Achieve Glowing Skin: How Your Microbiome & Exfoliation Work Together
By: Kathryn Levesque, Holistic Aesthetician + Reiki Practitioner, Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness, Portsmouth, NH
Join our incredible Holistic Aesthetician, Kathryn Levesque, at Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness in Portsmouth, NH, as she dives deep into the fascinating world of your skin's microbiome and how gentle exfoliation can support its health, leading to radiant, balanced skin!
The Magic of Your Skin Microbiome
Your skin's microbiome is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with trillions of friendly bacteria, mites, yeast, and fungi. This incredible team plays a starring role in keeping your skin healthy by:
Forming a Protective Shield: The microbiome acts as a natural barrier, safeguarding your skin from harmful environmental threats and preventing excessive moisture loss.
Promoting Balance: A healthy microbiome keeps bad bacteria in check, ensuring a peaceful coexistence for all the residents on your skin.
Threats to Your Microbiome's Harmony
While your microbiome works tirelessly for you, certain factors can disrupt its delicate balance:
Harsh UV rays (UVA/UVB): Sun exposure can damage the good bacteria on your skin.
Environmental Pollutants: Pollutants can wreak havoc on your microbiome, leading to irritation and inflammation.
Harsh Cleansers and Skincare Products: Look out for ingredients like strong detergents and fragrances that can strip away your skin's natural oils and disrupt the microbiome.
Maintaining a Healthy Moisture Barrier
Your skin's moisture barrier is the first line of defense, working hand-in-hand with your microbiome. Here's how to support it:
Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump and hydrated from within.
Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser that removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils.
Nourishing Skincare: Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane to replenish your skin's moisture barrier.
The Exfoliation Balancing Act: How Much is Too Much?
Exfoliation plays a crucial role in skincare, but overdoing it can disrupt your microbiome. Here's how to find the exfoliation sweet spot:
Physical Exfoliation (Scrubs): Great for occasional removal of dead skin cells, but avoid on sensitive or inflamed skin (including active acne.)
Chemical Exfoliation (AHAs, BHAs): Enzymes are gentler for weekly use, while AHAs and BHAs in cleansers can be used daily at lower percentages.
Remember: Always cleanse thoroughly before exfoliating.
Shower Power: Warm (not hot!) shower steam softens skin for easier exfoliation and product absorption.
Food for Thought: Cellular Turnover & Exfoliation Frequency
As we age, our skin's cell turnover slows down. Ideally, it is good to exfoliate 1-2 times a week, but the ideal method of exfoliation changes in each decade of life. Here's a general guideline to tailor your exfoliation routine:
Younger than 20: Chemical exfoliants are best for this age range
20s: Chemical exfoliants are best for this age range
30s: Enzyme exfoliants are best for this age range- adjusting based on skin type and sensitivity level
40s & Beyond: Physical exfoliants are best for this age range- adjusting based on skin type and sensitivity level
Building Your Personalized Skincare Routine
At Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach to skincare. While a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, SPF, and serum are foundational, incorporating the right exfoliation can elevate your routine. We'll work with you to create a personalized plan that supports your unique skin microbiome and helps you achieve a healthy, glowing complexion.
Remember: Be kind to your skin! By understanding your microbiome and practicing gentle exfoliation, you're well on your way to achieving radiant, balanced skin.
Achieve Your Skin's Full Potential: Experience a Customized Facial at Coastal Thyme
Ready to experience the transformative power of a facial that's tailored to your unique skin microbiome? At Coastal Thyme Holistic Skin + Wellness, we specialize rejuvenating and results-driven treatments. Our licensed holistic aesthetician offers a range of advanced clinical facials designed to address your specific concerns and support your skin's health.
Some of the techniques we incorporate include:
Chemical Peels: For a deeper exfoliation and rejuvenation, we offer a variety of peels to target concerns like acne, sun damage, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and more.
Dermaplaning: This non-invasive treatment removes dead skin cells and vellus hair (peach fuzz) for a smoother, brighter complexion.
Microneedling: This minimally invasive treatment creates tiny channels in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture and tone!
Click here to start your skin health journey and schedule a Customized Facial with Kathryn, our Holistic Aesthetician. Experience the CT difference for yourself!
