In the quest for radiant skin, the spotlight often falls on external factors like skincare treatments and products to save the day. However, a pivotal factor in achieving optimal skin health lies within the skin’s microbiome. The health of the skin’s outer barrier is paramount for maintaining a balanced and resilient complexion. Unfortunately, certain habits and environmental factors can clandestinely sabotage this delicate ecosystem, leading to various skin concerns.

Many people may unknowingly be putting their microbiome at risk, but with mindful lifestyle adjustments, the skin can easily get back to balance.

Why Microbiome Maintenance is Essential

The skin barrier acts as an intelligent protective shield, serving as the body’s interface with the external environment. Prioritising the health and diversity of the skin’s outer layer is crucial to supporting and preserving the microbiome.

A robust skin barrier safeguards your skin’s balance and a resilient microbiome not only retains moisture but also guards against irritants and potential pathogens.

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is the best defence against inflammation and infection, contributing to overall skin health and vitality. Compromising the microbiome can lead to a variety of skin issues.

Michelle Ryan, Education Manager for IMAGE Skincare said ,‘Research indicates a significant decline in bacterial diversity compared to our ancestors, emphasising the necessity for microbiome-conscious skincare. Modern habits, including diet, excessive hygiene practices, chemicals in the products we use, and limited exposure to nature, have substantially reduced our microbial diversity. This reduction makes us more vulnerable to skin conditions like dryness, excess sebum production, breakouts, redness, and inflammation.’

The Dangers of Neglecting Your Microbiome:

  • Increased skin sensitivity and irritation
  • Acne and breakouts
  • pH level imbalance
  • Accelerated ageing
  • Healing difficulty
  • Reduced radiance

To avoid these negative outcomes, it’s essential to adopt a skincare routine that supports the microbiome. This includes using gentle cleansers and avoiding harsh products. Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into skincare and maintaining overall skin health through a balanced lifestyle and diet.

IMAGE Skincare BIOME+ to the rescue

IMAGE Skincare understands the importance of maintaining balance to achieve radiant skin. Formulated to keep the microbiome healthy, its BIOME+ cleanser, crème and serum nourish and protect the skin, naturally. Each product harnesses fermented squalane and hyaluronic acid to enhance skin’s moisture barrier while smoothing and refining texture.

BIOME+ Dew Bright Serum

BIOME+ Dew Serum is a hybrid oil-in-serum formula that hydrates and improves uneven skin tone for a dewy, lit-from-within glow. Hints of lavender, lemon peel and green tea provide a subtle aroma while certified microbiome friendly squalene, derived from sugarcane, helps to enhance elasticity for skin that looks smooth, supple and soft.

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid draws water to the skin, locking it in for rapid and long-lasting hydration while sustainably grown micro-sunflower extract helps to boost clarity and luminosity. 

BIOME+ Smoothing Cloud Crème 

BIOME+ Smoothing Cloud Crème is a cushioning moisturiser that delivers maximum hydration and brings vitality and bounce to the skin while helping to minimise the look of open pores.

The fluffy, cloud-like formula, which melts beautifully upon application, is made with fermented, natural squalane that helps to give a plump and smooth appearance to the skin. The thick crème, which has a light awakening scent of grapefruit, contains a blend of flax and celery extracts that help to improve uneven texture while micro sunflower extracts promote radiance.

BIOME+ Cleansing Comfort Balm

BIOME+ Cleansing Comfort Balm is a make-up melting masterpiece! This nurturing formula gently dissolves the day, creating a super-soft, canvas for your evening skincare regime. This hybrid formula combines the softness of a cream with the slip of a cleansing oil, to melt away dirt and impurities with ease.

Nourishing plant oils work with squalane and ashwagandha to release a burst of moisture to the skin with the zesty fragrance of citrus coming through upon use.

Michelle Ryan, Education Manager for IMAGE Skincare said, ‘In addition to optimising your skincare, mindful lifestyle choices can help maintain and  protect your skin’s delicate outer layer;

  • Limit antibiotics: They treat infections, but they may also eliminate beneficial bacteria on the skin. Do your best to keep them at a minimum if possible.
  • Exfoliate carefully: Too much exfoliation can disrupt the microbiome and compromise the skin barrier. Excessive peels and treatments can do more harm than good, so be mindful of keeping them balanced.
  • Eat healthfully: Nurture your skin by consuming foods with pre and probiotics. Fermented foods will support your skin’s “good” bacteria growth. Bonus? They also improve overall gut health.’

IMAGE Skincare BIOME+ is suitable for all skin types and is available from Image Skincare and selected IMAGE salons and clinics nationwide.

BIOME+ Dew Bright Serum 30ml RRP €67.50/£59.50

BIOME+ Smoothing Cloud Crème 50g RRP €69.50/£61.00

BIOME+ Cleansing Comfort Balm 118ml RRP €39.50/£34.00

A full list of IMAGE stockists & clinics can be found here: https://imageskincare.ie/find-a-pro/.