Fungi, viruses and so-called single-celled organisms are invisible to our eyes. However, there are billions of tiny living creatures on the surface of our skin. The following guide explains the important health functions that these organisms perform for the largest sensory organ in humans and why it is so important to always keep the skin flora in balance.
What is a skin microbiome?
The so-called skin microbiome refers to the entire cosmos that is located on the surface of the skin. It consists of numerous different microorganisms, such as seven billion fungi, viruses, single-celled organisms and also bacteria. They are all located there and ideally live in a complex balance, as is the case in the intestinal flora. We cannot see them with the naked eye. This is because the various organisms are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope, if at all.
The microbiome is different for every person, just like a fingerprint, for example. They can differ quite significantly. Various factors play a role here, such as age, gender and lifestyle. The environment can also influence the type, number and composition of microorganisms. In poor conditions, the balance between good and bad bacteria can be disrupted. Incidentally, people who are very close or live together often have a similar microbiome.
In this case, the microorganisms exchange information with each other and even fuse with each other over time. The skin of an embryo is usually completely free of germs, bacteria and other microorganisms. However, at birth, the baby already absorbs the first microorganisms from its mother.
What is the function of the skin microbiome?
The cosmos of microorganisms mentioned above is, so to speak, a protective barrier for our skin, but only when there is a balanced balance of good and bad microorganisms. If this is the case, numerous pathogens are repelled and many wounds heal much faster. The skin microbiome must constantly assert itself against various invaders from the environment. If there is a stable balance of microorganisms, they cannot cause any damage. If, however, this is disturbed, for example due to a very unhealthy lifestyle or inappropriate skin care, the pests can cause skin diseases, inflammation and even injuries.
How can I keep my skin flora in balance?
The microorganisms on our skin react to our lifestyle. For example, if you smoke, eat unhealthily or regularly drink too much alcohol, your protective shield is usually weakened. Environmental pollution can also contribute to this. Another crucial point here is skin care. Too much hygiene is not good and can upset the natural balance of our skin. Shower gels, deodorants, lots of soaps and perfumed care products are not always beneficial, but rather damage the flora.
Therefore, when buying, you should look closely at what substances are contained in these products. Ph-neutral products without perfume and other fragrances are very gentle on the skin and do not attack the very sensitive microbiome as much. The industry is also working on deodorants, creams and shower gels that contain living microorganisms. These are supposed to be transferred to the skin when used and thus keep the balance stable over the long term.
What is a skin microbiome?
The so-called skin microbiome refers to the entire cosmos that is located on the surface of the skin. It consists of numerous different microorganisms, such as seven billion fungi, viruses, single-celled organisms and also bacteria. They are all located there and ideally live in a complex balance, as is the case in the intestinal flora. We cannot see them with the naked eye. This is because the various organisms are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope, if at all.
The microbiome is different for every person, just like a fingerprint, for example. They can differ quite significantly. Various factors play a role here, such as age, gender and lifestyle. The environment can also influence the type, number and composition of microorganisms. In poor conditions, the balance between good and bad bacteria can be disrupted. Incidentally, people who are very close or live together often have a similar microbiome.
In this case, the microorganisms exchange information with each other and even fuse with each other over time. The skin of an embryo is usually completely free of germs, bacteria and other microorganisms. However, at birth, the baby already absorbs the first microorganisms from its mother.
What is the function of the skin microbiome?
The cosmos of microorganisms mentioned above is, so to speak, a protective barrier for our skin, but only when there is a balanced balance of good and bad microorganisms. If this is the case, numerous pathogens are repelled and many wounds heal much faster. The skin microbiome must constantly assert itself against various invaders from the environment. If there is a stable balance of microorganisms, they cannot cause any damage. If, however, this is disturbed, for example due to a very unhealthy lifestyle or inappropriate skin care, the pests can cause skin diseases, inflammation and even injuries.
How can I keep my skin flora in balance?
The microorganisms on our skin react to our lifestyle. For example, if you smoke, eat unhealthily or regularly drink too much alcohol, your protective shield is usually weakened. Environmental pollution can also contribute to this. Another crucial point here is skin care. Too much hygiene is not good and can upset the natural balance of our skin. Shower gels, deodorants, lots of soaps and perfumed care products are not always beneficial, but rather damage the flora.
Therefore, when buying, you should look closely at what substances are contained in these products. Ph-neutral products without perfume and other fragrances are very gentle on the skin and do not attack the very sensitive microbiome as much. The industry is also working on deodorants, creams and shower gels that contain living microorganisms. These are supposed to be transferred to the skin when used and thus keep the balance stable over the long term.
