When you think of the organs in our body, the heart, kidneys, and liver probably come to mind first. But the microbiome? Is that an organ? Absolutely! Some scientists even refer to it as a super-organ or a super-organism. It's an integral and vital part of our body. There are many different microbiomes in our bodies—those of the gut, genitals, mouth, skin, and many more. Here, we want to take a closer look at a topic that probably concerns everyone—skin!
With a surface area of almost two square meters, the skin represents a vast ecosystem for microorganisms, making it the second largest contact surface between our body and the outside world (after our gut). That's reason enough to pay special attention to it. Bacteria, archaea, and viruses live on it – fungi and mites also thrive here. There are far more microorganisms on the skin of a single person than there are people on Earth, approximately 100 billion. The importance of our gut bacteria is already well-known – but far fewer people realize that our skin is also teeming with life. Here you'll learn exactly how your skin is connected to your gut and what tips and tricks you need to know to glow from within!
1. GET THAT BEAUTY SLEEP
Your body truly needs beauty sleep. When we sleep, our bodies fight inflammation, begin cell repair, and recover from the many small damages that are inflicted on our skin, often unnoticed, during the day. Furthermore, the body produces growth hormones and collagen while we sleep. These substances heal and rejuvenate the skin overnight, resulting in regenerated and strengthened skin cells. Sleep is definitely a real glow booster, as it also lowers cortisol levels (a stress hormone) in the body and simultaneously increases melanin production. Melanin, by the way, is an antioxidant that can combat fine lines and wrinkles!
Seven to nine hours of beauty sleep are recommended. And you should try to stick to this, because a good night's sleep not only gives you energy, but also brings a host of other beauty benefits. These include, for example, brighter, more awake eyes, clearer skin, and an even, fresh, and rosy complexion. So, off to bed!
Pro tip: Getting enough sleep during the day is important, but hygiene in your bedroom is just as crucial for your skin. You should change your bed linens every 2-3 weeks and wash them in hot water, because your body releases more than a liter of moisture overnight, along with saliva, natural oils, and a lot of dead skin cells. Bacteria and dirt in your bed can lead to skin problems, so make sure you change your bed linens regularly.
Trending Now: The latest craze in the beauty market is silk pillowcases, as the fine and soft fabric protects hair while you sleep, making it less prone to breakage. Coarser fabrics like cotton draw moisture from the skin, while silk is especially gentle on the delicate skin of the face. A silk pillow is definitely worth a try!
2. HYDRATION IS KEY
This point seems quite obvious, but many of us still underestimate the importance of drinking enough water every day! Water is probably the most effective glow booster and has a whole list of positive effects on the body.H2Water cleanses the body and helps eliminate toxins that cause inflammation and impurities. It also helps transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body to the skin cells, making the skin appear plumper, healthier, and more radiant. Furthermore, adequate hydration promotes blood circulation, leading to faster healing and a more even complexion.
Water is – believe it or not – the key to keeping skin moisturized. And that's incredibly important for a perfect glow, because hydrated cells mean more elasticity and fewer fine lines! Plus, enough fluids can even help dry, brittle skin regain its natural radiance.
Pro tip: If you find it difficult to drink enough, there are several ways to change that. One example is to buy a large water bottle – they're readily available these days. If you have a goal in mind, such as drinking the 2 (or more) liters in your bottle throughout the day, it will be much easier. This is because you'll have a much better overview of how much you've already drunk. Those who value aesthetics can also buy a stylish carafe and aim to empty it several times a day.
If you find the taste of water too bland, you can easily liven it up with some fresh berries, mint, or lemon. If you need even more flavor, make yourself an unsweetened tea and enjoy that. And if you're still not drinking enough, we'll have to resort to more drastic measures – for example, set an alarm several times a day and remind yourself to drink. So drink up and glow!
3. EAT THE RAINBOW
As the saying goes, beauty comes from within. Everything we eat directly affects our complexion and appearance. And let's be honest, we all know this. Everyone's familiar with those little pimples that suddenly appear after an unhealthy diet. But there's good news: you can "nibble your way" to radiant skin. A balanced diet is key to healthy, balanced skin, as it provides the body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to keep it soft, supple, clear, and firm. For "beauty from within," you should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods not only taste delicious, but they're also packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And these substances help your body fight damage from free radicals, thus preventing premature skin aging!
