THE MICROBIOME OR ACID MANTLE

THE SKIN'S MICROBIOME EXPLAINED

The skin's microbiome is our first line of defence against disease, infection and pathogen attack. Often referred to in the skin world as our ‘acid mantle’, the microbiome tends to have a pH around 4.5-5.5: the ideal environment to stop alkali-loving pathogens. Home to a diverse range of bacteria, our microbiome is utterly vital for long-term health and like our fingerprints, is completely unique.

Balance is key for the health of the microbiome. Changes in pH, levels of hydration and the environment can all take effect on the bacteria living on your skin - leading to breakouts, irritation, dryness and skin disease.

The addition of prebiotics and probiotics in skincare can help managed the skin microbiome and ensure its integrity. Medik8 have added a cocktail of prebiotics and probiotics to their Balance Moisturiser™ to help restore natural balance on a dermal level.

PREBIOTICS + PROBIOTICS

Probiotics, are live bacteria. Similar to the bacteria already present in the microbiome, probiotics intermix with your natural bacteria. This alters the composition of the microbiome; optimising its pH levels and helping to favour the growth of the good bacteria, while suppressing the bad. They can also produce antimicrobials to help protect the skin from external aggressors.

Prebiotics act as ‘food’ for the growth of bacteria colonies - able to feed both the good bacteria already on our skin and the probiotics to make them stronger.

Pre and probiotics work synergistically to support the skin’s natural microbiome balance. The combination is ideal for treating blemish-prone skin. An alternative to antibiotic treatment, pre and probiotics are much gentler on the skin and do not pose any risk of antibiotic resistance. Pre and probiotics gently encourage the skin’s natural flora to favour good bacteria over the bad, such as P. acnes which can cause blemishes. This leads to an overall more balanced, even and predictable complexion that is in pure harmony with itself.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH: GUT + SKIN

Just like your skin, your gut contains tiny organisms to keep you healthy. Disruption to this delicate balance, along with changes in the skin microbiome can be key elements in skin disease. As a holistic clinic, we always explore inner health as well as skin health in order to achieve long-lasting change.

Get in touch if you'd like to explore our comprehensive way of looking after your skin from the inside-out!