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Skin microbiome and dry skin: How both are linked
Dry skin has been a hot topic in the skin care universe for many years, but did you know it’s actually linked to your skin’s microbiome? If you’re asking yourself what your skin microbiome is, you’re not alone. This guide from Dove explains that and more about the relationship between your skin’s microbiome and skin health.
So, what is the skin microbiome?
Just like your gut, your skin is home to a community of billions of friendly living microorganisms. This community is your skin microbiome. Think of it as your skin’s living protective layer that works in harmony with your skin to help keep it in tip-top condition.
Why is the skin microbiome important?
When it comes to caring for your skin, your skin microbiome and skin health are very closely linked. As your skin’s living protective layer, the skin microbiome works hard every day to help produce nutrients and essential lipids, and help keep your natural skin barrier hydrated to avoid dryness.
What is dry skin?
Dry skin occurs when your skin loses too much water and can’t retain enough moisture. As dry skin becomes dehydrated, it can lead to itchiness, flakiness, and discomfort. Dryness can be caused by overwashing and using harsh cleansers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils. Cold and dry weather, along with sun damage, can also cause dry skin, so you’ll want to make sure you protect and moisturize your skin with every wash.
How is dry skin related to our skin microbiome?
“Maintaining a healthy skin microbiome is really important to prevent dryness and irritation,” says dermatologist Dr. Lina Kennedy. “Harsh cleansers can disrupt this balance. I recommend using gentle, moisturizing products to support the skin’s natural microbiome.”
How to Care for Your Skin Microbiome
Wondering how to improve skin microbiome health? Here are some tips.
1. Keep dry skin moisturized
Choose a skin care product with microbiome-nourishing ingredients.
2. Up the hydration
Drinking enough water helps to keep your skin healthy, replenish your skin cells, and improve skin microbiome function. It’s recommended to drink around 2-2.5 liters of water each day.
3. Reduce stress
Stress can trigger an overproduction of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can cause an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome. So, here’s what to do: find activities and lifestyle changes that increase your endorphins, aka your feel-good hormones.
What are the best products to use for microbiome skin care?
If you have dry skin and don’t know where to start, put microbiome skin care on your radar. Your skin microbiome is your skin’s living protective layer that plays an important role in keeping your skin and skin barrier healthy. The good news? Some body washes are formulated with gentle, sulfate-free cleansers and are as mild to skin as water — being gentle to the microbiome starts with being gentle to the skin.
This story was produced by Dove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
