- Microbes live on human skin and mucous membranes, and they play an important role in the development of the immune system.
- The composition of the microbial flora differs between individuals and is affected by many individual factors. A diverse microbial flora supports health.
- Microbes of the normal skin flora maintain skin health by preventing the growth of pathogens on the skin.
- In symptomatic skin, the abundance ratios of microbial species are imbalanced, allowing a single microbial species to proliferate on the skin as a pathogen.
- Proper skin cleansing is important; avoid overly harsh products, as they can disrupt skin function or throw it out of balance.
Definition of Microbiome
The skin, as well as the mucous membranes in the mouth and throughout the digestive tract, respiratory system, and genitals, is the body's interface with the environment. These interfaces are inhabited by numerous microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the normal flora of the skin and mucous membranes. The totality of these normal flora microbes and their genes is called the microbiome.
Naturally, the bacteria living in our body's microbiome aid in digestion, regulate the immune system, protect against pathogenic bacteria, and produce vitamins. The microbiome is therefore essential for human development, immunity, and nutrients. The skin microbiome, in turn, is formed by microorganisms living on the skin's surface. In short, the skin microbiome is a living, protective layer for the skin.
The microbiome can be disturbed
Each of us has a unique combination of microbes on our skin that can help protect the skin from infections. When the skin microbiome is disturbed, it can cause skin inflammation, irritation, itching, or rash. Studies have shown certain microbes to be linked to infections and skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis. In other words, if the skin microbiome is disturbed, bad bacteria can proliferate on the skin and the skin can become inflamed.
The impoverishment of microbiome diversity predisposes to diseases. Contact with nature is especially important during the first years of life, when the body's defense systems develop most strongly. Studies have shown that a microbe-rich, natural living environment favorably affects both the composition of the gut microbiota and the development of immune tolerance that protects against allergies.
Each part of our skin has a different microbiome. The bacteria living in oily skin areas, such as the forehead, are not the same as those living, for example, in the crook of the elbow. Hair follicles , on the other hand, are a good habitat for fungi and bacteria.
Caring for the microbiome
The skin microbiome should be carefully nurtured. The key is the right kind of cleansing product, one that isn't too harsh. The cleansing product should ideally have a neutral pH that doesn't disturb the skin's natural balance. Excessive exfoliation can also disrupt the skin's microbiome.
Luonkos's forest products contain a diverse and safely tested inactivated microbial extract directly from Finland's pure nature. Its composition mimics the rich microbial community found in forests, stimulating the skin's microbiome and maintaining healthy skin function.
The patented Re-Connecting Nature® extract is a Finnish active ingredient for cosmetics. It possesses unique restorative properties from the Finnish forest and nature, helping to maintain the skin's natural microbial balance. It also supports the function of the skin barrier by reducing the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to impaired barrier function in several studies. The forest extract alleviates redness and irritation, and also helps maintain collagen formation in your skin.
Luonkos products that support the skin microbiome
For effective facial cleansing that supports the skin microbiome, the Luonkos Infinity oil cleansing cake is particularly suitable. It removes makeup, dirt, and even waterproof mascara. Oil cleansing does not dry out the skin or distort its proper function. Infinity is suitable for even demanding skin; according to feedback, it has helped with atopic skin and acne, among other conditions.
Primal is a multi-purpose balm for minor damaged areas of the skin. Primal helps repair skin scratches, chapped skin, itchy, and stinging spots. It has been a savior for many families with children for red and dry skin areas. The nourishing balm is easy to carry with you.
For daily skincare, you should choose Vitality body oil. It forms a protective layer on the skin and maintains its moisture balance. Vitality cares for and nourishes the body's skin, making it an excellent choice for the whole family.
Products containing forest microbial extract are suitable for all skin types, especially dry, sensitive, and atopic skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, let's take care of it!
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