How to protect the skin microbiome, the key to healthy, glowing skin
At this time of year we are looking forward to a healthy reset and thinking about our goals and skincare resolutions. Aesthetic doctor and skin expert, Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald of Dublin’s Fitzgerald Private Clinic, explains how we can keep our skin microbiome in balance, something that is essential for maintaining a hydrated complexion during these harsh winter months ahead.
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Aesthetic doctor and Consultant Surgeon, Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald, Dublin’s Fitzgerald Private Clinic
A healthy, nourished microbiome is the secret to healthy, glowing skin.
As we know, January brings its own set of challenges for our skin. The cold air outside and the dry heat indoors can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and irritated. During the winter months, it’s crucial to focus on deep hydration and nourishment to keep our skin microbiome in balance, something that is essential for maintaining a hydrated complexion.
What is the skin microbiome?
Our skin microbiome is a community of microbes, living and working together on our skin. They feed our skin and stimulate our skin’s immunity. They are a part of our body’s natural ecosystem and provide a mutually beneficial support network, protecting against harmful bacteria and pollution, reducing inflammation while supporting hydration and a healthy pH balance.
A healthy, nourished microbiome is the secret to healthy, glowing skin. This invisible ecosystem of bacteria, viruses and fungi, all examples of microbes, help protect, balance and maintain a healthy skin barrier. A healthy barrier traps moisture in and keeps irritants out. So, if it is disrupted, one may experience dryness, redness, feeling flaky, sensitivity, irritation and skin disorders.
How do you care for your skin’s microbiome?
It is essential to respect the skin by using replenishing ingredients that help restore the skin’s microbiome balance and work to maintain protected, healthy, skin.
Gentle cleansing maintains the skin’s natural pH balance and supports an optimal environment for a healthy skin microbiome.
Be mindful of harsh cleansers and avoid over-exfoliation and overusing active ingredients without care as these can alter our skin’s pH balance and disrupt the skin’s microbiome.
Use balancing ingredients that focus on nurturing the skin barrier function.
It’s not all about products! To revitalise our skin, we need to achieve a balanced skin microbiome, and good skin starts from within. It means going a little deeper than what we put on our skin. We recommend complementing topical skincare and a healthy diet with good-for-skin supplements where possible.
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Clear Biome synergises four specific strains of bacteria and yeast selected by nutrition and clinical experts for their research-backed impacts on the underlying causes of problem skin. The skin-friendly strains are fused with zinc, which is recognised for its multiple benefits for the skin, to further skin balance and complexion clarity. This bacteria blend also helps maintain a healthy gut flora.
Try different facials in the winter
At Fitzgerald Private Clinic, our uniquely formulated Microbiome Barrier Boost Facial is specially designed to combat the harsh effects of winter by infusing your skin with intense moisture. This facial will help to strengthen the unique microbiome of the skin and increase hydration and barrier properties. It will gently calm and soothe the skin, improving skin sensitivity.
It features a carefully curated selection of advanced cleansers, serums, and moisturisers, each chosen for their remarkable ability to nurture and restore the skin’s delicate microbiome.
Drawing from a collection of trusted brands, all with a proven focus on microbiome health, this treatment utilises potent prebiotics, postbiotics, and innovative ingredients to nourish and fortify this essential ecosystem. These exceptional formulations work in harmony to enhance your skin’s resilience, leaving it balanced, protected, and glowing even in the coldest weather.
We also utilise Dermalux LED Light Therapy as part of this signature treatment to instantly boost the complexion to restore vitality and glow. In addition, you will take home a 10-day discovery size of The Advanced Nutrition Programme Clear Skin Biome to kick-start your skin journey from the inside out. There is no downtime and skin appears glowing and hydrated immediately. This is a relaxing skin treatment suitable for all skin types, including those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.
To learn more about your skin and find the right products for you, Fitzgerald Private Clinic Dublin and Donegal offer a personalised skin consultation with advanced skin therapists. Book the new Microbiome Barrier Boost Facial, €110, and save €30, until February 28. fitzgeraldprivateclinic.com