What is the skin's microbiome?
The skin is not only an external protective layer but also a place for thousands of billions of small microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. These creatures form a microbiome on the skin, playing a key role in protecting the skin from harmful agents, controlling inflammation and maintaining overall skin health, according to Only my health.
When the microbiome on the skin is balanced, the skin will be healthy and elastic. In contrast, imbalances can lead to problems such as dry skin, irritation, eczema or infection.
Harmful effects of using too many disinfectants
Dry hand washing water, especially those with alcohol, kills bacteria very quickly and effectively. However, they cannot distinguish between beneficial and harmful bacteria, so regular use can lose good bacteria, affecting the natural balance of the skin. Some negative impacts include:
Reduces Bacterial diversity: Continuously destroying bacteria on the skin's surface reduces the diversity of the microbiome, which is linked to many skin problems.
Breaking the skin barrier: Alcohol can dehydrate the skin, making it dry, cracked and prone to irritation, allowing harmful bacteria to invade.
Changes in immune response: An imbalance between the microbiome can increase inflammation or cause an overreactive reaction.
Signs of an imbalance of the skin's microbiome
You can recognize that your skin's microbiome is having problems if you experience the following symptoms:
Dry or tight skin that lasts long despite moisturization
Red or inflamed skin
Increased acne or sensitivity
Peeling or peeling
How to protect the skin's microbiome without affecting hygiene
Use a reasonable disinfectant: Prioritize hand washing with soap and water as it less affects the microbiome.
Choose skin-friendly products: Choose hand sanitizer that contains emollients such as glycerin or aloe vera.
Regularly moisturize: Helps hydrate the skin, maintain a natural protective barrier.
Do not abuse disinfectants indoors: Gently washing your hands after indoor activities is enough, only use disinfectants when necessary in contact with public surfaces or high-risk places.
Note
Overusing dried hand washing water can weaken the skin's microbiome, affecting the skin's health and self-defense ability. However, this does not mean that you should ignore hand hygiene. Using hand sanitizer in a reasonable and economical way along with caring for and moisturizing the skin will help maintain the balance of the microbiome and protect healthy skin.
