Listen to the ASCP Esty Talk podcast at ascpskincare.com/podcasts 33
Exfoliate regularly.
Dead cell buildup from an impaired
desquamation process inhibits the functioning
of a healthy microbiome. Recommend products
that provide a gentle daily exfoliation or
incorporate a weekly mild exfoliation with a
mild alpha hydroxy acid or enzyme treatment.
Choose ingredients that support
the skin barrier function.
Ceramides, essential fatty acids, and hyaluronic
acid help nourish the lipid barrier. Prebiotics
establish a food source and provide nutrients
that help nourish and strengthen good
bacteria. Plant sugars (like xylitol) and
carbohydrates (like fructooligosaccharides)
are potent sources of prebiotics.
Sell that sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens can disrupt the
microbiome, so be sure to o‹er mineral-
based sunscreens that use titanium dioxide
or zinc oxide to create a physical barrier and
protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation.
With a new awareness and updated
information, educate your clients about the
microbiome. Teach them how to achieve—and
maintain—skin integrity by fostering a healthy,
bacteria-rich diet and skin care plan.
Notes
1. Hans Raskov, et al., "Irritable Bowel Syndrome, the Microbiota
and the Gut-Brain Axis," Gut Microbes 7, no. 5 (July 2016):
365–83, https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2016.1218585.
2. Kristi Pahr, "How to Get More Bacteria on Your Face—
'Cause That's Actually Something You Want," Greatist
Newsletter, February 13, 2019, www.greatist.com/live/skin-
microbiome-how-to-cultivate-good-skin-bacteria#1.
Resources
Malan-Muller, Stefanie, et al., "The Gut Microbiome and
Mental Health: Implications for Anxiety- and Trauma-
Related Disorders," OMICS 22, no. 2 (February 2018):
90–107, https://doi.org/10.1089/omi.2017.0077.
Quigley, Eamonn M. M., "Gut Bacteria in Health and Disease,"
Gastroenterology and Hepatology 9, no. 9 (September 2013):
560–69, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973.
SKIN PHYSIOLOGY
Chemical sunscreens
can disrupt the
microbiome, so be sure
to oer mineral-based
sunscreens that use
titanium dioxide or zinc
oxide to create a
physical barrier and
protect the skin from
ultraviolet radiation.