Nutrition isn't the only factor to consider in this case, because all systems in our body work together and are in constant communication with each other. If one system is unwell, the others are usually affected as well. The gut and our skin are also in constant interaction. Increased stress, environmental influences, and digestive issues lead to a significant increase in unhealthy bacteria in our gut. These unhealthy bacteria can cause systemic inflammation throughout the body – including on the skin. This means that if the gut is unhealthy, our skin can also be affected. This is where the benefits of synbiotics for the skin come into play – when beneficial bacteria are consumed, the barrier function of the intestinal lining is restored and inflammation is prevented. Therefore, a healthy gut also contributes to healthier and more even-toned skin.You can easily support your gut health with our Dailybacs, for example, as they provide you with 60 billion beneficial microbes for your gut every day. Happy gut, happy you!
Pro tip: Do you want your skin to look fresher and reduce the signs of aging? Then foods rich in healthy fats are just what you need. Fish, avocados, and sunflower seeds, in particular, can help reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. You can also boost your glow from within with our Radiant Glow Add-ons. These are the perfect combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and superfoods to make your beauty shine from the inside out!
4. KEEP IT CLEAN
Did you know that skin ages much faster if you leave your makeup on overnight and don't cleanse thoroughly? This is because your skin is exposed to the harmful substances in makeup for a longer period. The more harmful substances your skin is exposed to, the faster it ages. Another problem with insufficient cleansing is that the creams and lotions you use for skincare can't really penetrate the skin if it hasn't been properly cleansed. The dirt on your face then acts like a barrier, as makeup residue gets trapped and clogs your pores. This process makes them larger and larger, and let's be honest, nobody wants that!
Pro tip: Of course, you should take care to keep your face clean, but to ensure that, we need to take a step back. Because if your hands aren't clean, your face won't be either. It's common knowledge that bacteria, oils, and dirt lead to pimples and blemishes. Therefore, it's essential that we make sure our hands are clean before touching our face. Our hands can be veritable breeding grounds for bacteria—and we definitely don't want those bacteria on our face. You should also regularly clean your skincare tools, such as brushes and facial rollers, as they too are a haven for germs.
Oh, and one more thing - even if your hands are freshly washed and germ-free, one rule still applies: However difficult it may be - leave the pimple alone!
5. SKINCARE ROUTINE
Don't worry, this isn't about a complicated 35-minute, 10-step beauty routine, because less is often more. Skincare doesn't have to be complex; most dermatologists recommend thoroughly cleansing and moisturizing your skin twice a day.
The goal is to cleanse the skin of pore-clogging substances, dirt, and oils, while simultaneously moisturizing it with creams. To complement this routine, you can use a gentle scrub once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells.
A regular skincare routine not only feels great, starts or ends a new day, but also naturally brings benefits for your glow. Moisturizing your skin with skincare products can keep it smooth, clear, and fresh.
Pro tip: Attention – you can use as much skincare as you like and still not get the desired results, because the right skincare line for your skin type is key! It's best to get advice from your dermatologist or knowledgeable staff at drugstores.The microbiome on your skin is as unique as your fingerprint and, just like your gut, needs to be in balance to function properly. your skin microbiome If the skin's natural barrier isn't intact, "bad bacteria" take over, leading to skin irritations and other problems. That's why there are now so many probiotic skincare products available. A great example is NKM - Naturkosmetik München. Why not check them out? (If you'd like to learn more about probiotic skincare, click here.) here. )
Trending Now: Many beauty gurus now say that the order in which you apply your skincare products is even more important than the products themselves. They also recommend starting with the most liquid and working your way up to the thickest consistency.
The Right Routine Step By Step:
- CLEANSER: It's best to start with a cleanser to cleanse your skin.
- TONER: This is followed by a toner - this has extra power and removes the last traces of dirt from your skin.
- SERUM: Now comes a serum; the formulation is usually designed so that the substances can penetrate deep into the skin.
