Understanding the Skin Microbiota: The Role of Plant Oils in Supporting Your Skin’s Natural Ecosystem

The skin, our body's largest organ, serves as the first line of defense against external threats, such as bacteria, viruses, and environmental pollutants. But the skin's role isn't just to protect; it's also home to an incredibly diverse community of microorganisms—known as the skin microbiota—that plays a crucial part in maintaining overall skin health. So, what exactly is the skin microbiota, and how does it differ from the skin itself?

What is the Skin?

The skin is the largest external organ and acts as a barrier between your internal body systems and the outside world, playing an essential role in regulating temperature, preventing dehydration, and protecting against harmful pathogens. It's composed of multiple layers, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, each serving distinct functions in protecting and supporting the body. But while the skin is designed to shield you, it also interacts with a fascinating ecosystem of tiny organisms.

What is the Skin Microbiota?

The skin microbiota refers to the vast and complex community of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi that live on the surface of your skin. These microorganisms are an essential part of your skin’s immune system, helping to protect it from harmful invaders, promoting wound healing, and supporting the skin's overall balance.

Think of the microbiota as a team of "good" microbes that work symbiotically with your skin. While some microbes can be harmful (like certain pathogenic bacteria), the skin microbiota primarily consists of beneficial microorganisms that prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria by competing for space and resources. Additionally, they help maintain an optimal pH balance, support the skin’s hydration, and even regulate the immune system.

The Distinction Between Skin and Skin Microbiota

While the skin and its microbiota are deeply interconnected, they are not the same thing. The skin itself is a physical, biological organ that serves as a protective barrier, while the microbiota is made up of living microorganisms that reside on and within the skin. The microbiota doesn’t just sit idly on your skin’s surface; it actively interacts with the skin to maintain a delicate balance.

Think of the skin as the foundation, and the skin microbiota as the ecosystem that thrives on top of it. Just as a healthy garden requires both soil and plants to flourish, a healthy skin microbiota needs a healthy skin foundation to thrive. Disruptions in the skin's health—whether from over-cleansing, harsh products, environmental stressors, or illness—can affect the balance of the microbiota and lead to skin concerns like dryness, acne, eczema, or rosacea.

Image taken by @halo_magda_ (on Instagram)

How Do You Maintain a Healthy Skin Microbiota?

Maintaining a balanced skin microbiota involves creating an environment that supports beneficial microorganisms while protecting the skin itself. This process is not just about skincare—it’s about taking a holistic approach to wellness. Here are a few tips to keep your skin and its microbiota in harmony:

1. Use Gentle Skincare Products: Harsh soaps or over-scrubbing can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the microbiota. Look for products with a balanced pH and avoid over-cleansing.

2. Avoid Antibacterial Products: While these can kill harmful bacteria, they also disrupt the healthy microbes living on your skin, leading to an imbalance. Instead of harsh antibacterials, focus on natural alternatives like plant-based oils that promote good bacteria without causing disruption.

3. Incorporate Foods Rich in Prebiotics and Probiotics: Just as prebiotics and probiotics help support the gut microbiota, they can also nourish the skin’s microbiota. Include a diet rich in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, and prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, and bananas.

4. Moisturize with Care: Choose moisturizers that nourish the skin without blocking pores or causing irritation. When choosing moisturizers, avoid those with harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, which can irritate the skin and disrupt the microbiota. These ingredients can strip away natural oils and create an environment where harmful bacteria may thrive. Instead, opt for moisturizers that are gentle, soothing, and rich in nourishing plant-based oils, which help support your skin’s natural balance.

5. Mind Your Stress and Lifestyle: A holistic approach to wellness acknowledges that emotional and physical stress can influence your skin. Choose gentle forms of self-care such as mindfulness, active movements, and regular sleep.

By adopting a holistic approach to wellness—nourishing your skin with the right products, supporting your body through nutrition, and reducing stress—you can create an environment where your skin’s microbiota thrives. Your skin and its microbiota form an intricate partnership, working together to protect and nurture your body. While the skin serves as a physical barrier, the microbiota acts as a supportive ecosystem, helping to maintain balance and health. By understanding and nurturing this relationship, you promote not only clear, glowing skin but also a thriving microbial ecosystem that plays a crucial role in your skin's overall well-being.

Explore Our Botanical Skincare Oils

Ready to nurture your skin’s natural ecosystem? Visit our website to explore our range of botanical oils formulated to support a healthy skin microbiota.

• Sources for Further Research

  1. The Skin Microbiome & Its Role in Skin Health

  • Grice, E. A., & Segre, J. A. (2011). The Skin Microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 9(4), 244–253. DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro2537

  • Byrd, A. L., Belkaid, Y., & Segre, J. A. (2018). The Human Skin Microbiome. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 16(3), 143–155. DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro.2017.157

  2. Botanical Oils & Their Impact on Skin Microbiota

  • Vaughn, A. R., Clark, A. K., Sivamani, R. K., & Shi, V. Y. (2018). Natural Oils for Skin-Barrier Repair: Ancient Compounds Now Backed by Modern Science. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19(1), 103–117. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-017-0301-1

  • Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010070

  3. The Role of Prebiotics & Probiotics in Skin Health

  • Gao, Ting et al. “The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review.” Nutrients vol. 15,14 3123. 13 Jul. 2023, doi:10.3390/nu15143123

  • Salem, Iman et al. “The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis.” Frontiers in microbiology vol. 9 1459. 10 Jul. 2018, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459

  • Knackstedt, Rebecca et al. “The role of topical probiotics on wound healing: A review of animal and human studies.” International wound journal vol. 17,6 (2020): 1687-1694. doi:10.1111/iwj.13451

  4. The Impact of Harsh Chemicals & Synthetic Fragrances on the Skin Barrier

  • Seweryn, Artur. "Interactions Between Surfactants and the Skin – Theory and Practice." Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, vol. 256, 2018, pp. 242–255, [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2018.04.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2018.04.002)

  • van Amerongen, Cynthia C A et al. “Skin exposure to scented products used in daily life and fragrance contact allergy in the European general population - The EDEN Fragrance Study.” Contact dermatitis vol. 84,6 (2021): 385-394. doi:10.1111/cod.13807

  • Johansen, J. D., & Frosch, P. J. (2007). Fragrance Contact Allergy: A Clinical Review. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 8(2), 77–90. DOI: 10.2165/00128071-200708020-00001