Restore, strengthen, and nourish the skin microbiome

Microbiome Imbalance and the Significance of Skin Conditions

So-called dysbiosis – that is, disturbances in the balance of the microbiome – can be associated with skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, or rosacea.

• On severely atopic skin – that is, very dry areas of skin (as seen in atopic dermatitis) Staphylococcus epidermidis predominates
• In acne, Cutibacterium acnes predominates
• In rosacea, Demodex mites predominate

How do the skin microbiome and the skin barrier influence each other?

The skin microbiome and the skin barrier work in close cooperation and interact with one another. An intact skin barrier provides moisture, nutrients, and a stable environment for beneficial microorganisms. These microbes, in turn, strengthen the barrier, stabilize the acid mantle, ward off harmful germs, and regulate inflammatory processes in the skin.

The Skin's pH Level and Its Importance for the Microbiome

A healthy skin pH is slightly acidic, ranging between 4.8 and 5.5. This slightly acidic environment creates optimal conditions for beneficial microorganisms while inhibiting the growth of unwanted, disease-causing ones. A healthy pH supports the skin’s barrier function, regulates inflammatory processes, and plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health.

Prebiotic

Prebiotic ingredients in skincare products support the healthy balance of the skin microbiome by specifically delivering nutrients to beneficial bacteria. This strengthens the skin barrier, stabilizes the pH level, and indirectly reduces pathogenic microorganisms. The skin is better able to retain moisture and is less sensitive. 

e.g., beta-glucan in Retinol⁺ Cream

Probiotic

Probiotic ingredients in skincare products contain microorganisms or their components that specifically support the development of the skin microbiome. They help stabilize the balance of the skin’s flora, strengthen the skin barrier, and can regulate inflammatory processes. This boosts the skin’s resilience, reduces irritation, and leaves the skin looking more balanced overall. 

For example, Radish Biome in Retinol+ Cream Light.

Postbiotic

Postbiotic ingredients in skincare products contain metabolic byproducts or components of microorganisms that act directly on the skin. They strengthen the skin barrier and have soothing and antioxidant effects. They support the skin’s regenerative processes. This stabilizes the skin’s environment, regulates inflammatory processes, and makes the skin more resilient and balanced. 

e.g., Oxyglow Compound in Oxygen Vital Serum, & Oxygen Vital Complex, Oxygen Vital Cream Mask

The Impact of Lifestyle Measures on Supporting and Impairing

Skin health should be understood as a holistic concept in which internal and external factors interact closely. The skin microbiome is therefore influenced not only by a skincare routine but fundamentally by lifestyle.

Nutrition

Diet influences the skin microbiome via the so-called gut-skin axis. A high-fiber, predominantly plant-based diet supports a diverse gut microbiome, which can also positively influence skin health through immune and inflammatory processes. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables protect skin cells from oxidative stress. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids – found in nuts, seeds, or fatty fish, for example—have anti-inflammatory effects and can thus contribute to a more balanced skin environment.

Chronic Stress in Everyday Life and Its Effects on Skin Health

Chronic stress puts the body in a constant state of alert, causing increased cortisol release. Over the long term, this stress hormone can weaken the skin barrier, slow down regeneration, and promote the development of inflammatory processes. The skin becomes more sensitive, drier, or more prone to redness and breakouts. Healthy stress management is therefore essential.

Exercise and Its Effects on the Skin

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes in the body and improve blood circulation. The skin also benefits from this, as it receives a better supply of oxygen and nutrients, regenerates more quickly, and remains more resilient.

Environmental Factors (Air Pollution and UV Radiation)

Studies show that environmental stressors such as UV radiation and air pollution have a direct impact on skin health and the microbiome. UV radiation can cause oxidative stress, weaken the lipid barrier, and reduce the diversity of the microbial community. Air pollutants, such as fine particulate matter, promote inflammatory processes and alter the composition of the skin flora. 

Consistent application of sun and pollution protection is essential, for example, using SUMMER GLOW Sun Sensitive Serum SPF30, or & SUMMER GLOW Sun Sensitiv Cream SPF 50.

Medications

Certain medications can affect microbial diversity:

• Antibiotics: reduce both harmful and beneficial bacteria; can lead to dysbiosis and long-term changes in the skin flora.
• Corticosteroids: affect the skin’s barrier function and can indirectly alter the composition of the microbiome.
• Immunosuppressants: modulate the skin’s defenses and alter the microbiological balance, particularly in inflammatory skin conditions.
• Hormonal preparations: affect sebum production, pH, and microbial colonization, e.g., in acne treatment or hormone therapy.
• Proton pump inhibitors & other systemic medications: can indirectly influence inflammatory processes and microbiome composition through metabolism.

Skin care products can specifically stabilize the skin microbiome and support the skin barrier during or after drug therapies.

Which active ingredients in skin creams and serums help stabilize the skin’s microbiome?

Beta-glucan

Beta-glucan, a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of baker’s yeast, has a prebiotic effect and thus supports the balance of the skin’s microflora. It stimulates the skin’s own immune system and promotes the regeneration of skin cells and collagen fibers damaged by UVA radiation. At the same time, it increases the skin’s resistance to environmental stressors, prevents premature skin aging, and sustainably improves elasticity.

Oxyglow Compound

The compound contains important postbiotic minerals and amino acids in fermented form and boosts mitochondrial activity in skin cells. Improved microcirculation boosts the skin’s oxygen supply and performance, strengthens its elasticity, and refines its texture, giving tired, dull skin a natural, healthy glow.

Radish Biome

This probiotic ingredient is produced through the fermentation of a lactic acid bacterium and supports the balance of the skin microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms. At the same time, it offers protection against pathogenic microorganisms and helps increase and maintain the skin’s moisture levels over the long term.

Which creams strengthen the facial skin microbiome?

Creams that support the skin microbiome protect the natural barrier and promote a healthy balance of microorganisms. Mild formulations that are gentle on the skin are particularly effective, as are moisturizing and barrier-strengthening creams that ward off environmental influences and promote regeneration. 

Skincare products with tested, skin-friendly active ingredients can also support microbial diversity. Regular, gentle care thus helps keep the skin resilient, balanced, and healthy.

Which skincare products support a healthy skin microbiome?

Products that support the skin microbiome preserve the skin’s natural barrier and promote a balanced microbial ecosystem. These include:

• Mildly formulated cleansing products gently yet effectively cleanse the skin, such as Dr. Spiller Cleansing Cream with Royal Jelly.
• High-quality, innovative active ingredients in serums and creams that specifically strengthen the barrier and create a healthy environment, such as Oxygen Vital Serum, Oxygen Vital Complex, and Oxygen Vital Cream Mask.
• Barrier-protecting formulations modulate the skin’s defenses and alter the microbiological balance, particularly in cases of inflammatory skin conditions.
• Hormonal preparations: influence sebum production, pH level, and microbial colonization, e.g., in acne treatment or hormone therapy.
• Proton pump inhibitors & other systemic medications: can indirectly influence inflammatory processes and microbiome composition via metabolism.

What does an effective Dr. Spiller skincare routine look like for healthy skin with a balanced microbiome?

• A gentle cleanser, such as Cleansing Cream with Royal Jelly
• A hydrating toner, such as Hydro-Marin Freshener
• An active-ingredient-rich serum, such as Oxygen Vital Serum
• A nourishing eye cream, such as Silk Eye Contour Cream
• A barrier-strengthening treatment, such as Oxygen Vital Complex, rounds out the routine.