Skin microbiome - key for healthy skin & natural balance

The skin microbiome protects against inflammation and pathogens. Find out how to strengthen it.

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The skin microbiome protects against inflammation and pathogens. Find out how to strengthen it

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Skin microbiome: Invisible protective shield for healthy, resilient skin

The skin microbiome refers to the entirety of all microorganisms - primarily bacteria, fungi and viruses - that live on human skin. These microscopic flatmates are by no means harmful, but fulfil important protective functions: They strengthen the skin barrier, keep pathogenic germs in check, regulate inflammation and support wound healing. A balanced microbiome is therefore essential for healthy, resilient skin - and plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of many skin problems such as acne, neurodermatitis, rosacea or barrier disorders.

Each skin region has its own microbial composition, depending on factors such as moisture, sebum production, pH value and exposure. If the skin microbiome is out of balance - for example due to aggressive cosmetics, frequent disinfection, environmental stress, an unbalanced diet or medication such as antibiotics - this can lead to so-called dysbiosis. As a result, beneficial bacteria can be displaced while pathogenic germs take over. This favours inflammation, itching, redness and blemishes.

An intact skin microbiome can be specifically supported - for example with mild, microbiome-friendly skincare, pH-neutral cleansing products and a low-inflammatory diet. Functional active ingredients such as lactoferrin are also becoming increasingly important here. The -binding protein has an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effect - and can therefore help to restore the microbial balance on the skin. Studies show that can not only be effective against and skin irritations, but also has a stabilising effect on the microbiome itself - a promising addition to classic care and therapy concepts.

Literature references:

Belkaid, Y. & Segre, J. A. (2014). Dialogue between skin microbiota and immunity. Science, 346(6212), 954-959.
Sanford, J. A. & Gallo, R. L. (2013). Functions of the skin microbiota in health and disease. Seminars in Immunology, 25(5), 370-377.
Kawakami, T. et al (2015). Effects of oral administration of lactoferrin on skin condition in healthy women. The Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 56(3), 190-195.