Learn what’s strengthening, and what could be weakening, your microbiome health.
Your skin is a living organ that plays a huge role in your overall health. Not only is it the biggest protector of your organs, bones, and all of that other stuff going on unseen on the inside, but it’s also responsible for your immunity and regulating your body temperature. Pretty important job, right?
That’s why doing everything you can to keep your skin microbiome in tip-top shape is so important. Skin shields your body from the external environment and it helps protect you from unwelcome viruses and bacteria. Healthy skin isn’t just about having clear skin. Your skin health is a reflection of your health as a whole.
HEALTHY SKIN = HEALTHY BODY
A properly functioning microbiome determines your skin health, and skin health is the foundation of good health. Let’s start with immunity. Your immune system is fortified and protected by your skin barrier. Think about what happens when you get an injury, for example. Your skin has a reaction that’s designed to prevent infections from entering your body. This is an example of the bidirectional relationship between your skin and your gut, referred to as the Gut Skin Axis.
Your skin is also responsible for keeping your body temperature stable. If you’re cold, a signal fires from your hippocampus that starts the thermoregulation process. This keeps the body warm and prevents heat from escaping, helping you avoid scenarios like hypothermia. Sweating is also a function of thermoregulation, preventing your body from overheating.
Another important function of the skin is its ability to prevent water loss. If you suffer from dry skin or live in a dry climate, holding on to all of the moisture you can is critical. A lack of water affects how your organs function, especially your kidneys. It can also lead to tiredness, muscle cramping, confusion, and a decrease in urine production. Healthy skin can hold onto higher amounts of water, making sure you’re hydrated and keeping your organ functions in check.
We all know we need Vitamin D for healthy bone-building, but there’s even more happening at the skin level. When skin is exposed to sunlight, it stimulates vitamin D synthesis, which helps us fight infection and reduce inflammation. But, don’t skimp on the sunscreen. Studies show that there’s a low risk that SPF use will decrease your skin's ability to absorb vitamin D.
FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR SKIN HEALTH
Strengthening your microbiome depends on your behaviors just as much as the uncontrollable aspects of your environment. Staying healthy means making sure you’re keeping all of the good bacteria and friendly fungi happy. Since these reside on your skin and in your gut, that means keeping your skin healthy and eating right both play a role.
Understanding how to keep your microbiome balanced from the inside out is the key to staying healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the internal and external factors that influence your overall health:
External Factors:
- Hygeine
- Beauty Routine
- UV Exposure (sunlight)
- Climate
- Chemical Exposure
- Exercise
- Nutrient Availability
- Air and Water Quality
Internal Factors:
- Genetics
- Age
- Gender
- Immunity
- Sleep Quality
- Stress
- Hormones
- Metabolism
3 TIPS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MICROBIOME
Are you ready to battle the elements for better microbiome health? Here are 3 things you can do starting from the inside out:
- Power up with Probiotics: Take a daily probiotic to improve your gut health. Layers Daily Glow Supplements are made with skin-specific strains to help improve your skin barrier function while simultaneously supporting your gut health.
- Eat for your Microbiome: Your gut loves prebiotics and probiotics- in fact, it needs them to function like a pro. Get the specifics here and load up accordingly.
- Hydrate and Protect: Drink water. Better yet, carry a water bottle around with you so you start to naturally reach for it just because it’s there. To keep that moisture in your body and your skin so it doesn’t escape, use a hydrating serum followed by a nourishing moisturizer to help it stay put.