You Should Be Paying Attention To Your Skin Microbiome, This Is Why
Did you know, a woman in the UK once called the police when her ice cream didn’t have enough sprinkles?
Double did you know, your skin has its very own ecosystem of bacteria and fungi and viruses that directly impact how it looks and feels and functions? (Just like the gut.) Interesting, huh!
And it’s this incredibly temperamental family of ‘living things’ that helps maintain a hydrated and glowing complexion. So it’s super important to know what it does and doesn’t need. And when.
What is the skin microbiome?
Microbiome refers to the squillions of microscopic organisms that live in the many layers of your skin. Like a forest, this environment has to be both balanced and diverse. The more strains of microscopic organisms that play nice and get along, mean happy skin.
The skin microbiome helps to protect from pathogens, control immunity, absorb nutrients, and keep that skin barrier strong. It’s pretty much the MVP. Which is why everything you lather on that cute mug should be working with your microbiome, not against it. And definitely not in spite of.
One other thing, your skin microbiome is totally unique to you. Like a fingerprint.
Why is it such a big deal?
Think of the skin microbiome like your apartment intercom. When it’s working, you get to shamelessly decide who comes in, who stays out, and who to ignore. What fun. What power.
A healthy, happy microbiome will draw/trap moisture and hydration in the skin – good!
While ensuring irritants and pathogens stay out – great!
An imbalanced, upset microbiome is where you welcome the potential for both inflammation and infection. This can manifest in a number of different ways (depending on the person and their skin type), including: acne, congestion, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
How to care for your microbiome:
Do reach for products that contain ingredients like aloe vera extract, orobanche extract, jojoba oil, squalane oil, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. The experts in soothing x replenishing. Being more mindful of exactly what goes on your skin can help to alleviate, if not prevent, some of those microbiome-based issues.
Don’t lather the skin with products that contain overly harsh or synthetic ingredients; anything that is going to strip the skin, disrupt the natural pH, and therefore disturb your microbiome. Common culprits include (but are not limited to): silicones, parabens, PEGs, sulfates, GMOs, mineral oils, petrolatum, synthetic colours, and synthetic fragrances.
Do simplify your routine, because less is always more. Applying product after product, morning and night, is exposing the skin to a series of different formulas and ingredients that might just compound any skin stress or sensitivities you’re experiencing. Give your face a chance to breathe and relax.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
