The skin microbiome is an unsung hero that works quietly behind the scenes to keep your skin healthy. This intricate ecosystem of microorganisms plays a key part in maintaining balance, resilience and radiance. Understanding and nurturing your skin microbiome is one of the most powerful things you can do for your skin! Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What Is the Skin Microbiome?

Your skin microbiome is a busy community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and even viruses living on the surface of your skin - and yes, that’s a good thing! Much like your gut microbiome, these microorganisms are essential for maintaining harmony and skin health. They act as your skin’s protector, keeping away harmful invaders and making sure the barrier remains intact and hydrated.

A balanced skin microbiome strengthens your skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and helps manage conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. When this ecosystem is thriving, your skin appears healthy, supple and calm. But when disrupted, it can lead to sensitivity, dryness, breakouts, and chronic skin issues.

What Disrupts The Skin Microbiome?

The microbiome can be surprisingly easy to upset. Some skincare and lifestyle habits can wreak havoc on this delicate ecosystem. Over-cleansing, particularly with harsh cleansers, strips the skin of natural oils and beneficial bacteria. Overuse of active ingredients like acids, retinoids and other exfoliants can also upset the balance. Add to this environmental factors such as pollution and stress, and your microbiome may struggle to keep up. Overuse of antibiotics, both topically and orally, can also cause damage by wiping out beneficial bacteria alongside the bad.

How Can You Protect Your Skin Microbiome?

Caring for your microbiome doesn’t require a complete skincare overhaul, just a gentler, more thoughtful approach. Choose pH-balanced products that support the skin’s natural environment. Look for ingredients that nourish and restore, such as prebiotics and ceramides, which help feed and strengthen your skin microbiome. Limit exfoliation to just a couple of times a week and avoid overly abrasive scrubs.

Lifestyle plays a significant role too. A diet rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and fermented foods can boost your skin’s resilience from the inside out. Staying hydrated, managing stress, and getting enough sleep help support the skin microbiome.

The skincare industry is beginning to catch up with what science has long understood: healthy skin starts with respecting its natural systems. Instead of fighting against your skin, the focus is shifting toward working with it, and respecting the delicate composition of your microbiome and skin barrier.

When you take the time to care for your microbiome, the results are clearer, calmer, stronger skin.

Our Favourite Microbiome-Friendly Skincare Products

If you're unsure about where to begin when putting together a routine that works for your skin, seeking our professional assistance will set you on the right path. During your skin consultation we can put together a personalised skincare programme, and we can help you understand your skin type and make informed decisions regarding the products you should or shouldn't use. 

Here are some of our favourite products to support and nourish the skin microbiome:

IMAGE Skincare ORMEDIC Balancing Facial Cleanser - This mild, refreshing facial cleanser gently foams away impurities, leaving skin soft, hydrated and clean. A nourishing complex with organic aloe vera and botanical extracts soothes delicate skin. This cleanser replaces traditional sulfate-based cleansing agents.

IMAGE Skincare ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum - An essential everyday serum that soothes the skin and strengthens its defences against damage. 

IMAGE Skincare BIOME+ Dew Bright Serum - It contains fermented, cross-linked hyaluronic acid to help fortify the skin’s own moisture barrier, attracting water to the skin and locking it in place for long-lasting hydration.

IMAGE Skincare BIOME+ Smoothing Cloud Crème - Rich in squalane derived from renewable sugarcane, it helps to support the skin’s moisture barrier while smoothing and refining texture.

All products available here! Book a skin consultation.