THELately my skin has looked matte and has some impurities. I haven’t changed the products I use for my beauty routine. The only difference compared to the rest of the year is that I am traveling a lot for work and, especially when I am abroad, I am not able to have my usual diet, rich in fruit, vegetables and legumes. Could this be the reason for the dull skin?
Rosanna
Professor Pucci Romano answers
Pucci Romano he is a doctor specialist in Dermatology and Venereology and teach theCatholic University of the Sacred Heart of Rome. Member of national and international dermatological associations, he collaborates with national magazines and newspapers. He is president of Skinecoscientific association of ecomatology, and de The Found Bodyfor dermocosmetological care in cancer patients. She is the author of “Buddhist by chance” (Bompiani), “You don’t get old at the table” (Giunti), “A friend for your skin” (Giunti), “Beauty food: the beauty diet” (Sperling&Kupfer), “Questions of skin” (Sperling&Kupfer). He also recently published his first novel, “The Solution”. Through its social profiles it spreads knowledge on eco-dermocosmetics and beyond every day.
Skin: dialogue with the microbiota
The skin is no longer considered a simple barrier, but a truly dynamic system in constant dialogue with the organism. At the center of this balance lies the microbiotaa complex set of microorganisms that play a key role in maintaining skin functions. The skin microbiota contributes to the health of the hydrolipidic film, favoring the synthesis of the share of fats and aqueous substances. The alarm bell of a microbiota that is not in order is precisely the alteration of the hydrolipidic film and the PH of the skin. But the relationship with the intestinal microbiota also affects the well-being of the skin. In recent years, research has made it clear that there is a continuous dialogue between intestinal microbiota and skin, known as the gut-skin axis.
Understanding how it works is essential to explain why the skin can appear duller, more reactive or impure during periods in which one’s diet is not entirely healthy. The skin microbiota is the set of microorganisms that live on the surface of our skin. Its function is that of maintain the so-called skin eubiosis, i.e. the balance of the fundamental elements of the skin and its functions. When the balance is altered we talk about skin dysbiosis. In these circumstances the skin can become more susceptible to the onset of problematic skin conditions.
Microbiota-skin axis
The intestine hosts the largest microbiota in our body. When the gut microbiota is in balance, it produces beneficial metabolites that reduce systemic inflammationstrengthen the immune system and improve the skin barrier function. The skin, therefore, becomes a mirror of the state of intestinal health. The diet of those who travel frequently for work is usually richer in sugars and fats, foods which, if consumed in excess, can reduce the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota, favor pro-inflammatory bacteria and increase oxidative stress. All this leads to appearance of impurities and imperfections and an increase in skin sensitivity. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the microbiota responds quickly to dietary changes. Some foods are skin-friendly and therefore allies of our skin. Among these there are primarily the prebiotic fibers of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruitwhich nourish the “good” bacteria in the intestine. The ones are also excellent fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, which provide beneficial microorganisms. Yes to them too good fats, such as extra virgin olive oil, dried fruit, seeds and fish rich in omega-3. Everyone they reduce inflammation and support the skin barrier. Then there are the polyphenols which have an antioxidant and microbiota-modulating action. We find them in berries, green tea and bitter cocoa.
Skin and cosmetics: new generation ingredients
The important discoveries on the microbiota have also led cosmetics to evolve towards microbiota-oriented formulations. To the formulations were added prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic ingredients to support the balance of the skin microbiota and strengthen the barrier function. Among the most interesting new generation assets are: beta-glucans. They are prebiotics with a soothing and immunomodulatory action, useful for sensitive or stressed skin. The lactobacillus ferment lysate it is a probiotic that supports barrier functionimproves hydration and reduces skin sensitivity. Finally, the Leuconostoc Radish Root Ferment Filtrate it is a postbiotic with selective, useful antimicrobial activity to maintain the balance of the skin microbiota. The microbiota, therefore, represents a bridge between what we eat and the products we use and what the skin communicates to the outside. The future challenge will not just be introducing new ingredients, but understanding them synergies with nutrition, lifestyle and health of the intestinal microbiota, in a truly integrated vision of skin care.
