What is skin's microbiome and why is it so important for great skin?

If you know about gut health, you know that there's good bacteria, and there's bad bacteria. Probiotics–”good” bacteria–helps keep the gut healthy but did you know they can be used on the skin as well?

There is an invisible ecosystem of microorganisms known as microbiome living on our skin and these good bacteria make up part of it. The balance of good and bad bacteria plays a role in how our skin reacts to external aggressors as well as how healthy the skin barrier is. When this balance is disrupted, it could lead to a host of skin problems like inflammation, acne, allergies and eczema.

To keep this microbiome colony in harmony, it’s important that you exclude skincare that contains ingredients; using products that contains probiotics, can help strengthen and balance the microbiome of your skin. Even if your skin doesn’t suffer from any problems, probiotic skincare can help reduce water loss and promote healthy skin.

Maintaining the microbiome of your skin

Besides not using products with harsh ingredients, you shouldn’t over cleanse your skin too. As the skin is naturally acidic, over-washing with a cleanser (that’s usually alkaline) will throw the skin’s pH levels off balance. Avoid the use of cleansers that have the label “anti-bacterial” as they will get rid of all bacteria–good or bad. Additionally, products containing alcohol will also end up killing off bacteria and drying the skin out.

Vital Hydra Colution Biome Water Cream, $65. Dr Jart+

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This lightweight gel-based cream contains low-molecular-weight collagen, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics to keep skin hydrated without leaving behind any sticky feeling.

Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Cream, $115, Peter Thomas Roth

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Formulated to combat against the damaging effects of pollution, the Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Cream contains antioxidants, prebiotic and probiotic ingredients, which strengthens skin’s microbiome health.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Advanced Face Serum, $138, Origins

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Backed by 20 years of research on microbiome, Origins’ Multi-Biotic Technology delivers Mushroom Prebiotics and a breakthrough Patented Lactobacillus Probiotic to strengthen skin barrier and reduce skin inflammation.

Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum, $175, Lancome

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Reformulated in 2019, the Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum now incorporates seven prebiotics and probiotic fractions to strengthen the skin’s microbiome.

(Read also "First Look At Lancôme’s NEW Clarifique Dual Essence Featuring Amanda Seyfried And Fiona Fussi")

Cell Essence Biome Plus, $80, HERA

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The improved Cell Essence from HERA now contains Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, a type of probiotic that strengthens skin barrier and restores skin balance. Prebiotics Raffinose and Xylitol CPX enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Youthful Serum, $98, Galinee

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Containing a formulation of probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic actives, this serum helps to strengthen skin without disrupting the balance of skin microbiome. It’s also formulated to match the pH level of skin, so as to maintain optimum conditions for skin’s microbiome to flourish.

This article was first published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.