Second Nature Care Blog

Good Skin Health is at your Finger Tips - The Skin Microbiome

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 16, 2017 5:00:00 AM / by Winter Ninivaggi

The benefits of a healthy gut and skin microbiota are endless.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, followed by eczema and rosacea with aging skin as one of the top skin concerns among those 50+. The skin microbiota is colonized with about 1 million bacteria per square centimeter. The microbiota of the skin is impacted by lifestyle, environment, hygiene and diet along with age and sex.

The gut-brain-skin axis is key. The theory connects the three key points - disturbances in emotional state related to changes in the gut microbiota as well as hyper permeability of the gut. These gut changes create an inflammatory response triggering a number of dermatologic issues. It was found that patients with rosacea had a 10 fold greater chance of having SIBO and significantly higher rates of H. pylori. Acne severity has also been linked to changes in gut microbes.

Taking oral probiotics and eating prebiotic-and probiotic-rich foods appears to help address gut flora imbalances and restore healthy skin. When applied topically, probiotics support the skin's natural defense barriers as well as enhance the activity and growth of a health skin microbiota. Also, a well-balanced skin microbiota protects against pathogens, promotes the the natural lipid barrier and strengthens the immune system of the skin. It helps to prevent acne, eczema, rosacea, premature wrinkles and more. The probiotics appear to adhere to keratin and prevent biofilm formation.

This may help skin by modulating the immune system and may provide therapeutic benefits for atopic skin diseases, burns, scars, and improve skin rejuvenation. Certain topical probiotic formulations have the potential to prevent skin dysbiosis, stimulate activity and growth of beneficial microbiota and improve skin barrier function.  This is important for skin conditions with dry, sensitive and reactive skin. Specific strains of probiotics have the potential to treat accelerated aging, acne, and atopic dermatitis and researchers are currently studying which strains work best with each dermatologic condition.

A major factor impacting the microbiota of the skin is the external pH of the skin. The human skin has a natural pH of about 4.5 and this keeps the skin microbiome in balance. Even after rinsing with water, it is important to rebalance the skin's pH. Most common skin care products such as cleansers, moisturizers and OTC topical medications have a pH of 5.5+ which could make skin dry and more prone to eruptions, infections and premature aging.

Certain oils may be used to help support mild acidity and have other balancing effects. Argon kernal oil is thought to restore resilience, luminosity and protect against dryness. It is rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, beta-carotene and carotenoids and phytosterols. This can be a good option for most skin types, including acne-prone.

We offer comprehensive blood baseline labs for our patients with psoriasis and eczema and other skin conditions.  We find all of the underlying root causes to your condition. I recommend Xymogen's ProbioMax DF and RegeneMax Plus to start your internal skin rejuvenation program. I.V. Ozone with additional German biologics can ensure younger skin and a stronger immune system. We carry OzoLabs ozone cream made in Spain.

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Winter Ninivaggi

Written by Winter Ninivaggi

Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963 drguggenheim@msn.com