The more we advance in this field, the more we discover that the infinitely small has an infinitely large repercussion on our general health, but also on the health of the largest organ of our body: the skin.
We have been talking about microbiome, microbiota and skin flora for a few years now — a fascinating subject for me, who has worked for more than 20 years with players invisible to the naked eye such as DNA, RNA and certain micro-organisms. This is the first in a series where I will popularize this invisible world of the skin microbiota in relation to the cosmetic world.
Each person is covered with more than 100 billion micro-organisms arranged in a unique way, like our own identity card. We could compare our body to a planet, and the different body parts to continents with their own microbiota.
First, what is the hydrolipidic barrier?
It is an invisible film covering the entire surface of the skin (the stratum corneum). It is made of two phases: a watery phase (water and sweat) and an oily phase (sebum and cellular lipids) that prevents the skin from losing water and forms a barrier against foreign substances. These two phases help determine your skin type: a lot of oil phase means oily skin, little oil phase means dry skin. We also find an invisible ecosystem: our skin microbiota (bacteria, viruses, yeasts…).
Our hydrolipidic film ensures the balance of the microbiota, because these microbes like water and fat and protect us against the invasion of undesirable micro-organisms. How do we know the barrier is damaged? We see dry skin, which opens the door to eczema, redness, acne and other inflammatory conditions.
What is the purpose of these micro-organisms?
Defense role. They are our “front line” warriors against the invasion of less friendly micro-organisms.
Second-skin role. They act as a physical barrier with the hydrolipidic film to prevent irritating or allergenic substances from reaching the skin.
Immune regulation. When the skin reacts, they communicate with our cutaneous immune system to alleviate inflammation.
pH regulation. They live in harmony when the skin has a slightly acidic pH of about 5.5, which prevents the uncontrolled development of certain micro-organisms. For example, staphylococcus aureus needs a higher (less acidic) pH to develop.
Microbiome-friendly products
Our facial oils and hyaluronic-acid serums are allies of skin-flora health: they help replenish the lipids lost through cleansing and aging (reduced sebum) and maintain the precious balance the microbiota needs.
Are we too clean?
Our skin is not equipped for daily hot showers and baths, chlorinated water, aggressive chemical peels, UV rays, overuse of perfumed products, frequent antibiotics and certain cosmetics overloaded with ingredients and broad-spectrum preservatives — harmful to the microbiota because they don’t distinguish good from bad bacteria. It is the accumulation of aggressions that harms the balance of the microbiota.
At Corpa Flora, our aqueous serums are preserved with natural ferments (leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate in our HB5 and H3 antidotes, lactobacillus ferment in the Antidote H+). Our facial oils contain no preservatives at all.
Corpa Flora tips
Using body oils or balms after the bath or shower is often necessary to replenish and seal in moisture. In the cold season, try showering only every other night (or every third night) and washing only the most intimate areas each day with a very gentle formula.
During menopause or for very dry skin: cleanse the face only in the evening with the cleansing oil, and with cool water only in the morning. We must pamper our skin and its microbiota! Corpa Flora cleansing oils are the best protective step for all skin types: after cleansing, skin is not tight, but perfectly clean and free of greasy residue.