It’s not new news that our insides are filled to the brim with all different kinds of microbes! It’s also not new news that we here at KW are obsessed with these microbes and transforming gut health which has been linked to a plethora of conditions and diseases. Perhaps, however, it is new news that ingesting microbes, in the form of fermented foods and Probiotics, is not the only way that these guys can help transform our health. Yep, you guessed it, we can also slather them all over our skin and not only treat a range of skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, but also create healthy, pH balanced skin that just glows.
Here comes the sciency stuff (just quickly!)…our skin pH is meant to be slightly acidic. On average, ‘healthy skin’ should have a pH of around 4.7, generally around 5 is the ball park. Resident skin micro flora adheres to acidic skin (pH 4-5) whereas alkaline skin (pH 8-9) promotes the dispersal of our flora from our skin leading to dehydration, scaling and other skin conditions.
So What Makes our Skin Alkaline?
Unfortunately, everything. Yes, everything. Especially cosmetics, soaps and other body washes, body creams, sweat and sebum. It has been reported that the use of these products will alter our skin pH for up to six hours… so if you think about your daily routine for a minute here…get up, shower, maybe wash and condition your hair? Then a little make up maybe? Or perhaps some aftershave for the blokes? Then we head out for the day, probably sweat a little (yay) and then come home, say 8-12 hours later and maybe shower again or wash/cleanse and moisturise our face… then rinse and repeat! Our skin is never being truly able to remain acid enough to replenish and retain our natural flora is it?
So just like we replenish our gut bacteria we can replenish our skin bacteria too.
But Why is it Reeeaaally that Important?
There is evidence that now demonstrates that the micro-organisms in/on the human skin, act very much like there gut-dwelling counter parts. They are there to maintain homeostasis (a fancy word for ‘balance’) of the micro-biome of the skin and also, to fight pathogens. After all, our skin is our biggest organ and our first line of defence when it comes to our immune system. Not only this, changes in skin pH and, subsequently the micro-organisms, are reported to play a role in the pathogenesis of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, candida albican infections and atopic eczema. Just like changes to our gut micro-biome affects these conditions too!
So yes, it is actually quite important we look after our outside army just like we would the guys that live on the inside.
How can I replenish my skin bacteria?
Topical applications of probiotic bacteria have a direct effect at the site of application. Simply put…slip…slop…slap (it ain’t just for sunscreen!) Slip some Apple Cider Vinegar into your bath for a hydrating and relaxing finish to your day. Slop Kultured Wellness Kefir in your face as a balancing toner after removing make up and slap some Kultured Wellness Coconut Yoghurt on your face as a nourishing and up-lifting face mask. All of our products can be used topically on problem areas too such as acne, eczema and dermatitis (just try not to eat yourself while you’re applying all the delicious Kultured glory!)
If you head over to our Facebook and Instagram you will find the KW guide to the ultimate skin care routine and a recipe for a wonderfully, gentle and hydrating facial toner using our very own coconut water kefir.
Have fun nourishing your skin 🙂