Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Skin Microbiome Healthy

Our skin is our greatest protector. It creates a barrier between us and our internal functions and serves as the first line of defense against disease. Maintaining healthy skin may seem like a superficial concern, but skincare is about more than just looking beautiful (though it is an added benefit.)

Taking care of your skin starts with a healthy skin microbiome. That’s right. There’s more to healthy skin than a 10-step routine. Healthy skin comes from maintaining a complex ecosystem of good bacteria. While that might sound daunting, there is good news. Simple easy skin care is best for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. Let’s break down what a skin microbiome is.

What is a Skin Microbiome?

A skin microbiome is comprised of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on your skin. If that sounds unsanitary, in a way it is, which is a good thing. The truth is that you want a wide variety of good bacteria thriving on your skin. Bacteria is what keeps a skin microbiome healthy and gives skin a youthful, vibrant glow.

In an overly sanitized world, we’re programmed to continually wash our face, tone, hydrate, and repeat. Hygiene has taken over as the number one way to become healthier. So, what does that mean for your skin’s microbiome? It means it gets washed away every time you use your skincare routine!

How Does the Skin Microbiome Get Damaged?

Each time we go through the process of washing our face, trillions of critical skin bacteria are lost. Our skin microbiome is supposed to be a diverse community of microscopic “helpers” making sure we’re protected from pathogens, infections, and more. When the skin is over cleansed it can be tough to recover these valuable assets for our skin.

You might notice your skin is duller, more uneven, and even more prone to breakouts when your skin microbiome is damaged. Without a healthy dose of good bacteria fighting for your skin, there’s even a chance for accelerated aging. To keep your skin looking great, it all comes down to protecting and promoting a robust skin microbiome.

What Are the Benefits of a Healthy Skin Microbiome?

The benefits of a healthy skin microbiome aren’t just skin deep (pun intended.) The benefits of healthy skin impact your physical health just as much as the overall look of your skin. Healthy skin reflects a healthy body. If your skin is glowing, even, and voluminous, your skin bacteria has been well taken care of. Healthy skin with an active skin microbiome will fight off these signs of aging as well as protect you from external contaminates.

As adults age, the skin becomes prone to fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, and age spots. Simple changes can make a huge difference when it comes to healthy skin. Healthy skin should be able to retain hydration, fight off breakouts, and heal from abrasions within a short time frame. If you want a strong defense against the harsh elements of the world and added beauty benefits, follow these top 10 ways to keep your skin microbiome healthy!

1. Eat More Fiber

The first and easiest way to keep your skin microbiome healthy is to keep your gut microbiome healthy. Eating fruits and vegetables with high amounts of fiber is a great way to increase the good bacteria in your body and fight off the bad bacteria. Diet is tied to overall health in many ways so start improving your skin health by adding more plants into your diet.

2. Cut Down on Red Meat

Another way to keep your skin microbiome healthy is by cutting down on your consumption of red meat. Red meat is especially hard for the body to digest and can cause inflammation throughout. This means the skin can become irritated by the added inflammation and your gut microbiome may be suffering as well. Since the two microbiomes are tied together, you can protect your skin by limiting the consumption of foods that cause stress to your body.

3. Follow a Sleep Schedule

Sleep is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and happy. During our sleep cycle, blood flow increases, and collagen production is at an all-time high. Lack of sleep contributes to dark circles under the eyes, droopy skin, and more fine lines. Ideally, the average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Setting an alarm on your phone or fitness watch can help remind you when to start getting ready for bed each night for a better healthier sleep schedule.

4. Break a Sweat

In combination with a healthy diet, working up a sweat will provide your skin microbiome with healthy prebiotics and good bacteria. In general, working out is excellent for skin health. It helps cleanse the pores, increases blood flow, and provides the skin with vital oxygen. Break a sweat a few times a week to give your skin microbiome a boost and promote healthy radiant skin.

5. Keep Your Skin PH Balanced

A big part of a healthy skin microbiome is maintaining a healthy skin PH. The skin’s PH can range from 1-14 with 5-7 consider optimal. A healthy skin microbiome thrives with a slightly more acidic PH level closer to 7. This level promotes defense against harmful bacteria and reduces the effects of aging. Make sure you’re using cleansers with simple ingredients and moisturizing with gentle products such as Audrose Serum Concentrate to keep your PH in check.

6. Take Probiotics

Boost the healthy exchange between your gut and your skin microbiomes by taking a daily probiotic. There are many probiotic pills to choose from and it can feel overwhelming to try and find the right one. Fortunately, there is an easy way to test whether a probiotic is effective. Simply crack it open and drop it in some milk. If it curdles or thickens after a day or so, you have a good probiotic. You can also implement more fermented foods into your diet for natural.

7. Keep Skincare Simple

After decades of being told you must have a 5 to 10 step skincare regimen, science has proven otherwise. According to top dermatologists, you only need 3 products at the most. Scrubbing, removing good bacteria, and toning with alcohol-based products are the way of the past. Giving your skin a break from exfoliation, drying chemicals, and peels is essential for promoting good bacteria. A few times a week, ditch the complicated routine and opt for a simple cleanser and revitalizing moisturizer. Your skin microbiome will thank you.

8. De-stress

While it might be easier said than done, reducing the amount of stress in your life can have a positive impact on your skin microbiome. The body works cohesively, so when you’re experiencing stress from work, relationships, or emotional overload, your skin experiences it too. Taking time for self-care and de-stressing activities like yoga, meditation, and hobbies you enjoy can breathe life back into your skin after a stressful time.

9. Watch Out for Alcohol