According to Naomi Whittel, a wellness expert, “the skin is the body’s largest organ and plays an important role in its overall immunity by providing a barrier of protection to the body.”
Your skin has its microbiome, an ecosystem that plays a host to a microbial milieu of microorganisms, most of which are harmless and beneficial to their host. The microbiome is the composition of all microbial genes in a community. Those microorganisms include various types of bacteria and fungi. The skin microorganisms play vital roles in educating the innate and adaptive arms of the cutaneous immune system. Many skin diseases are due to an altered microbial state. Thus, boosting its immune system may help prevent and treat these diseases.
Use products that are rich in prebiotics and probiotics to clear acne-prone skin
Probiotics contain live microorganisms that confer many health benefits to the skin. Probiotics bacteria produce acidic compounds like lactic acid, which help reduce the pH of the skin. Using products with low pH, a process known as acidification of the skin helps to discourage the growth of most pathogens favoring the growth of resident flora. Moreover, probiotic strains help produce potent antimicrobials like bacteriocidins, organic acids and H2O2 that prevent pathogen adhesion, says Dr. Patricia K. Farris, writing for the Dermatology Times.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus or L. Acidophilus is one of the best-known probiotic strains that are beneficial in helping reduce acne on the skin.
Probiotics can easily be incorporated into skincare products. One of the best probiotics found in skincare is bacterial cell lysates. Lysates contain cell walls, bacterial metabolites and dead bacteria. Hyaluronic acid is also rich in probiotic bacterial lysates. Additionally, probiotics like sphingomyelinase, lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, lactic acid, acetic acid and diacetyl are incorporated in a wide variety of skincare products. Not only does hyaluronic acid improve moisturization and the skin’s barrier function, but it is also a great educator of the skin’s immune system.
Protect Your skin from malnourishment with products containing zinc, omega-3, and Vitamin C
Similar to the internal organs, your biggest outer organ is susceptible to malnourishment. The skin’s appearance is an indication of what is going from the inside. Ingredients such as zinc, omega-3, vitamin A, collagen, selenium, probiotics and polyphenols can prevent the skin from inflammation. These ingredients also leave the skin looking smooth and radiant. These ingredients are known to boost the body’s cellular recycling and rejuvenation.
It is also imperative to consume a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and collagen. Food sources that contain collagen include fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, red and yellow vegetables, kale, red peppers, oranges, strawberries, garlic, white tea and many more.
Skin Experts also believe Apple Cider Vinegar is Beneficial to maintain a healthy skin
Apple cider vinegar is derived from apples and made through a process called fermentation. It can be used as a skin exfoliator. It has the potential of balancing the skin’s pH, and thus, getting rid of unhealthy bacteria. Apple cider vinegar can help fight acne and oily prone skin.
It is worth noting that apple cider vinegar is a very strong acid, and as such, it should not be used with other acids such as retinoids.
Stick with a simple skin regimen
Too little of anything is indeed a problem and too much of anything is also a problem. Keep your skin regimen very simple. Regard your product labels very carefully and avoid using sulphates. Sulphate is known to disrupt the natural skin barrier. It is equally important to avoid products with high pH. To remain healthy and functional, the pH of the skin must stay balanced.
Incorporate good bacteria into your skin regimen
Both unhealthy and healthy bacteria live on the skin. Good bacteria will help the skin function properly. Thus, use vitamin-packed cleansers in the morning to replenish the skin barrier. As stated by Dr. Cybele Fishman, M.D., “if you kill good bacteria using antibacterial cleansers, you’re harming your skin’s ability to protect itself.”
The skin needs all the good vitamins and natural minerals from vitamin A to Z to omegas, fatty acids, and amino acids.
In summation, your lifestyle has the biggest impact on your skin health and its ability to protect the body from outside stressors. You cannot educate the skin’s immune system solely from the outside. Your skincare products can only do so much. You must get enough sleep, exercise regularly, reduce your stress level (easier said than done), and eat a well-balanced diet.
