The intestines aren't the only place where resident bacteria exist
With the unprecedented boom in intestinal health, the importance of intestinal bacteria has become widely known.
Intestinal bacteria, also known as the "microbiome," is a collection of bacteria and microorganisms that are deeply related to human health.
"Maintaining a healthy intestinal environment" means maintaining a balance of bacteria in the intestines. In other words, it means reducing the number of harmful bacteria and increasing and nurturing the number of good bacteria.
However, resident bacteria are not only found in the intestines.
In fact , there are countless bacteria and microorganisms on the skin .
And maintaining a good balance of these is the key to beautiful skin.
The importance of protecting the skin's resident bacteria
A paper published in the world-renowned scientific journal Nature explains the resident bacteria on the skin as follows:
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In other words, if the balance of normal bacteria on the skin is disturbed, it could cause skin diseases and problems.
Air pollution, pollen, chemicals, harsh detergents and soaps, medicines, etc.
The resident bacteria on your skin are constantly under attack from a variety of sources .
What's more, cosmetic ingredients may also contain substances that can disrupt the balance of normal bacteria .
What types of bacteria are present on the skin?
There are countless types of bacteria on the skin. Here we will introduce three types that are closely related to skin health.
Acne bacteria (Catibacterium acnes)
| Bacteria that live in the sebaceous glands. By breaking down sebum, it lowers the pH of the skin and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. It also plays a role in maintaining the balance of resident bacteria.
However, if they increase too much, the secretions (fatty acids and enzymes) can cause inflammation and lead to acne. |
Staphylococcus epidermidis (Staphylococcus epidermidis)
| It exists in healthy skin and creates a protective barrier for the skin. It secretes antibacterial substances to suppress the growth of pathogens and support wound healing.
However, if the balance is disturbed, the risk of infection may increase. |
Staphylococcus aureus
| Although it can be present on healthy skin, it generally has a negative effect. It grows abnormally on skin with atopic dermatitis, worsening inflammation and itching. It can also cause impetigo and inflammation in wounds and areas with weak immune systems. |
Healthy skin has a lot of Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Cosmetic ingredients that affect the skin's resident bacteria
1. Powerful cleaning ingredients
This may result in the loss of nutrients and protective barriers necessary for resident bacteria, leading to a decline in good resident bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis).
| Example: Petroleum-based surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate |
2. Preservatives
It kills a wide range of bacteria, including normal bacteria, so long-term use may disrupt your healthy microbial balance.
| example: Phenoxyethanol , paraben , methylisothiazolinone , iodide propynyl butylcarbamate |
3. Alcohol (Ethanol)
High concentrations of alcohol have a strong bactericidal effect, so they may remove the normal bacteria along with moisture from the surface of the skin.
| Examples: ethanol , denatured alcohol |
4. Ingredients with extremely low or high pH
Products that are far off from the skin's ideal pH (4.5 to 5.5) can disrupt the environment in which resident bacteria thrive and promote the proliferation of harmful bacteria.
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Examples: salicylic acid , high-concentration fruit acids , BHA, alkaline soaps |
5. Ingredients that tend to clog pores
It can clog sebaceous glands and pores, creating an environment in which acne bacteria can grow excessively.
| Examples: Mineral oil , lanolin , heavy silicone oils such as dimethicone |
6. Artificial fragrances and colorants
Ingredients that can easily cause allergies and inflammation. Inflamed skin can easily disrupt the balance of resident bacteria.
7. Silicone-based ingredients
Because it tends to remain on the surface of the skin, it reduces breathability and can allow certain bacteria to grow excessively.
| Examples: Cyclopentasiloxane , Dimethicone , Cyclomethicone |
Skin care that is gentle on resident bacteria
In addition to paying attention to the ingredients mentioned above, there are other things you can do to protect your resident bacteria.
That is, avoid over-cleansing.
And don't overexfoliate or peel.
It is not a good idea to wash your face with a facial cleanser after using a highly cleansing product.
We also recommend switching to a gentler cleanser and washing your face with lukewarm water in the morning.
Also, limit your use of skin care products that contain exfoliating ingredients.
By protecting the skin's barrier function and resident bacteria, you can aim for skin that retains natural moisture and hydration!
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"CONCIO" - A company that thoroughly researches the risks of cosmetic ingredients
CONCIO is the first additive-free skin care product in Japan to receive EWG certification, meeting new standards.
Focusing on the risk of skin irritation and allergies caused by cosmetic ingredients, we strictly adhere to our own safety standards and do not use 2,500 ingredients.
*This does not guarantee that skin irritation or allergies will not occur in all people.
