journal / Rewilding Your Skin

Rewilding Your Skin

Our skin is colonised by billions of bacteria; our Skin Microbiome. This bacteria helps protect skin from environmental damage and premature ageing. If the bacteria become disrupted it can result in inflammation, redness and dryness. A healthy microbiome helps support sebum production, reduce Collagen fragmentation and can help prevent premature ageing.

By Susie Willis

October 28, 2022

I’m sure you know that the skin is our largest organ, but did you know that it’s colonised by billions of bacteria called our Skin Microbiome? The role of this bacteria is to help protect your skin barrier’s form and function. If the bacteria become disrupted then it can result in inflammation, redness, dryness and most recently has also been linked to skin ageing. It’s important to look after these friendly bacteria, and help to support the skin’s natural ecosystem, it’s time to rewild your skin.

What is the Skin Microbiome

The skin microbiome consists of billions of bacteria and viruses that make up the skin microbiota. This rich and diverse environment helps support the health and wellbeing of your skin and protect it from environmental damage and premature ageing.

“Your skin is loaded with organisms like bacteria and yeast that are essential for proper functioning of the skin itself. We know disruptions of the microbiome are associated with altered skin barrier function. It is associated with dryness, premature aging, and even acne breakouts."

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, Dermatologist

If the skin microbiome becomes disrupted or damaged, skin can become sensitive, and prone to skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, flare ups and dryness. Recent studies have also shown that the health of the skin’s microbiome is also closely related to ageing; specifically a healthy microbiome helps support sebum production, reduce collagen fragmentation and can help prevent premature ageing. (Y Ratanapokasatit · 2022 - How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging - MDPI)

“A healthy microbiome means skin stays better hydrated, is less prone to flareups and breakouts, and looks more radiant. It also means your skin is less prone to premature ageing, by optimising skin metabolism skin stays healthy, resilient and looking its best”

Mateja Weber, Cosmetic Scientist & Romilly Wilde Head of NPD

5 Tips To Support Your Skin Microbiome And Rewild Your Skin

Careful not to over exfoliate - avoid harsh cleansers, with alcohol and acids, which can strip the good bacteria from the skin. Look for gentle cleansers which help support the health and happiness of your good bacteria.
Keep it balanced - your ideal skin pH is just below 5, look for products with a similar pH that won’t destroy bacteria.
Don’t overheat it - bacteria are sensitive to heat. Try to avoid steaming hot baths, instead switch to a moderate temperature shower.
Don’t rub and scrub too much - careful not to over manipulate your skin, gently pat dry your face rather than rubbing it, and avoid harsh peel exfoliators or abrasive scrubs, which can remove the good bacteria from the surface of the skin.
Feed your skin from the inside - look to have a diet rich in natural fatty acids, such as Avocados, fiber, vegetables and proteins. These all help support your gut microbiome, which in turn directly supports a happy and healthy skin microbiome.

Skincare Products That Help Support Your Microbiome

Look for products that support your skin's microbiome. At Romilly Wilde we’re proud to announce that our Light + Energy Serum Cleanser has been awarded the Kind to Biome Certification. Its gentle formula is rich is in natural fatty acids, and its balanced formulation helps to nurture and support the health and happiness of your skin’s natural microbiome.