Drawing on the sources, ZO Skin Health recognises the crucial role of the skin microbiome, which is defined as the collection of microorganisms that live on and within your skin. This includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites. From ZO’s perspective, maintaining a balanced skin microbiome is integral to achieving and sustaining healthy, clear skin.
The Interplay Between Sebum and the Microbiome:
ZO Skin Health emphasises a strong connection between sebum production and the health of the skin microbiome. According to ZO, reducing sebum is a key strategy for improving skin health, and this extends to its influence on the microbial environment of the skin.
Excess sebum as a food source: ZO highlights that excess sebum acts as a food source for microorganisms that can contribute to blemishes and redness. By minimising excess sebum, ZO aims to promote a healthier microbiome by limiting the resources available to these problematic microorganisms.
Sebum and microbial balance: An overproduction of sebum can lead to an imbalanced microbiome, specifically an overproduction of C. acnes (bacteria). This shift in bacterial diversity can have negative consequences, triggering an inflammatory response and affecting the skin’s barrier function.
Sebum-targeting and the microbiome: The Complexion Clarifying Serum exemplifies ZO’s approach to this interplay. It is “engineered with ZO® sebum-targeting science”. This serum contains a Sebum-Targeting Complex of 3 plant extracts (ZSEB3™ Complex) that aims to deliver a clear and balanced complexion without causing dryness. One of the key mechanisms of this complex is to promote a healthy microbiome by minimising excess sebum, which in turn limits the food source for microorganisms contributing to blemishes and redness. Specifically, Eugenia Uniflora (Surinam Cherry) Leaf Extract within this complex is noted to balance the skin microbiome.
Consequences of an Imbalanced Microbiome:
ZO underscores the negative impact of an imbalanced skin microbiome:
When the microbiome is out of balance, with an overgrowth of certain bacteria like C. acnes, it can lead to congestion and acne.
This imbalance generates negative consequences that cause an inflammatory response.
The altered bacterial diversity can also affect the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to issues.
ZO’s Approach to a Balanced Microbiome:
ZO Skin Health’s strategy for supporting a balanced skin microbiome, as evidenced by the information on sebum control and the Complexion Clarifying Serum, involves:
Minimising excess sebum through targeted ingredients and formulations.
Utilising ingredients like Eugenia Uniflora leaf extract which directly contribute to balancing the skin microbiome.
Employing gentle yet effective solutions like water-soluble salicylic acid for decongestion without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. In essence, from a ZO Skin Health perspective, a healthy skin microbiome is closely linked to the regulation of sebum production. By controlling excess oil, ZO aims to create an environment that discourages the proliferation of problematic microorganisms, thereby contributing to clearer, calmer, and healthier skin.