Once shrouded in mystery. The skin microbiome is a burgeoning topic in the skin care world. And for good reason: This massive collection of mostly harmless bacteria resides on our skin to protect us from harmful germs and toxins. Sound more like the plot to a sci-fi novel? Maybe. Given the fact that we have ten times more bacterial cells than human cells, one could argue that we are merely vessels for this invisible community. But what exactly are these tiny species and why have they taken up residency on our skin?
To get a better understanding, we reached out to leading experts to learn more about this topic.
What is the skin microbiome and why is it important?
The microbiome is defined as a collection of microorganisms that live in a particular place. Although each person is unique, the average person has more bacterial cells than human cells. And depending on the skin’s texture, thickness and humidity, different microbes can inhabit different regions of your skin. In fact, the face, chest and back, being the oiliest parts of our bodies, will often house higher amounts of bacteria, making them more prone to acne.
As Dr. Whitney Bowe, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin explains, “Our skin’s microbiome is a rainforest of diverse organisms which live in and on your skin’s various layers, from the deep-down fat cushion all the way up to your epidermal cells up high. In fact, there are more than one trillion bacteria in the skin, originating from approximately one thousand different species.’’
Though the word bacteria is usually associated with illness, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, our bodies work in tandem with bacteria from the inside out. These tiny helpers work to keep the bad stuff away, while happily going along, minding their business (sort of like the perfect roommate that you never see). Thanks to modern research, we now know that the microbiome directly influences skin, specifically in the formation of inflammation and acne. And since our skin is a living, breathing organ—not to mention our largest one—we should think of it as a fertile soil: it needs the proper care and maintenance, along with the right pH to stay healthy and thriving. In short, healthy skin is about creating a healthy environment for these microorganisms.
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Also Read: What is Your Skin Phototype?
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