The Microbiome
23/11/2021 by The Red Tree

This article first appeared on vennskincare.com
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.

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.

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 organisation 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 Face Mist – this high performance advanced hydration mist helps layer the protection from free radical onslaught, nourish and revitalise the skin and balance the natural health of your skin microbiome.
Age-Reversing All-In-One Concentrate – a highly active, multi-correction treatment that deeply hydrates, protects, boosts elasticity, improves skin texture tone and evenness while optimising radiance. Powerful, intensely luxurious and effective.
Probiotics Cica Complex Biome Booster – a potent synbiotic complex of pre- and probiotics to help boost the natural strength of the microbiome, soothe post-treatment skin to reduce irritation, inhibit inflammation and renew irritated, stressed skin.

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 lead to 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 ageing 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.
VENN brings together over 20 years of skincare research and innovation in South Korea with clean, high-performance ingredients to develop category-defining products that help streamline skincare routines without compromising on the efficacy. VENN challenges the status quo in the skincare industry by offering efficient, streamlined skincare products that replace unnecessary steps and complications in traditional skincare routines.
The Red Tree is the UK’s leading international beauty brand consultancy and a powerhouse of ideas, insight and inspiration. For an informal discussion on how we might help you, please contact us.
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