By the Seed SistAs
You might have become familiar with the idea of the microbiome in recent years with the rise of fermented foods in the
Western world. There’s been a huge interest in the gut-brain axis, how the bacteria in the gut affects the mood amongst a plethora of other influences healthy gut flora has.
But what about the skin? After the digestive system, the skin has the most amount of bacteria living the life of Riley, and actually helping the balance and resilience of your skin.
Having teens, we know all too well the pressures of social media to have impeccable skin, in a world where fast food is the norm and snack isles in supermarkets are full of sugar and carb-based items. Teenage breakouts are often linked to hormonal changes, but the skin’s microbiome also plays a crucial role. A balanced microbiome helps regulate oil production, reduce inflammation, and protect against acne-causing bacteria.
Structure of the Skin and the Microbiome
There are actually different colonies of a microbiome on different parts of the skin, but fundamentally, the diverse communities play an essential role in preventing pathogens from taking hold. These pathogens are what can lead to spots of various forms including deeper pustules present in acne and skin outbreaks. Once the microbiomes are disrupted, pathogens can take hold triggering immune responses and putting the skin under pressure to address the balance.
Bacteria in a microbiome are referred to as friendly bacteria – if we ‘kill’ the friendly bacteria, our skin can become a barren environment rather than a well nourished landscape, the skin’s immune response can suffer. Dysregulation of the skin’s immune response is part of several skin issues including psoriasis, certain types of eczema (such as atopic dermatitis), spots and contact dermatitis. Infections are much more prevalent in atopic dermatitis that have compromised microbiota.
The skin is in layers. The outermost layer is the epidermis. The epidermis also is layered and the very outside layer of that is the Stratum corneum, which is the first line of defence for the body. The stratum corner serves an essential role as a protective skin barrier from the external environment.
Skin Washes and Cleansing
Cleansing the skin is a complex physical and chemical interaction between water, detergent, and the skin. A detergent is a substance or a mixture containing soaps and/or surfactants (any organic substance/mixture) intended for washing and cleaning processes. Cleansing therefore, is a delicate balance between skin hygiene and Stratum corneum barrier damage. Any product can alter the microbial communities by changing their chemical environment. This means that careful consideration is needed of what products you choose to put on your skin.
Of the vast array of cleansing products available, many contain compounds that will temporarily improve skin with antimicrobial action, but will ultimately damage the microbiome and the Stratum corneum barrier. The environment of the skin becomes a maelstrom of challenges that need to be rebuilt and re-nourished to re-establish a positive environment.
The more you strip the skin of sebaceous secretions, the potential there is for the glands to start producing excess oil and clogging pores leading to white and blackheads. Careful attention needs to be paid to the skin type in different areas of the face. Most bars of soap aren’t designed to go on the face, and can strip helpful oils and friendly bacteria from the skin.
A gentle rinse with water is a good alternative to harsh soap or chemical-laced cleansers.
A less harmful approach to face washes
A good skin cleanser will gently purify without stripping away the skin’s natural defences, through the following:
- Help to prevent problem bacteria whilst leaving skin with a balanced microbiome feeling balanced and calm
- Contain gentle anti-inflammatories to soothe skin and clear pores and sebaceous glands to enable them to do their job without becoming sore and clogged.
- Softening and moisturising components that will still provide cleansing for where there are collections of sebum causing white and blackheads, without compromising the skin’s natural protective layer, the startup corneum barrier.
Herbal infusion washes can be lovely and gentle on the skin.
Lavender face splash – brew up a pot of lavender tea for 10 minutes, strain into a bowl and leave to cool. Splash this over the face and pat dry. Lavender is especially nice for inflammation where there are any skin issues prevented on the face. Lavender is an anti-inflammatory but also an antimicrobial, and as we’ve heard, often there can be a lack of a good microbiome in cases of spotty outbreaks. Lavender can help to soothe and calm the skin.
Chamomile face splash – Work with this in the same way as the lavender. A delicious and relaxing face smash with a bowl of chamomile tea whereby you lean over it and splash your face before patting dry with a soft towel.
Homemade Face Wash
This is a lovely gentle recipe. It can go a little gloopy depending on the soap but overall leaves the skin feeling refreshed, soothed and nourished. This recipe combines the rich skin nourishment of the base oil and the support of the herbs.
Herbal Waters’ Recipe
Ingredients:
- 50ml liquid castile soap or solid castille soap melted down
- 1 tbsp carrier oil – such as sweet almond which is lighter and better for more oily skin or olive oil which is richer in texture and good for drier skin.
- 2 tbsp flower water (rose, lavender, chamomile) – choose rose for more oily skin, lavender where there is inflammation or chamomile for normal to combination skin – you can replace this with herbal tea if you are just making a small amount to try out. It won’t keep as long with the herbal teas over the herbal waters.
Herbal waters are created during the distilling process when essential oils are made. They are essentially the byproduct of essential oil production so they are lighter than the essential oils yet still infused with the qualities of the herb. Because they have done through a distillation process they will keep for longer than a herbal infusion.
To combine:
- We Melt the soap down in a Bain marie, and add the oil, using a whisk we blend then together
- We then add the herbal waters a bit at a time, mixing well.
Choosing Natural Face Washes
Most of us know that using harsh or expensive cleansing products can damage your skin by stripping away its natural oils, disrupting the microbiome, and weakening the protective barrier. The damage caused by sulfates, alcohol, or synthetic fragrances can cause dryness, irritation, and even trigger excess oil production, leading to breakouts. Plus, over-cleansing, using aggressive scrubs or skincare routines can also lead to sensitivity and inflammation. Natural face washes in contrast, are designed to cleanse the skin while maintaining the delicate balance of its microbiome by using gentle, plant-based ingredients to remove dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. By choosing a natural face wash, you support your skin’s ecosystem.
Go gently with your skin, let the good bacteria role! Find out more natural solutions to your skin and health when you Join our Coven.
These blog articles are herbal education resources, produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question. Wellbeing empowerment for all…
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