Have you been battling dry, sensitive skin this winter? It’s no wonder, considering the cold, dry weather most of the country has experienced over the past few months.
This long stretch of winter weather has likely affected your skin’s microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms — good bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes — that call your skin home. This ecosystem is vital for your skin’s health, helping to protect against harmful pathogens, regulate moisture levels, and support your skin’s immune function.
Your microbiome thrives in a healthy, hydrated, and well-nourished skin environment and keeping it balanced is the key to a youthful, radiant complexion. When the balance of microbes is disrupted, it can lead to skin issues like atopic dermatitis, which causes dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin, and even psoriasis, acne, rosacea, or signs of premature aging.
How can you help your complexion recover?
Incorporating skin care products with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients into your routine can help bolster your skin microbiome. These ingredients help restore balance from the skin’s surface inward.
Prebiotics feed good bacteria, helping calm inflammation and nurture skin. Inulin is an example of a prebiotic ingredient. It works by providing superior hydration and enhancing lipid barrier proteins.
Probiotics fight off harmful bacteria and help harmonize the ecosystem. Lactobacillus ferment is a type of probiotic that works this way to reinforce the skin’s barrier.
A healthy skin care routine will revolve around gentle yet effective non toxic products, including those containing pre+probiotics. Your core routine should consist of:
You may also want to incorporate a lightweight daytime serum, such as hyaluronic acid, which is a humectant that draws moisture into your skin, and a hydrating night serum that works overnight to maximize your skin’s repair period.
Your skin will respond to these gentle products over time. It should become less reactive and sensitive, with diminished breakouts, redness, and itchiness and a brighter, smoother appearance. You’ll know your skin barrier is reinforced when you notice your skin feels more hydrated and balanced, without excessive oiliness or dryness.
How can you protect your complexion going forward?
Skin care products with prebiotic and probiotic ingredients are helpful not just for recovering from the effects of winter weather, but for keeping your complexion healthy and glowing all year long. However, it’s important to watch out for and avoid pre+probiotic skin care products that also contain ingredients that disrupt your microbiome. Microbiome disruptors will strip your skin of its natural moisture and weaken the barrier. Unfortunately, the following ingredients are commonly used in traditional skin care products despite their harmful effect on the microbiome:
- benzoyl peroxide
- ethanol & sd alcohol
- fragrance*
- methylisothiazolinone (mit)
- sodium lauryl sulfate (sls)
- sodium laureth sulfate (sles)
- synthetic preservatives such as parabens* and formaldehyde releasers* like DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15
- triclosan
*Also among the worst endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system regulates ALL biological processes in the body, including development of the brain and nervous system, growth and function of the reproductive system, metabolism and blood sugar levels, ovaries, testes, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Using non toxic skin care products is vital for the skin to retain its natural moisture and protect its microbiome. They’re gentler on the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation that could further damage the skin’s protective barrier. With regular use of nourishing, non toxic products, you create a healthy environment for both your skin and its microbiome to recover from the winter weather and thrive all year long.
Shop Pure Haven for complete collection of safe, effective, 100% non toxic skin care products. Ask your Consultant for advice on the ideal routine for your skin’s needs or email our Customer Service team.
Sources:
(14 Feb 2025). How to Restore Your Skin Microbiome for Healthier Skin – The Science Behind Skin Flora — Boston Derm Advocate