At Sásta Skin Health, our mission is to empower consumers with knowledge about the essential yet often overlooked aspect of skincare – the microbiome. This September, we're going back to basics with Sásta Skin School, where we aim to demystify the complex world of skincare and provide you with the tools you need for healthier, happier skin. Today, we kick off with our first lesson: Microbiome 101.
Understanding the Microbiome: Your Body's Invisible Protectors
The microbiome is a remarkable collection of microorganisms that exist both inside and outside your body. Think of them as microscopic soldiers, tirelessly working to protect and defend you every day. Comprising mainly of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, you might be surprised to learn that we have more of these dedicated soldiers than skin cells!
Where Can These Microbes Be Found?
Most of these incredible microbes call our gut home, forming what we refer to as the gut microbiome. However, they're not confined to just one location; they can be found all over our body. From our skin to our scalp, our mouth, and even our belly button, these microbial companions have been with us since the day we were born. In fact, if you were to combine the weight of all your microbes, it would be roughly equivalent to the size of your brain!
The Vital Role of Microbes
Think of these microbes as your closest companions, supporting you in every way imaginable. When they're sick, you're sick. They play a crucial role in protecting your health, aiding in the absorption of essential nutrients, and even influencing your hormones. When they become imbalanced, it can be linked to a range of health issues, from digestive problems like IBS and Crohn's to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and even mental health concerns.The Skin Microbiome: Guardians of Your Skin's Health
Now that we've explored the microbiome within, let's talk about your skin's microbiome. It's like a community of microscopic soldiers living on your skin, defending and protecting it daily. These trillions of microbes shield your skin from external aggressors such as pollution, climate changes, and topical products.When Imbalance Strikes
However, just like any community, when the balance is disrupted, problems arise. An imbalanced skin microbiome can weaken your skin's protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to issues like itching, dryness, inflammation, or pigmentation.Understanding Your Skin's pH
Now that we've covered the microbiome and the skin microbiome, let's delve into another critical aspect of skin health – pH.The Importance of Skin pH
Skin pH, short for "potential of hydrogen," measures how acidic your skin is. Ideally, the pH level for most areas of your face and body falls between 4.7 and 5.7, making your skin slightly acidic.When pH Balance Is Disrupted
However, when your skin's pH falls out of this range due to environmental factors, the products you use, or changes in hydration levels, your skin's protective barrier can weaken. This makes your skin more susceptible to a range of skin issues.
Why Your Skin Is Naturally Acidic
Your skin's slight acidity is essential for your microbiome's health. It helps stop the growth of harmful pathogens. Without this optimal acidity, both your microbiome and your protective lipid barrier, which acts as your moisture warrior, cannot thrive as they should.Guarding Your Skin's Health
To ensure you maintain a balanced skin microbiome, support your skin's health, and ensure your skin's pH remains in the sweet spot, consider the following:1. Nourish Your Skin: Feed and support your skin's microbiome with accredited products, like our Microbiome Booster Serum.
2. Dietary Changes: Reduce acidic foods and beverages in your diet, such as coffee, processed foods, and sugar.
3. Gentle Cleansing: Use lukewarm water on your skin instead of hot water, which can strip it, leaving it feeling dry.
Understanding and maintaining your skin's pH is a crucial step towards achieving healthier and happier skin. We hope you have learned something new about caring for and supporting your skin. Stay updated with Sásta Skin School on sastaskinhealth.com