THE BIOSPHERE OF YOUR SKIN

In a time of antibacterial gels and rigorous cleansing, it is understandable why we would not want to really think about our skin playing host to a whole world of different bacteria.

When we think of bacteria, we often associate it with the negative. Bugs and skincare are not a naturally appealing topic of discussion.

However, the world of skin science research has become much more focused on understanding how to work with our skin to proliferate good activity, including the natural bacteria or skin flora that forms the natural protection system. The concept of biome-focused skincare is truly embracing the concept of working with the skin’s natural function, restoring rather than stripping away layers to reveal “fresh” or “new” skin that is deemed younger looking and more desirable.

But let’s go back one step and understand what lies at the core of Biome-Skincare.

THE MICROBIOME FUNCTION

Our skin is an individually unique, intricate home to a community of trillions of microbes, bacteria or skin flora that creates an eco-system to work in harmony to keep the balance of health on the skin surface.   

The microbiome helps to manage pH, support barrier function, aid hydration and protect from bad bacteria. As with so many elements of managing healthy skin, environmental factors such as UV exposure, age and lifestyle antagonists play a significant part in whether the microbiome remains balanced. 

If imbalance occurs, the result can be dehydration, sensitivity, inflammation and dermatological reactivity such as eczema and psoriasis flare-ups. All these skin stresses can lead to the signs of damage and ageing such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity and contour within the skin structure.

PROBIOTICS

The goal of probiotic skincare is to restore balance, aid the reinstatement of skin condition, and support the absorption of actives from products that are applied to the surface of the skin.

You could argue, that the world of social media has perpetuated a false representation of what is natural, healthy and achievable. A filtered face is an unrealistic ideal of skin health.

In response to our quest for radiance and glow, the industry of skin health management has given rise to an abundance of products that strip away, corrective solutions that take away the natural protection of the complexion.

Many of these products sit outside our skin’s healthiest pH and their use can lead to more problems than they are intending to solve, due to a depletion of skin’s natural ability to self-regulate. Too acid or too alkaline and the skin becomes reactive, prone to inflammation, which is damaging and longer term will lessen a healthy glow.

This counterintuitive approach is being recognized and the response is a new movement to work in harmony with the skin and support the proliferation of natural protection.

The true essence of healthy skin is that it is equipped to deal with what life throws at it; well-balanced, it can achieve natural radiance through optimizing hydration and visibly strengthening skin's complexion.

When the barrier function is optimized, the bad bacteria cannot penetrate to wreak havoc within the delicate balance of the skin structure beneath the surface.

Then, it is possible to realize the true meaning of healthy skin.

Probiotics alone however, are not the answer.

SYNBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS

The relationship between pro- and prebiotics is fundamental to the stabilization of the microbiome. Prebiotics help feed and proliferate the probiotics, enabling them function optimally to support the skin microbiome while inhibiting harmful bacteria.

At VENN, we have created a proprietary blend of probiotic ferments (including Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Galactomyces, Saacharomyces and Aspergillus Ferments) and prebiotics (Levan and Beta-Glucan) to work in synergy to balance and nourish the skin's natural moisture barrier.

MICROBIOME FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION

When a new way of thinking is being pioneered within an industry, when scientific research and understanding is evolving; being at the forefront of these advances is exciting but equally difficult to establish reassuring methodology to create clarity and comfort among consumers in decision making.

MyMicrobiome AG is an organization in Germany that has developed the first consumer focused standard accreditation relating to skin microbiome health care. The skin’s microbiome is unique to each of us, so establishing a universal test is complex. However, after significant research, it has been established that there are 80-90% of microbes that are common in each area of skin so that efficacy on microbiome of individual products can be assessed against the typical microbes of that specific area.

There are 6 different tests:

• Face & Body
• Scalp
• Infant
• Intimate
• Feet
• Oral

Each individual test has a specific protocol relating to that area of the body and brands work collaboratively to ascertain the best products and test protocol that fits and supports the efficacy of the formulation.

VENN has a collection of products certified:

Standard 18.10: Face & Body Certification.

Synbiotic Defense Mist – this high performance advanced hydration mist helps layer the protection from free radical onslaught, nourish and revitalize the skin and balance and tone.

Age-Reversing All-In-One Concentrate – a highly active, multi-correction treatment that deeply hydrates, boosts elasticity, visibly improves skin texture, tone and evenness while optimizing radiance. Powerful, intensely luxurious and effective.

Probiotics Cica Complex Biome Booster – a potent complex of prebiotics, postbiotics and probiotic ferments to visibly calm and moisturize sensitive, dry skin and defend against dryness.

IN REFLECTION

The global situation through the pandemic has taught us about the value of simplicity, of streamlining, of focusing on the important steps in day to day life, while also posing new challenges to skin equilibrium.

Over-cleansing – a vicious circle of trying to treat troubled skin, can be microbial imbalance, altering pH levels and creating pathways for pathogens. Try a non-soap based, low pH cleanser that will help naturally cleanse while maintaining hydration.

Masks – face coverings have caused additional issues for our facial skin health. The humidity created from the occlusive of the fabric has shown to cause breakouts as the skin balance is thrown out of balance.

But the impact of isolation and stress has a huge influence on the proliferation of aging free radicals released into the skin, causing breakouts, structural degradation and dehydration as the barrier is impaired.

Now is the time, to replenish, rebalance and restore the skin with confidence. Bolster your protection, change some habits, and see the difference.