• Skin

An emerging area of research into skin problems, skin ageing and skincare is the effect that the Skin Microbiome – the community of bacteria, viruses, fungi and mites living on our skin - has on the health of the skin. These tiny organisms are a natural part of the skin's defence system, supporting immune responses, UV protection, and the ageing process.

Like the gut microbiome, everyone's skin microbiome is unique and influenced by factors such as skin type, health, and age. It evolves over time: during puberty, as hormone-driven changes in oil production alter bacterial types; during pregnancy and menopause; or with health conditions and hormonal shifts. These changes may explain why acne peaks in puberty, certain types of dermatitis appear in childhood, and other skin conditions emerge at different stages of life.

Evidence is growing that people with eczema tend to have more Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin than others. These bacteria produce toxins that weaken the skin barrier, allowing them to thrive even more. Similarly, people with psoriasis often have higher levels of Streptococcus bacteria and Malassezia yeast, but lower levels of Cutibacterium bacteria.

Propionibacterium acnes is another skin-dwelling bacteria responsible for spots, and those with acne have a larger proportion of it. Research also suggests that higher levels of Staphylococcus epidermis and Cutibacterium acnes on older skin may contribute to collagen loss, which is linked to more wrinkles. Meanwhile, people with rosacea have been found to have up to 18 times more Demodex folliculorum mites on their skin compared to others.

It's becoming increasingly clear that a healthy skin microbiome leads to a healthier skin, and so to a healthier body. To support your skin microbiome, it's important to use gentle cleansers and toners that don't strip the skin or alter its pH. Adding biotic ingredients to skincare, much like eating well for gut health, can also help maintain a balanced microbiome.

Probiotics are the friendly bacteria already living on your skin, like Lactobacillus and Bifidus. Prebiotics are the nutrients that help them thrive, such as ectoin. Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds these good bacteria produce, like lactic acid, which are great for skin health. All three—probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics—are valuable ingredients in skincare. They can reduce inflammation, lighten pigmentation, boost cell renewal, and improve collagen production, helping to combat the signs of ageing.

Mila d'Opiz Swiss Beauty offers a Microbiome line with probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients. This line includes cleansing milks, foams, and washes, as well as a gentle tonic, all available in both professional and retail sizes, plus a professional cream mask to soothe and balance all skin types. With these products, you can deliver a microbiome-focussed salon facial treatment to nourish and strengthen the skin's natural barrier and help to calm any imbalances and inflammatory conditions on the skin. Complementary homecare products in the same range help clients maintain and support their skin's health.

For more information on the fabulous Mila d'Opiz range, please contact Sunaura at [email protected] or 01 2876587

https://www.sunaura.ie/MiladOpizSkincare