We often associate the word ‘bacteria’ with something that is bad or dirty, but what if you were told that bacteria play a big role in keeping us healthy?
You may already be familiar with concepts like ‘healthy gut flora’ and ‘probiotics’ when it comes to healthy digestion and systemic health, but did you know that your skin is as reliant on the presence of good bacteria to help maintain skin health? We call these ‘good guys’ the microbiome of the skin.
The skin’s natural microbiome, or microbiota, is comprised of organisms including good bacteria, fungi and mites that work synergistically to help maintain skin health. The main role of the microbiome is to support barrier function, serving as a first line of defense against pathogens and infection that would otherwise compromise the health of the skin. Preserving the health of this ecosystem is therefore of the utmost importance should you wish to have healthy skin.
Just as it is with any living organism, Microbiome health will thrive when the conditions are right and, when the microbiome is thriving, our skin in turn will function optimally. The following points need to be considered to promote skin microbiome health:
The pH of the skin
As the skin by nature should be slightly acidic, so too does our microbiome function within a slightly acidic environment. Be sure then to avoid using harsh soaps on the skin as these make the skin more alkaline in pH, and therefore will disrupt the homeostasis of the microbiome ecosystem.
Using the appropriate DermaFix Cleanser and DermaFix Toner will help to facilitate a clean skin, whilst preserving the acidic pH of the skin.
‘Feeding the skin’
All living organisms need to be fed, and in the world of microbiomes, food sources come in the form of prebiotics that are applied to the skin within different skin care formulations. These prebiotics include vitamins, lipids, amino acids, plant carbohydrates and other micronutrients such as Magnesium, Sulphur, and Zinc, and can be found in an array of DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care products. Especially beneficial for skin health is Vitamin B3, or Niacinamide, which can be found within the DermaFix B3 Boost. Being microbiome-friendly, Niacinamide helps to facilitate a healthy skin barrier by promoting skin hydration and healing whilst calming inflammation. Panthenol which converts to Pro-vitamin B5 further offers skin hydration for a supported skin barrier and can be found alongside Niacinamide within the DermaFix Vitamin B Cream.
DermaFix B3 Boost
DermaFix B3 Boost Niacinamide Concentrate, also known as Vitamin B3 or Nicotinamide, that enhances the skin’s barrier and functioning by increasing the synthesis of ceramides and free fatty acids within the skin. Clinical trials have shown that niacinamide reduced Trans Epidermal Water Loss by 20% at day 24, while a study concentrating on texture, redness, blotchiness and uneven pigmentation showed an improved appearance within 12 weeks of use.
Vitamin B Cream
Vitamin B cream is a highly effective, lightweight moisturising cream that is recommended for all skin types, including blemished and problematic skin of any age group, as well as sensitive skin types.
Stay hydrated
Water-attracting ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid work well to preserve barrier health by locking in essential moisture needed to support life within the microbiome ecosystem. Thanks to its unique ratio of Hyaluronic Acid at 7 different molecular weights, the DermaFix Hyalu7 Boost offers immediate skin hydration on an epidermal level, whilst penetrating into the deeper dermal layers of the skin to promote further hyaluronic acid production within the skin. Regular use will promote a healthier skin barrier with a more moisturised look and feel.
Hyalu7 Boost
DermaFix Hyalu7 Boost Hyaluronic Concentrate offers an advanced Hyaluronic acid formulation, incorporating an optimized ratio of 7 unique molecular weights to provide maximum hydration whilst stimulating hyaluronic acid production within the skin for deeper moisturisation and anti-ageing benefits. DermaFix Hyalu7 Boost works to improve skin firmness and elasticity whilst reducing water loss from the first application.
Stay protected
Exposure to UV-radiation can trigger the production and release of antimicrobial peptides which can easily knock the homeostasis of the skin’s microbiome off kilter, resulting in a skin more prone to inflammation with possible knock-on effects of Rosacea and Eczema formation. Be sure then to keep prolonged sun exposure to an absolute minimum and protect the skin daily with DermaFix DermaShield SPF40/SPF50 broad-spectrum High UVA/UVB/HEV light protection. Incorporate DermaFix Ferulic + C + E for boosted antioxidant protection against damaging free radicals that can disrupt the health of the skin.
DermaShield SPF40
Our DermaShield SPF40 sunscreen provides true high UVA/UVB protection. This revolutionary product contains transparent Zinc Oxide, which protects skin from the damaging UVA rays proven to be responsible for premature signs of ageing. When used according to application guidelines the DermaShield SPF40 sun protection product provides skin with the protection it needs from the harmful effects of the sun.
Ferulic + C + E
Ferulic + C + E provides the skin with a concentrated dose of Vitamin C + E, which is a proven science. This formulation targets hyperpigmentation often noted during pregnancy. The addition of Ferulic Acid furthermore boosts anti-oxidant functionality, providing essential protection against free-radical attack that leads to skin ageing. The Ferulic + C + E improves a variety of skin care concerns including; acne, hyperpigmentation, ageing and environmentally damaged skin.
Keeping the skin’s microbiome in balance will go a long way to promote overall skin health and wellbeing. For more information on what you can do to protect this important skin ecosystem, contact DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care directly on 0861 28 23 23, or visit www.dermafix.co.za.