The skin microbiome – how to protect the skin from pathogens?

The skin microbiome (microflora, microbiota) is the term used to describe the totality of microorganisms found in a given environment, in this case on human skin. It is inhabited by bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites. Most microorganisms that inhabit the skin are harmless and function in symbiosis with skin cells.

 

Balancing the skin microbiome

The growth of harmful pathogens on the surface of the skin is hindered by the presence of the hydrolipid mantle, which acidifies the environment to a pH of 4 to 6.5 and contains compounds with antimicrobial activity (dermicidin, lysozyme, sebum). However, sometimes the balance of the microbiome is disrupted and pathogenic microorganisms proliferate. This is when it is necessary to choose effective antibacterial cosmetics. The pH scale is often found in cosmetics. Why? It is used to distinguish alkaline from acidic reactions and to determine their concentration. We distinguish between the reaction:

• alkaline – pH > 7
• base – pH = 7
• acidic – pH < 7

 

What does our pH depend on?

The skin’s natural pH ranges between 4.5 and 6.2, which is slightly acidic. Its pH depends on age, gender, diet and pathogens that inhabit the skin. A slightly acidic pH gives the skin protection against harmful bacteria, fungi and moulds, as well as against harmful external agents. The lactic acid and its salts (lactates) present in sweat, as well as the skin’s natural bacterial flora and the unsaturated fatty acids contained in sebum, are responsible for maintaining this pH.

 

The skin microbiome and antibacterial cosmetics

Antibacterial cosmetics can effectively fight pathogens on our skin. All formulations Agemelan and Sebumelan Holistic have a lower, slightly acidic pH of 4.5 – thus strengthening the skin’s protective barrier against damage and pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, moulds. The formulations also contain many antibacterial and anti-inflammatory active ingredients that protect the skin’s natural microbiome and maintain optimal pH levels.(slightly acidic pH) and support the hydro-lipid barrier.

Agemelan Holistic

A rejuvenating and repairing programme to lighten hyperpigmentation and tone, for skin with phototype I-IV, with hyperpigmentation and uneven tone, especially dry, vascular, with symptoms of premature ageing and photo-ageing, mature, with wrinkles. The Agemelan Holistic programme focuses not only on the reduction of the resulting skin damage in the form of pigmentation changes, but also on improving the condition of the skin and its protective barrier function, the weakening of which causes the appearance and worsening of these changes, as well as the frequent recurrence of the problem. It is a holistic programme for regaining luminous, rejuvenated, better hydrated and supple skin, free of hyperpigmentation and with an even skin tone.

 

Sebumelan Holistic

A normalising and brightening programme with a pH of 4.5, designed for oily, acne-prone, combination skin; for the reduction of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scars. It is a programme based on modern active ingredients targeting anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, rejuvenating and brightening effects. The programme also has intensive rejuvenating effects through regeneration of collagen and skin structure and cellular detoxification through enzymatic stimulation of sirtuin activity. Sebumelan Holistic is a holistic programme for recovering purified, strengthened and brightened skin without post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring. It includes antibacterial cosmetics for in-office and at-home treatments.