Healthy Microbiome for Leaky Skin and Leaky Gut
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Time to read 6 min
These days, we read more and more about the importance of prebiotic and probiotic supplements for reversing leaky gut and improving digestive health. This approach has been repeatedly shown to help reduce inflammation and restore the "good" bacteria. At Derm.ca, we recommend Revoderm probiotic supplements to our clients. This approach works well with prescription medications to help restore a healthy and balanced microbiome. But, have you ever heard the term "leaky skin"?
What is Leaky Skin?
"Leaky skin" is conceptually similar to "leaky gut." Recent scientific articles inspired me to write about the importance of our HA + Prebiotic Eye and Face Serum for everyday use with all skin types. This serum is suitable for all skin conditions and helps lead to a healthy microbiome by minimizing pathogens (i.e., the "bad" bacteria) and associated toxins.
The Role of Bacteria in Skin Health
Leaky skin, or increased skin permeability, refers to a condition where the skin barrier becomes compromised. This leads to the loss of moisture and allows irritants, allergens, and pathogens to penetrate the skin more easily. Just as "leaky gut" describes intestinal permeability issues, leaky skin points to similar challenges within our epidermal layer.
Understanding Skin Barrier Function
You can't get rid of all the bacteria on your skin—nor would you want to. Healthy skin has a preponderance of good bacteria, while diseased skin is often associated with an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics help restore the natural bacterial balance. This is an excellent, safe, and non-pharmacological way to maintain your skin in an optimal state.
Benefits of Prebiotics for Skin
A compromise in the barrier function can make our skin unhealthy. Dermatological science has shown that prebiotics and probiotics minimize the severity of many conditions, including acne, rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and dry/sensitive skin.
When applied to the skin, prebiotics help maintain a balanced microbiome, which is essential for healthy skin. Here's how prebiotics benefit the skin:
Balance the Microbiome: Prebiotics support the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. A balanced microbiome can protect against various skin issues, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and dermatitis, and is recommended for healthy skin as well.
Enhance Skin Barrier Function: A healthy microbiome strengthens the skin's barrier, improving its ability to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Reduce Inflammation: By supporting beneficial bacteria, prebiotics can help reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like rosacea and sensitive skin.
Improve Skin Hydration: Prebiotics can help maintain the skin's natural hydration levels, making it look plumper and more radiant.
The Protective Role of Probiotics
There is evidence that probiotics can help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, potentially reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage like premature aging and skin cancer. A balanced microbiome can help maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our Innovative HA + Prebiotic Serum
The findings from these studies inspired me to develop the HA + Prebiotic Serum. Dr. Alanen, who has a background in laboratory medicine, and I, Ildiko, with a special interest in skincare ingredients, cosmeceuticals, and anti-aging procedures, saw a need to create a stable and gentle topical serum to create a healthy skin microbiome. A major ingredient is Thermus Thermophillus Ferment (Venuceane), a potent antioxidant that protects the epidermis from oxidative damage caused by environmental free radicals. Stabilized Sodium Hyaluronate (a low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid) provides excellent hydration. Soybean extract, with potent prebiotic properties, helps maintain the skin barrier from water loss. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice extract is an excellent natural prebiotic, increasing Bifidobacterium (one of the good bacteria).
Causes of Leaky Skin
Environmental Factors: Living in Alberta, with its dry climate, high elevation, harsh weather, intense sunshine, pollution, and allergens, can weaken the skin barrier. Extreme cold, excessive sun exposure, harsh chemical skincare products, and certain topical prescriptions can strip the skin of its natural oils and compromise its barrier.
Diet: An unhealthy diet rich in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation and skin disease. A nutrient-rich, low-carbohydrate diet is ideal, as high dietary carbohydrates feed the "bad" bacteria. Natural sources of probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi should be part of your regular diet. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamins A, C, D, and E, can also compromise skin health and exacerbate skin problems.
Genetic Skin Conditions: Conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can lead to increased skin permeability. These conditions weaken the skin barrier and create skin inflammation. Patients with mutations of the filaggrin protein are at risk for atopic dermatitis (eczema), a common, often debilitating inflammatory condition caused by poor skin barrier integrity.
Over-Exfoliation: Physical damage to the skin barrier from aggressive laser procedures or over-exfoliating can lead to leaky skin. Often, less is more when it comes to skincare.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect skin health and barrier function.
Symptoms of Leaky Skin
Individuals with leaky skin may experience various symptoms, including:
- Dryness and Flakiness: Increased moisture loss resulting in dry, flaky skin.
- Redness and Inflammation: Irritated skin may appear red or inflamed, often accompanied by itching.
- Increased Sensitivity: Skin may become more sensitive to products and environmental factors, leading to reactions.
- Acne and Breakouts: A weakened barrier can exacerbate acne.
Managing Leaky Skin
Prevent Leaky Skin:
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
- Regularly Assess Your Skincare Routine: Adjust your routine based on how your skin reacts to different products. Book a complimentary product consultation with one of our dermatology nurses at info@derm.ca.
Strengthen the Skin Barrier:
- Moisturize Regularly: Use a gentle yet reparative moisturizer containing ingredients like ceramides, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, and glycerin.
- Hydrate Your Skin: Use serums like HA+ Prebiotic Hydrating Serum and Intense Hydrating Serum around your delicate eye area, face, and neck. Apply serums first, followed by moisturizers.
- Protect Your Skin Daily: Use a mineral sunscreen with at least 20% zinc oxide. Look for antioxidants like Venuceane in your sunscreen to reverse sun damage.
- Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Steer clear of products with alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and strong exfoliants.
Adopt a Balanced Diet:
- Increase Antioxidants: Incorporate fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants to combat inflammation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration from the inside out.
Genetic Skin Conditions: Conditions such as rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can lead to increased skin permeability. These conditions weaken the skin barrier and create skin inflammation. Patients with mutations of the filaggrin protein are at risk for atopic dermatitis (eczema), a common, often debilitating inflammatory condition caused by poor skin barrier integrity.
Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reducing activities like walking, biking, yoga, meditation, or regular exercise into your routine. My sanity is road and mountain biking, keeping me healthy and happy :)
Consult a Professional: If your symptoms persist, see a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Ken Alanen for personalized skincare recommendations and treatments.
Ildiko Juhasz + Dr. Ken Alanen, Revoderm Founders
Revoderm Pharma is a leading skincare brand dedicated to providing revolutionary, dermatologist-developed skincare solutions. Our products are meticulously crafted to offer maximum protection and skin benefits, ensuring that your skin remains healthy, glowing, and acne-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve had stubborn cystic, hormonal acne for years. Can Revoderm help with that?
Absolutely! Acne is one of the top concerns our customers have online or in our clinic. Our specialists and dermatologist will help with a customized online consult and treatment plan.
Can you help with other medical skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis?
Our private consults can help with acne, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, rosacea, and hair loss. If you suspect you have another issue, contact your local dermatologist.
Do I have to part with all of my existing skincare products?
We get it–you invested your time and money on your current skincare routine. However, in order for us to fulfill our promise to you and help you achieve your best skin possible, you must follow our recommendations, which includes products, routine, and prescriptions. We want to make sure everything you’re putting on your skin is working for, and not against, you.
If I get a topical prescription from the dermatologist, can I still use Revoderm skincare products?
Definitely! Revoderm formulas are all medical-grade and developed by a dermatologist, which means they work in harmony with Rx products. (You can’t say the same for random OTC/department store skincare.)
