"Skin microbiome disruption" increases in autumn and winter
- Why changes in the balance of normal bacteria cause skin problems -
In recent years, the "skin microbiome" has been attracting attention in the skincare industry.
There are hundreds of thousands to millions of resident bacteria per square centimeter on our skin, working to maintain sebum balance and barrier function.
However, the latest research has shown that the balance of these normal bacteria becomes disrupted in autumn and winter, leading to an increase in problems such as sensitive skin, dryness, redness, and itching.
This time, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner why the balance of normal bacteria is easily disrupted in autumn and winter , what is happening to the skin , and what measures should be taken .
What is the skin microbiome?
The skin microbiome is a collective term for the group of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that exist on the surface of the skin .
・Normal skin bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, etc.)
・Opportunistic bacteria (such as acne bacteria)
・Foreign bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, etc.)
Maintaining a proper balance of these nutrients helps maintain healthy skin.
● Main role of resident bacteria
- Maintains the pH balance of the skin
・Supports barrier function・Prevents the invasion of foreign bacteria ・Supports moisturizing by breaking down sebum
In other words, the balance of resident bacteria can be said to be the foundation of the skin itself .
Three reasons why the balance of normal bacteria is disrupted in autumn and winter
1) Dry air and low humidity
In autumn and winter, humidity drops suddenly, making it easier for moisture on the skin surface to evaporate.
When moisture decreases, the appropriate humidity environment for resident bacteria to grow is lost , and the composition of bacteria begins to change.
In particular, the number of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria that protect the skin decreases, making it easier for foreign bacteria to grow.
2) Reduction of sebum amount
When the temperature drops, oil production naturally decreases.
Sebum is like food for the resident bacteria, and when the amount of sebum decreases,
-This can result in a decrease in good bacteria and an increase in bad bacteria.
3) Rapid drying and friction caused by heating
Indoor heating is also a factor that significantly worsens the environment on the skin surface .
・Dryness ・Static electricity ・Friction with masks and scarves
When these factors overlap, the balance of bacteria is suddenly disrupted and the barrier function is weakened.
What kind of skin problems occur when the balance of normal bacteria is disturbed?
● Drying and dusting
When bacteria are unable to function properly, the production of sebum film and moisturizing factors (NMF) decreases , resulting in a decrease in moisture retention.
● Redness and inflammation
When the number of good bacteria decreases and the number of foreign bacteria increases, the skin becomes more susceptible to inflammatory reactions.
● Sensitive skin
Barrier function weakens,
- Symptoms such as itching, burning, and irritation from skin care products increase.
● Acne and pimples
Even when it's cold, the increase in ``dry acne'' is often caused by an imbalance in the microbiome.
Three important points for "microbiome care" in autumn and winter
1) Improves skin's ability to retain moisture
Ingredients that replenish the pseudo-barrier , such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, are effective.
2) Choose a gentle cleanser
Removing too much sebum disrupts the bacterial balance.
・Amino acid based cleaning
- A low-irritation formula is preferable.
3) Incorporate ingredients that support the skin's resident bacteria
In recent years,
-Skin care created with a focus on biome care, probiotics, and prebiotics is attracting attention.
Recommended items are here 🧖🧴✨
"I want to reset my skin right now." "My microbiome may be out of whack..."
If you feel this way, we recommend THE TOKYO FAIRY's "Winter Facial Mask."
▶ Main features
-The formula concept is to provide deep moisture and clarity to winter skin, which tends to dry out.
- Contains moisturizing and skin-conditioning ingredients such as saxifrage extract, houttuynia cordata extract, apple fruit culture cell extract, and glutathione , which are effective against dullness, lack of moisture, and unstable skin .
- In autumn and winter, seasons when the microbiome is prone to disruption, hyaluronic acid (multi-layer structure), lecithin, cholesterol, oleic acid, etc. support barrier repair and high moisturizing .
- Simple to use: Simply apply to clean skin and leave for 5-10 minutes to allow the serum to soak in. Easy to incorporate into your busy winter night routine.
▶ Recommended for:
・Those who experience fluctuations such as roughness, flaking, redness, or stinging due to heating, dryness, or wearing a mask ・Those who feel that the balance of normal bacteria on their skin may be disrupted due to seasonal changes or temperature changes ・For nighttime care in autumn and winter when regular lotion and serum alone do not provide enough moisture or clarity
Summary Autumn and winter are the seasons to reassess your skincare routine from the perspective of "bacteria balance"
Autumn and winter are the seasons when the skin's microbiome is most susceptible to disruption due to dryness and dropping temperatures.
the result,
- Problems such as dryness, acne, sensitive skin, and redness will increase.
The contents of skin care are not just about "strengthening moisture" but also about
Let's be conscious of "creating an environment for resident bacteria."