The importance of the microbiome for skin health
By Bahar Krahn, Founder of NOELIE
During the development process of the NOELIE Skincare series I was able to apply every formulation I was working on directly to my clients during beauty treatments at the Be Organic Institute, a natural hair and natural cosmetics salon. This allowed me direct insights into the absorption of each product, any improvements achieved in skin texture, and the optimally effective molecular size in the manufacturing process. It became clear to me: The quality and sophistication of the formulation are irrelevant if the skin microbiome is not in balance.
What exactly is the skin barrier & the skin microbiome?
The skin barrier
Your skin is the largest organ and consists of 3 main layers: The top layer (epidermis), the dermis, and the lower layers (subcutis).
The skin barrier is part of the outermost layer of the epidermis, which protects it from the outside world and helps the skin store water, maintain moisture levels, and protect against impurities. It is a waterproof seal that holds the outer layers of the skin together.
When these outer layers are healthy, the skin feels soft, supple, and plump. If the outer layers are damaged, however, the skin can look dull and feel rough or dry. If the skin barrier is compromised or damaged, the skin loses elemental substances that keep skin cells intact. This leads to water loss and the skin becomes more susceptible to all kinds of external aggressors. It is not surprising that a damaged skin barrier also makes it harder to reduce signs of aging and acne marks.
The skin microbiome
As part of your skin barrier, the skin microbiome, also known as the microflora, functions as a protective mechanism. The skin microbiome refers to the entirety of all microorganisms that occur on our skin. This includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The condition of your skin can depend on whether the microorganisms of the skin microbiome are in balance. If this is the case, your skin's microbiome protects against external influences such as pathogens. The skin microbiome can thus be described as a kind of shield that, together with your skin barrier and the right pH value, ensures the good condition of your skin. In addition to beautiful skin, the skin microbiome also helps ward off pathogens and supports your immune system.
If you suddenly experience skin irritation or your skin is prone to acne, redness, itching, or neurodermatitis, the cause may be that your skin microbiome has become unbalanced. External influences, an unhealthy lifestyle, or the wrong skincare can be the reason for this. To support your skin barrier and your skin microbiome, there are several things you can consider when choosing skincare products.
Prebiotic and probiotic cosmetics for healthy skin
When you hear the word "prebiotics" or "probiotics," you probably think of yogurts and the gut first. Foods that are supplemented with prebiotic or probiotic active ingredients to stimulate and strengthen digestion. Prebiotic and probiotic cosmetics are designed to keep the skin microbiome intact and restore it to balance.
Prebiotic cosmetic products contain substances that serve as a food source for good microorganisms. They provide them with optimal conditions for multiplication and support them in warding off pathogens. The unbalanced skin environment is rebalanced in order to function optimally, regenerate, and resume its protective functions. Acne heals, irritations disappear, cells regenerate—when used correctly, prebiotic cosmetics ensure visible results within a few days, often even after the first application.
Probiotic cosmetics, on the other hand, are directly supplemented with foreign bacteria intended to strengthen the skin barrier. However, if the skin is out of balance and the cause of this is not resolved, foreign bacteria are of no use either. On the contrary: They will further burden the skin microbiome, as it now has to deal with the imbalance as well as the foreign bacteria.
Prebiotics as the basis for healthy skin and optimal absorption
I have been able to test this theory in practice and observe with my clients that the use of prebiotics instead of probiotics is the right path for the development of my bio-certified active ingredient cosmetics. Because what good is an excellent cosmetics line if it cannot be absorbed?
This is how, among other things, products like our Prebiotic Skin Recharge Treatment were created – a prebiotic 7-day skincare ampoule cure. As the first beauty brand in Germany, we have incorporated a very high proportion of fermented honey from the rare black bee. This active ingredient serves as a superfood for the skin microbiome, strengthens it, and ensures that redness and irritation are soothed from the very first application. The skin's self-healing powers are supported, allowing inflammation and impurities to heal.
Together with other high-performance active ingredients, the skin glows immediately and appears visibly rejuvenated and relaxed. The instant effect is long-lasting with a sustainable deep-acting effect.
The Prebiotic Skin Recharge Treatment is the ideal product to switch to NOELIE facial care. Because it ensures that the skin is perfectly in balance and can therefore optimally absorb and process subsequent cosmetics. In every transition phase, during stress, or simply when you feel like it: Our Prebiotic Skin Recharge Treatment brings your skin back into balance.
A widespread but often neglected concern relates to the health of our scalp. Many people also struggle with unpleasant scalp problems, whether through itching, sensitivity, or other complaints.
This is because aggressive surfactants frequently act on the scalp and simultaneously destroy the skin barrier and metabolism. Greasy hair, dandruff, itching, and hair loss are just a small selection of complaints that can occur here.
Our Scalp & Hair Detox Mask also has a nourishing and balancing effect on the skin microbiome of your scalp. It is rich in medicinal plants and minerals, so that the skin barrier is strengthened and regenerated. The included medicinal mud extract is rich in humic acid and trace elements to provide an optimal breeding ground for the skin microbiome and healthy hair growth. With just a weekly application, the Scalp & Hair Detox Mask can be an absolute game changer when it comes to scalp problems and hair loss.
Starting today, every new beginning starts with balance
In conclusion, it is important to realize that it is not enough to simply change the series or the product. Rather, it is crucial to understand that the skin must first find its balance. A profound understanding of how the skin works shows that it is not very promising to force something upon it. Instead, it requires strengthening its individual characteristics in order to bring out its best side. In this aspect, the skin is very similar to its owners.