The human microbiome is a complex and dynamic ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on and in the body. It plays an important role in maintaining health by helping to regulate digestion, immunity, metabolism, and other bodily functions.
The skin microbiome is particularly important for overall health as it helps protect against infection and disease and you need to act to maintain or restore skin microbiome if you have a skin microbiome imbalance.
Unfortunately, many factors can disrupt the balance of the skin microbiome leading to various skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Fortunately, there are ways to restore balance to the skin microbiome which can help improve overall health.
Here are 9 ways to restore skin microbiome for better health:
Table of Contents
1. Cleanse with Natural Products
Restoring the skin microbiome is an important part of maintaining healthy, balanced skin. To do this, it is recommended to use natural cleansers such as soap made from plant-based oils or herbal infusions.
These types of products are gentle on the skin and help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria without disrupting its delicate ecosystem. It is also important to avoid harsh soaps or cleansers that contain synthetic fragrances or chemicals which may strip away beneficial bacteria from your skin’s surface. By using natural products and avoiding harsh ingredients, you can help restore your skin’s microbiome for healthier looking and feeling skin.
2. Include Probiotics in Your Diet
Restoring the skin microbiome is an important part of maintaining healthy, balanced skin. One way to do this is by including probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support a healthy gut and immune system, which can have positive effects on the skin.
Eating foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can provide your body with these helpful bacteria. Additionally, taking a daily probiotic supplement may also be beneficial for restoring the balance of microorganisms on your skin.
3. Moisturize Regularly
Restoring the skin microbiome is an important part of maintaining healthy, balanced skin. The skin microbiome is composed of a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms that live on the surface of our skin. Keeping your skin hydrated helps to maintain this balance by discouraging the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting beneficial microbes. To achieve optimal hydration, look for moisturizers with natural ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil which not only provide moisture but also nourish the microbes living on your epidermis layer with their fatty acids content.
Additionally, avoiding harsh soaps and detergents can help keep your skin’s microbial balance in check as these products may strip away essential oils that protect against bacterial overgrowth. By taking steps to restore and maintain a healthy balance of microbes on our skin, we can ensure healthier looking and feeling complexion for years to come.
4. Avoid Antibacterial Soaps and Sanitizers
Restoring the skin microbiome is essential for maintaining healthy and balanced skin. The use of harsh chemicals, such as triclosan, found in antibacterial soaps and sanitizers can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria on our skin’s surface. These products should be used sparingly or avoided altogether to prevent an imbalance in the microbial population living on our skin’s surface.
Instead, it is recommended to use gentle cleansers that are free from harsh chemicals to maintain a healthy microbiome. Additionally, probiotics have been shown to help restore beneficial bacteria on the skin’s surface when applied topically or taken orally.
5. Eat Prebiotic Foods
Prebiotics are dietary fibers found in certain foods such as garlic, onions, bananas, etc., that act as food sources for beneficial gut microbiota. Eating prebiotic-rich foods helps promote the growth of these helpful microorganisms both inside our guts and outside (on our skins), thus restoring balance within our microbiomes. This can help to reduce inflammation, improve skin hydration and elasticity, protect against infection and disease, and even slow down signs of aging.
Additionally, probiotics may also be beneficial in restoring the skin microbiome by introducing healthy bacteria into the system which can help to create a balanced environment on the surface of your skin. Taking steps to restore your skin’s microbiome is essential for maintaining optimal health and wellness.
6. Reduce Stress Levels
Stress has been linked to disruption of the gut microbiota composition, due to the release of cortisol during stressful situations. This can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including on the skin, resulting in a range of issues such as acne breakouts and psoriasis flare-ups.
Therefore, reducing stress levels should be a priority when attempting to restore balance within one’s microbiome.
7. Get Adequate Sleep
Adequate sleep has been shown to be a key factor in achieving this goal. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night can help improve immune system function, reduce stress levels, and restore equilibrium within one’s microbiomes. This can lead to improved mental wellbeing as well as healthier skin.
8. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help to promote a healthy balance of beneficial gut microbiota, while also reducing stress levels by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream. This combination of effects helps to restore the skin microbiome back to its optimal state, providing numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
9. Avoid Unnecessary Use of Antibiotics
Overuse of antibiotics can lead to disruption within human microbiomes, as they indiscriminately kill both beneficial and harmful microorganisms. Therefore, antibiotics should only be used when absolutely necessary (i.e., if prescribed by a doctor to treat a bacterial infection). Otherwise, it is best to stick with natural remedies such as those mentioned above instead.
In conclusion, Restoring balance within the human microbiome, particularly on skin surfaces, requires a combination of multiple approaches. Depending on the severity of the issue at hand, these approaches can range from dietary changes to lifestyle modifications. However, following the tips mentioned above should help you get started in the right direction toward achieving this goal and improving your overall well-being. It is important to note that restoring balance within one’s skin microbiome may take time and effort; however, with dedication and consistency, it is possible to achieve positive results.