Shape Singapore – August 2019

Look GreatLook Great

text

Mirel ZaMan

pHOtO

123rf.coM

It’s the protective layer

of good bacteria that

keeps you healthy and

radiant. Here’s how to

make it stronger.

Y

our skin acts like a

bouncer for your body,

keeping out viruses and

other organisms that can

make you sick. experts

used to think the skin

cells were that first line of defense, but we now

know it begins with the skin’s microbiome.

Like your gut, your skin has good

bacteria that fight infection. Ideally these

bugs are abundant enough to overpower the

harmful microorganisms you encounter, says

Jessica richman, the CeO and cofounder

of ubiome, a biotech company based in

america that recently partnered with L’Oréal to

study the skin microbiome. but things like the

soap you use or the clothes you wear can throw

off the skin’s microbiota, possibly leading to

acne, skin inflammation, and other issues. We

asked top experts for the best science-backed

ways to feed your skin’s healthy bugs and

boost your immunity and glow.

Cleanse a little less

“Dermatologists have started advising

against overcleaning,” says anne

Chapas, a dermatologist in New York

City. Washing your skin too often (skip

those trendy triple-cleanse routines)

or using harsh soaps strips away good

bacteria, she says. Clean only when

you really need to – before bed to

remove makeup, after a workout or

an especially sweaty day – and avoid

antibacterial soaps.

Add water

regularly underhydrating can

negatively affect your skin’s

microbiome, Jessica says. Drink at

least 2 litres of water a day, says

melissa k. Levin, a dermatologist in

New York City and a clinical instructor

at NYu Langone Health. She also

suggests using a microbiome-

pampering moisturizer: “Look for

one with hyaluronic acid or glycerin,

humectants that draw water into the

skin, plus ceramides or squalene, fats

that restore the skin barrier.”

Go natural

Whenever possible, wear clothing

made from natural fibers such as

cotton and bamboo, especially if the

fabric will be close to your skin for a

long time, like underwear. Synthetic

fibers can irritate the skin barrier,

changing the ratio of good to bad

bacteria, says Dr. Levin.

man-made fibers, like polyester,

also provide a more welcoming

environment for odor-causing

bacteria than cotton, the journal

Applied and Environmental

Microbiology reports.

Supplement your skin

the probiotics you take for your gut

may boost the skin’s microbiome too.

“Some data shows they can decrease

inflammation that occurs with

conditions like acne and rosacea,”

Dr. Levin says. the probiotic strains

with proven skin benefits include

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium,

both of which are found in best

Naturals probiotic 30 billion CFu’s

(sg.iherb.com).

as for topical probiotics, “more

research is needed to confirm their

effectiveness,” says Y. Claire Chang, a

dermatologist in New York City, “but

early lab studies suggest they may

regulate the skin microbiome and

restore barrier function.”

super shield

the skin

microbiome

protects you inside

and out.

Boost

your skin’s

Barrier

SHAPE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 | LOOK GREAT | 87