Apart from being the body’s largest organ, the skin is also a living tissue that is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living on the skin’s surface. These compose the skin flora or skin microbiota, which plays an important role in various immune functions and in defending the skin against invading pathogens. 

Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explores more about the function of the skin flora and how you can take better care of it.

What is skin flora? 

Also called the skin microbiota or the skin microbiome, the skin flora refers to the collection of microorganisms that live on and in the skin. It consists of bacteria, viruses, fungi, as well as mites in some normal healthy humans. As previously mentioned, it plays an essential role in the immune system and skin appearance. 

After the gut, the skin houses more microorganisms than anywhere else in the body. These microorganisms are found all over the skin surface, and along with the skin itself, create the acid mantle. This thin, antimicrobial barrier (on the skin’s outermost layer) is the body’s first line of defense against foreign and harmful substances.

What makes the skin flora important? 

The skin flora works by shielding you against invading pathogens that could compromise your skin and overall health. When balanced, your skin looks and feels healthy, but with imbalances or an excess of harmful bacteria, dryness, inflammations, and other skin conditions are more likely. 

Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore shares the reasons your microbiome is important: 

• Protects the body from infections or disease-causing germs
• Improves barrier protection
• Helps heal wound and control inflammation
• Aids in immune defenses

What damages or alters the skin flora?

Several factors affect the health and condition of the skin microbiome. A healthy skin flora prefers and copes well with acidic environments, which pathogens cannot tolerate. The skin’s microbiome, however, can still be altered or damaged with:

• Harsh soaps and skincare products
• Incorrect use of antibiotics
• Exposure to environmental stressors (UV rays, pollution)
• Poor diet 
• Personal hygiene

For further reading: Your Skin’s Worst Enemies and What to Do About Them

How to protect the skin flora

Healthy habits and a good skincare routine can help you maintain healthy skin from within. Our aesthetic clinic in Singapore shares a few things you can do to take care of your skin microbiome.

• Eat a balanced diet – Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide your microbiome with enough nutrients needed to thrive.
• Manage stress – Increased cortisol levels causes inflammation in the body and may negatively affect skin flora. It is best to manage it with deep breathing, exercises, yoga, medication, and other stress management techniques.
• Don’t abuse antibiotics – Excessive and improper use of antibiotics, as well as strong chemicals, can cause an imbalance in the skin flora. Make sure to only use them when needed or prescribed by a doctor.
• Cleanse your skin gently – This means choosing pH-balanced products/cleansers that protect and preserve the skin’s barrier function. If you’re looking for a gentle face cleanser, Dr. Sylvia’s Sensitive Cleanser with Aloe Leaf Water is ideal for dry, sensitive, and rosacea-prone skin. It cleanses the skin without over-stripping it, as well as hydrates and soothes the skin. 
• Don’t over-sanitize – This can dry and damage the skin, which can increase the number of bacteria on the skin’s surface. It is also easy to cause an imbalance in your skin microbiome if you over-cleanse or use lots of antibacterial products. 
• Avoid or quit smoking – Apart from damaging nearly every part of the body, smoking also accelerates skin aging. Studies, furthermore, suggest that it disturbs the skin flora and can cause inflammation.
• Engage in physical activity – Regular exercise benefits your overall health, as well as your gut and skin microbiome. Sweating helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells and is a fortifying prebiotic for your skin flora. 

Need help in protecting your skin better? Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore and Dr. Sylvia Skin Care can help. We provide non-surgical rejuvenation procedures and an intensive medical-grade collection to level up your skincare routine. Contact us today and book a consultation to get started.