An Introduction to Skin Bacteria and Your Health
Understanding the Skin Microbiome
You’re probably aware that there are different kinds of bacteria floating around, in the air, on surfaces, in our food and drink and on our clothes, all the time. But did you know that there is a whole ecosystem of life, including bacteria, that lives on our skin?!
The diverse ecosystem that lives on the surface of our skin is known as our skin microbiome and it is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms. Microorganism is a term used to describe organisms so small that we cannot see them unless we use a microscope. Talking about your skin’s microbiome refers to the way these microorganisms interact with your skin and the wider environment, how they function and the role their genes play in their interactions.
Imagine your body as a planet, and all the microorganisms that live on your skin as the native species, the flora and fauna, of that planet. They coexist with each other and the planet they live on, much like our skin microbiome coexists on our body.
The term skin microbiota is the collective name of these living microorganisms on your skin, sometimes also referred to as your skin flora, which is different from the term skin microbiome as that includes the entire ecosystem.
Why your skin microbiome matters
As your body’s biggest organ, looking after your skin is essential to maintaining a healthy appearance and a healthy body. Normally people think of this as having a good skincare routine – using sunscreen, cleansing and moisturising daily – but we’re here to tell you that caring for your skin microbiome should be at the top of your self-care checklist.
The microbiota that live on your body are essential for maintaining healthy skin. They create a protective barrier that helps keep out harmful viruses and bacteria and that regulates moisture in your skin. When your microbiome is harmonious, it is balanced and lives in peace while your skin thrives and you look and feel radiant.
Environmental factors, stress, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle can knock your microbiome out of sync, leading to skin problems such as dryness, itching, redness and swelling. Looking after yourself will keep your microbiome functioning optimally, avoiding any unwanted side effects.
It is also important to note that your skin microbiome changes at different stages in your life such as during childbirth, puberty, around menopause and later in life. Exposure to UV light, diet and lifestyle all have an effect on the composition of your skin barrier and every microbiome is unique to each individual.
Types of Bacteria Found on the Skin
Historically, scientists tried to investigate the microorganisms that live on our skin in labs using petri dishes to replicate skin bacteria. Whilst this did offer some insight into the different kinds of bacteria found on our skin, it wasn’t until more recently that they realised the diversity of skin bacteria was more comprehensive than initially thought. It is estimated that around 1,000 different types of bacteria live on our skin which largely fall into four main categories. Let’s take a look at what kind of skin bacteria can be found living on our bodies.
Actinobacteria
More than half of our skin bacteria is made up of Actinobacteria. In fact, it is one of the oldest types of known bacteria in the world! Actinobacteria contribute to the acidic pH of the skin, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria, preventing infection and maintaining the integrity of our skin barrier.
Bacillota
The second most prevalent category of skin bacteria, Bacillota play a vital role in our microbiome by also helping wounds to heal, fighting against pathogenic (harmful) bacteria by competing with them for resources and producing a compound that helps our skin retain water.
Staphylococcus
This might be one type of skin bacteria you’ve heard of. Different species of Staphylococcus, a kind of Bacillota, live on our skin and in our nose and they are particularly helpful for producing enzymes that cause blood clotting. In terms of our skin microbiome this helpful bacterium is great for healing wounds by helping blood to clot and scabs to form. On the flip side, some strains of Staphylococcus are pathogenic and despite best efforts to eradicate them, this bacterium remains the highest cause of infection in hospitals.
Pseudomonadota
Also known as proteobacteria, Pseudomonadota like those types of skin bacteria mentioned above, plays a vital role in balancing our microbiome and is another prevalent bacterium in our ecosystems. Species of Pseudomonadota encourage wound healing, boost immunity to viruses by creating compounds that fight invasive bacteria and provide protection against pathogens.
The Role of Good vs Bad Bacteria
When our skin microbiome is functioning as it should, we look and feel great. That’s because we have a symbiotic relationship with our microbiota – basically the relationship is mutually beneficial. When our microbiome flourishes, so do we. When it is unbalanced, we experience unwanted symptoms that affect our skin such as itchiness, redness, swelling and soreness.
Maintaining a healthy balanced microbiome is down to the role of good skin bacteria versus bad skin bacterial. Too much of one of the other will tip the scale leading to an imbalance. Microbiota also help keep each other in check with helpful strains of skin bacteria competing against pathogenic bacteria for resources, protecting us against infection and maintaining an optimum skin pH.
