As the largest organ of the body, the skin serves as a physical barrier to the harshness of the environment and to as a protective armor against the invasion of harmful micro-organisms. The army of defendants includes the variety of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that organize the skin microbiome.
These microbes inhabit our skin and are unique to each individual. What factors determine who has what and where?
-body temperature
-skin thickness
-skin type
-skin structure
-skin pH
-the density of hair follicles and glands
So, the skin microbiome may differ not only from one person to the other, but within the same person, the skin microbiome of his/her face may be different from that of the same person's arm.
How does the skin microbiome benefit skin health? It helps to:
1) defend against infection;
2) heal wounds;
3) communicates and supports the immune system;
4) controls inflammation.
What may you do to maintain a healthy and resilient skin microbiome? Here are my top (FAB) ten tips:
1) Counteract air pollution
2) Stop smoking
3) Reduce exposure to UV light
4) Avoid over-stripping and picking your skin
5) Avoid over-cleansing and over-sanitizing
6) Moisturize
7) Protect
8) Eat a well-balanced nutritious diet
9) Stay hydrated with pure water
10) Manage stress effectively