiota .

What solutions are there for maintaining skin balance?

Prebiotics

First, you can use cosmetic treatments based on prebiotics . They will preserve the diversity of bacteria on the epidermis, thus making its immunity more effective against various skin diseases. Serums, milks, creams, lotions… Several cosmetic treatments today offer to help preserve the skin microbiota.

Probiotics are most commonly consumed orally. Since they are live bacteria, they cannot be incorporated as such into skincare and cosmetics. However, certain formulation and production techniques now allow the addition of prebiotics, which will feed the skin bacteria , allowing the maintenance of the diversity of the bacterial flora .

Prebiotics have self-preserving properties, which often eliminates the need for added preservatives in formulas. This is another benefit that can be appreciated by those who prefer to avoid these types of ingredients.

Healthy eating in winter

Did you know that some foods naturally contain prebiotics and probiotics? These are mainly green vegetables (lettuce, spinach, beans, dandelion, leeks, etc.), but also artichokes, onions, asparagus, bananas, oats.

Drinks and foods like soy sauce, kombucha, and kefir contain probiotics and good bacteria for your body. A balanced diet not only benefits your skin microbiome, but also your gut microbiota and your immune system. Take advantage of this opportunity to fill your plates with good foods during your winter vacation !

Hygiene and care products with a gentle formula

Adopting the right care for your skin is essential if you want to preserve the skin's balance. Opt for care products with moisturizing properties and natural components, you will also fight against the signs of aging. Your makeup remover and facial cleanser must cleanse without being aggressive so as not to exacerbate sebum production . If you are a fan of facial scrubs, choose a product without stripping grains, which will remove dead cells without damaging the skin's protective barrier . A simple wash with water will eliminate some of the microorganisms: you must therefore be careful not to wash too often.

Also keep in mind that water that's too hot can kill the good bacteria on your skin's surface. These bacteria are used to your body temperature, which is 37-38°C. Avoid scalding baths, which tend to dry out the skin .

Choosing a suitable routine for the winter season

During the winter, you need to take care of your skin as much as in the summer. As mentioned above, the cold can cause a real imbalance in your epidermis. We therefore advise you to adopt a richer day cream during these winter months to offer intense hydration and provide additional defense. In our anti-dull complexion facial routine , you can combine the actions of the day cream and the night cream, with an HRB3 enriched formula to even out your complexion and revive its radiance. Without forgetting the eye contour of course! Thanks to the EYE RE-7® multi-corrector treatment , you can strengthen the thinner skin barrier around the eyes.

Also remember to always carry hand cream with you. Hands are particularly exposed to winter weather conditions, so you need to protect them just as much. The same goes for a moisturizing lip balm , which is essential for protecting your mouth against external aggressions in winter, especially when practicing winter sports . This will also protect you from the sun depending on the region.

Whether it's summer, fall, spring, or winter, the impact of cosmetic products on the skin is significant. Always consider the ingredients in your beauty products to limit the growth of bacteria.