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Each person (yes, you too) carries in and on himself whole worlds and universes. This is not about spiritual wealth, but about billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi that live inside and on the surface of our body. Let’s talk about how to maintain the normal microflora of the skin.
What is microflora
All these microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) are not just fellow travelers. They actively interact with our cells and play an important role in our life. More often, the attitude towards microorganisms is wary. This is explained by the fact that we know little about them, but any specialist will say that a balanced microflora is the key to health.
The surface of the skin is home to over 500 species of microorganisms.
The composition of the microflora of the skin
The total weight of microorganisms inhabiting the human body is approximately 2 kg. More than 500 types of microorganisms live on the surface of the skin. Their competence includes:
immune protection of the skin and resistance to external influences;
maintaining the level of skin acidity;
in some cases, antioxidant activity.
The microflora of the skin, as well as the microflora of the whole organism, is still poorly understood. But the predominance of certain bacteria and other “living creatures” in certain parts of the body was reliably revealed.
The composition of the microflora of the skin can be compared with a fingerprint – it is unique. Although it can change with age, change of seasons or habitat. In relatives and people living together, it becomes similar. This is due to both genetic microbial preferences and lifestyle habits.
Interestingly, the composition of the microflora of the skin (and probably the rest of the microflora) varies greatly among representatives of different ethnic groups due to differences in lifestyle and nutrition.
It is known that civilization greatly impoverished the composition of the skin microflora. For example, studies have shown that among the Indians of the Venezuelan Amazon, it is several orders of magnitude richer than among white North Americans. And the indigenous inhabitants of Papua New Guinea and Paraguay never have acne.
Problems with microflora
The components of the skin microflora can be simplistically divided into useful, neutral and pathogenic. Neutral, with a lack of useful ones, can become pathogenic and lead to diseases.
How to maintain normal skin microflora
The microbiome is partly determined genetically, but it is also influenced by lifestyle. This explains the huge difference between the microbial communities of different people.
What harms the microbes that keep skin healthy?
Use of antibiotics – both internal and external.
Antibacterial soap and hygiene fanaticism. Don’t wash your hands every half hour.
The predominance of fast carbohydrates in the diet. Few things have such a beneficial effect on the growth of pathogenic and opportunistic microflora as sugar.
Stress. The microbiome reacts acutely to hormonal changes.
Bad ecology. Obviously, it undermines the protective functions of the skin, partly because of the negative impact on the microflora. Free radicals, getting on the surface of the skin, primarily destroy microorganisms, because a bacterium is just a cell protected by the thinnest lipid membrane. The result is an imbalance.
Age. Over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a healthy balance of microflora.
Part of our microbiome is determined genetically, but it is also influenced by our lifestyle.
What will protect the microflora of the skin? In short, a healthy lifestyle.
Balanced diet with a lot of fiber: cereals, vegetables, fruits. These foods are prebiotics, they create a breeding ground for beneficial bacteria. Eating a varied diet and maintaining a balanced gut microflora is key to a diverse microbiome, which is so important for immune health.
Fresh air, physical activity. Natural tourist microbes (yes, there is such a term) may well enrich our microbiome, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on it. This does not mean that you have to dig in the ground and not wash your hands after that, but walking in the forest or garden will definitely bring benefits.
Healthy sleep and peace of mind. The microflora is very sensitive to stress hormones. Therefore, the better we feel, the more active its protective functions.
Quality skin care. It is known that women have a richer microflora on their hands than men. This is associated with the use of cosmetics, because it often contains substances that serve as food for the microflora of the skin.
Overview of cosmetics
Cosmetics with probiotics (fragments of beneficial bacteria) and plant extracts that become food for the skin microflora can be safely attributed to the means that support healthy skin microflora. As well as products that resist the predominance of microorganisms that adversely affect skin health.
Advanced Génifique youth activator. Updated formula. Microbiome Science, Lancôme
The new formula of the legendary serum includes 7 fractions of pre- and probiotics to restore and strengthen the skin. After a week of application, it is smoothed, looks fresh, elastic, radiant. The work is based on two decades of scientific research.
Moisturizing melting body milk with bifido complex and aloe vera, Garnier
Bifidobacteria effectively support the human immune system. The bifido complex in the composition of the product soothes sensitive skin, moisturizes it and strengthens the protective barrier.
Intensive anti-dandruff shampoo Dercos, Vichy
The cause of dandruff is an imbalance in the microbiome of the scalp, and selenium was included in the formula to normalize it. It also contains salicylic acid for exfoliation and vitamin E, which fights oxidative stress.
Soothing care for skin prone to seborrheic dermatitis, Kerium DS Crème, La Roche-Posay
Skin microbiome disorders are a consequence of seborrheic dermatitis. Piroctone olamine has an antifungal effect, zinc has an antibacterial effect, an exclusive component of thermal dermabiotic helps to normalize the skin microflora, enhancing its protective functions.