Some kinds of bacteria have both good and bad species that carry out different functions in different parts of the body. Many types of bacteria live on our skin peacefully but may be pathogenic when ingested or equally, there are bacteria that feed other bacteria.
With more species that we have time to learn about, it’s important to remember than as with many things in life, a healthy balance of helpful and hindering bacteria is optimum for maintaining the vital function our skin performs – protecting us, fighting infection, supporting our immune systems and controlling inflammation.
How Lifestyle Affects Skin Bacteria Balance
With so many competing species of bacteria calling our skin home, it can help to understand the role lifestyle plays on balancing our microbiome. Factors such as UV exposure, smoking, pollution and diet all affect the microorganisms that make up our skin barrier.
Exposing our skin to harmful pollutants inevitably effects the bacteria that act as our first response against danger. Cigarette smoke contains dangerous pathogens, too much sun affects the temperature and hydration of our skin, and pollution that carries toxic chemicals all affect us externally, causing damage to our microbiota and upsetting the delicate balance of our natural ecosystem.
Internally, a diet that is high in sugar, fat and processed foods also affects our unique skin flora and can lead to imbalance manifesting as skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, inflammation, redness and itching.
Our genes also play a part in how we cope with bacterial imbalance and realistically, when we experience poor skin health it is usually a combination of internal and external stimuli that lead to unwanted side effects.
How to Maintain a Healthy Skin Microbiome
Regular exercise
Physical activity not only helps us to maintain a healthy bodyweight, but it is also excellent for cardiovascular health. The increased flow of blood through the body that comes with an increased heart rate is excellent for our skin microbiota as increased circulation brings more nutrients and oxygen to our skin bacteria. Sweat releases wonderfully useful antimicrobial peptides that help to maintain an effective skin barrier, keeping out harmful bacteria and removing toxins.
Eating a healthy diet
Although scientists don’t exactly know how our gut biome influences our skin microbiome, they are aware of the relationship between the two. Not only does eating plenty of fruit and vegetables provide your microbiota with lots of nutrients enabling them to thrive, a varied diet that includes healthy fats, protein and fermented foods supports your skin structure, reducing inflammation and strengthening your natural barrier.
Getting plenty of sleep
The sleep specialists at Zleepy are very fond of their sleep and we can’t stop extolling the benefits of a good night’s sleep on, well, everything! In terms of your skin bacteria, a good sleep schedule will keep your circadian rhythms in check, which in turn will regulate hormone production. Disrupted sleep rhythms, as we know, can lead to health problems such as weakened skin defences, spot breakouts and dry or irritated skin. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning for radiant skin and happy, helpful, microbiota.
Spending time outside
Getting outside is well documented as an excellent way to promote good mental health and wellbeing. Outdoors there are a plethora of beneficial microbes and exposing your skin to these boosts its natural protectiveness by increasing microbial diversity and therefore your microbiomes resilience. Vitamin D is also known to be excellent for skin health so spending time outside will increase uptake, balancing microbial populations and preserving healthy skin flora.
Staying hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is a good philosophy to follow for all kinds of reasons. Staying hydrated is particularly good for your skin as your cells are mostly made of water. Drinking lots of water will maintain a stable skin microbiome by ensuring your microbiota are well hydrated and working to keep your skin barrier effective. You’ll also be less prone to dry, cracked skin and be able to sweat properly, which as mentioned above, is great for your skin’s ecosystem.
Choosing skincare products wisely
Believe it or not, cleaning your skin too often and with too many chemicals is not good for you. Try to use hand sanitiser sparingly, moisturise daily to put moisture back into your skin and avoid products that contain harsh ingredients. Products made from plant-based materials, or that have a neutral pH, are generally kinder to skin bacteria and won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
Why Microbiome Bedding Hygiene Matters
We spend hours every night in bed, so it makes sense to think about what is happening on our sheets as well as on our skin. Just like your skin has its own microbiome, your bedding does too. Over time sweat, oils and bacteria build up in the fibres of your sheets which can disturb the balance of healthy skin bacteria.
That is why we created our Microbiome Bedding Hygiene Spray. It helps to keep your bedding fresh between washes and supports the natural bacteria that protect your skin. Using it as part of your daily routine is an easy way to care for both your sheets and your skin at the same time.
When your bedding stays clean and balanced you are more likely to wake up feeling comfortable and well rested. It is a small change that makes a big difference to your sleep and your skin health.
