Microbiome is the latest buzzword in skincare, but what on earth is it, and how can it give us clearer, healthier skin?
Microbiome beauty has been quietly brewing for some time, and has only recently exploded into the mainstream among our favourite skincare brands. Whether you've heard of this beauty buzzword already or you have no idea what it means or stands for, we're here to help.
Microbiome health is particularly on the rise at the moment after Rob Calcraft, founder of Ren Clean Skincare, decided to launch a new brand inspired by the subject. “I thought my skincare days were over," he said, before discovering the importance of nurturing the skincare microbiome: "I just thought this is so new, so exciting and so scientifically sound that I should get back on the skincare horse, so to speak.” From this, Cultured was born.
But it's not only new brands that have been paying attention to this; Gallinee, Murad and Drunk Elephant have all created products or lines based around taking care of the skin microbiome in recent years.
Jennifer Rock, dermal facialist and founder of skincare brand Skingredients, believes this fresh interest in the microbiome is a product of Covid-19, much like many other current trends: "During the pandemic, many have turned to skincare as a form of self-care, but without an understanding how to safely use powerful active ingredients, so the skin may have become compromised and irritated."
"Because of this, we've learnt it is important to respect our skin using nourishing and replenishing ingredients which work to restore the skin’s microbiome balance and maintain healthy, protected skin," she finishes.
Still confused? Let's start at the beginning...
What is the skin microbiome?
In short, the microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria that lives on the skin's surface. Having a balanced microbiome is beneficial, especially to skin health.
"Our skin is an organ and living on the surface of our skin is an entire ecosystem of microorganisms – which are collectively known as our skin’s microbiome," explains Rock.
"The microbes inhabiting our skin, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, are key to maintaining skin health by reinforcing skin barrier function, which keeps harmful aggressors out and helps to reduce inflammation within the skin."
Why is it important to look after your skincare microbiome?
Having a balanced microbiome is like a basic building block for skin health; if it's healthy, skin is more resistant and resilient.
For example, one key benefit is feeling protected from environmental aggressors such as pollution. Another is for skin to be more hydrated and for it to retain moisture better in general.
But it's not just these simple assists, says Rock: "A healthy microbiome also helps to ward off the triggers that can cause the skin to become inflamed, irritated and sensitised. If the microbiome is disrupted, infections and skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (otherwise known as eczema) can occur."
How should you protect your skin microbiome?
So now we know how important it is to tend to your microbiome, what steps can we take to do that?
Interestingly, says Rock, it's not just about the products you add into your routine, but the ones you should take away too. "Skincare such as harsh cleansers and overuse of certain active ingredients can alter our skin’s pH balance and disrupt the skin’s microbiome," she explains, before adding that you should be mindful of harsh treatments or overusing things like acids and retinoids.
Instead, stick to balancing ingredients targeted toward improving skin barrier function, such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Gut health also equals a healthy microbiome, so it's about taking care of those insides as well as using topical products. For that reason, investing in supplements and pro/pre-biotics is advisable too.
In terms of products, there are so many options targeted at maintaining a healthy microbiome. We've selected the very best:
Skin Microbiome Hydrator
BYOMA Hydrating Serum, £12.99, Cult Beauty
BYOMA is the new skincare brand that's entirely dedicated to fortifying and nourishing the skin's microbiome. This hydrating serum contains a unique barrier boosting tri-ceramide complex of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids on top of sqaulane and glycerin, to replenish and renew.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Moisturiser
The Inkey List Multi-Biotic, £12.99, Cult Beauty
The Inkey List's thrifty formula features a 5% Yoghurtene complex that puts multi-biotic yoghurt drinks to shame. This will help to balance the skin's pH for a healthy microbiome, and at under £15, you really can't go wrong.
Skin Microbiome Balm
Scientia Ceramide Skin Rescue Moisture Barrier Balm, £28, Cult Beauty
Cooling and comforting, this nourishing balm is packed with ingredients that are proven to protect and restore the skin's natural barrier. Plus, hero hydrators like hyaluronic acid and fatty acids help to lock in moisture for stronger, more resilient skin.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Supplements
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Youth Biome, £55, Cult Beauty
A healthy gut = a healthy skin microbiome, and these supplements do both. They're a great addition to your regular skincare routine to do that extra bit to support the skin barrier.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Serum
Aurelia The Probiotic Concentrate, £38, Cult Beauty
Taking probiotics orally can really help with maintaining your microbiome, but you can also apply a probiotic product topically for an extra boost. Aurelia specialises in probiotic formulas, so you can trust theirs.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Serum
Biome One Serum, £55, Cult Beauty
New brand Cultured is a great place to start if microbiome-boosting skincare is at the top of your list. The line consists of three products, with this serum being our go-to, along with a mask and cleansing balm.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Supplements
The Nue Co Probiotics and Prebiotics, £45, Content Beauty & Wellbeing
These vegan supplements take care of your gut by balancing its pH, in turn also working to protect the bacteria across skin.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Cleanser
Murad Prebiotic 4-in -1 MultiCleanser, £37.90, Feel Unique
This gentle cleanser not only helps to support the microbiome, it also removes makeup effectively and leaves skin feeling soft and supple, never stripped or dry.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Supplements
Gallinée Skin and Microbiome Food Supplement, £30, LookFantastic
Gallinee is one of the brand's that's been doing microbiome-boosting goods well for years now, so you can trust that their month's supply of pre, pro, and post-biotics will serve your gut and skin well.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Set
Microbiome Hydration Duo, £22, Dr Jart
Dr Jart's Jartbiome range is specifically targeted to keeping the microbiome feeling healthy, and their affordable duo is worth picking up for its super hydrating qualities.
Skin Microbiome Boosting Oil
StriVectin Super-B Barrier Strengthening Oil , £62, Feel Unique
StriVectin's new super nourishing oil has been designed to hydrate, calm, and support. Not only is it great for the skin barrier, it also smells like chocolate orange. Really...
Skin Microbiome Boosting Mist
Drunk Elephant Sweet Biome Fermented Sake Spray, £35, Space NK
Containing fermented sake extract, hops and kombucha, this mist is perfect for a top-up spritzes throughout the day to help keep things balanced and healthy.