- EYE CREAM: The skin around your eyes is extra thin and therefore needs extra care. Eye cream can also smooth out fine lines around your eyes.
- MOISTURIZER: When it comes to skincare, hydration is key, and that's exactly what your moisturizer is for.
6. PROTECT
Unfortunately, there's no way around it. You should finish your morning routine with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can contribute to skin cancer and premature aging. And it doesn't matter if it's raining, stormy, or snowing outside, because it's important (especially in the summer months, but really always) to prevent UV damage. Of course, the best way to do this would be to avoid the sun altogether, but very few people want to do that. That's why it's essential to always apply sunscreen thoroughly.
Sadly, sunbathing, which most people love, isn't necessarily good for the skin, as it actually promotes the development of wrinkles. In fact, it's now estimated that around 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun. So, for us, that means it's time to get on the sunscreen!
Pro tip: When buying sunscreen, make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, the SPF advertised in most foundations isn't enough to adequately protect our skin. Therefore, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day!
7. USE THE MAGIC OF MOVEMENT
You're guaranteed an instant glow from a workout. When you move, your oxygen levels increase, supplying your skin with a large amount of oxygen-rich blood. Exercise is known to detoxify the body, as toxins are "sweated out." This effect is also beneficial for the skin, resulting in a radiant, clear complexion and, of course, an instant glow.
Workouts help to stimulate your digestion and keep it in balance.They promote blood circulation and supply your skin with oxygen and nutrients.
Pro tip: Find a sport you truly enjoy and do your best to exercise for about half an hour every day. Then nothing will stand in the way of that genuine "post-workout glow"!
8. GIVE YOUR SKIN A BREAK
Of course, makeup is great. It helps us feel better, boosts our self-confidence, conceals blemishes, and makes us glow. The problem is that we unfortunately use makeup far too regularly and therefore too often these days. And that, in turn, leads to skin problems. But what exactly is the reason for this? Our skin needs to breathe. Products like concealer, cover stick, powder, and the like can clog pores and thus promote breakouts.
A little reminder: That's exactly why it's so important to thoroughly remove your makeup every single evening - yes, every single evening.
Pro tip: To give your skin a chance to recover from all the stresses we put on it daily with our makeup, it's advisable to go without makeup once or twice a week. This is the only way your facial skin can regenerate and normalize.
9. DON'T STRESS OUT
The skin is often called "the mirror of the soul." Other expressions like "that gets under my skin" or "that doesn't bother me" similarly point to a connection between our physical appearance, more precisely our skin, and our psyche. The skin, the body's largest organ, can express feelings—goosebumps, stress marks, and so on. And that's precisely why you should pay attention to keeping your emotions in balance and finding ways to cope with high levels of stress, because stress isn't just bad for your skin, but is known to be detrimental to the entire body.
Chronic stress can cause inflammation, digestive problems, and skin issues. Recent studies show that excessive cortisol (a stress hormone) breaks down collagen and elastin, two proteins responsible for keeping our skin plump, firm, and elastic.
Pro tips: Here, creativity is key, because there are countless ways to reduce your stress level. Whether it's a long walk, a yoga session, a workout, a phone call with a loved one, or a hot bath. Whatever it is, do something good for yourself when you feel overwhelmed. It will have a positive effect on your skin and your entire body!
We hope this article has given you some helpful tips to help you glow from within. If we still haven't satisfied your thirst for knowledge, we have two more articles for you that will give you a deeper insight into the topic of skin and gut health. Take a look at these two articles:
- Healthy Guide 08 - Balanced Skin: Gut and Skin Microbiome (with an exciting interview with Mareike from NKM about the right skincare)
- The skin microbiome - our hidden protective barrier. (Here you can learn everything about your skin microbiome!)
If you want to give your skin an extra boost from within and strengthen your gut microbiome at the same time, our Dailybacs in combination with our Radiant Glow AddOn are just what you need! The synbiotic formula of Dailybacs strengthens your gut microbiome daily with 60 billion tiny helpers, ensuring that your gut is able to optimally absorb nutrients and vitamins. Adding the Radiant Glow AddOns to your daily routine provides your body with a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods that will make your skin glow and support the growth of your hair and nails from the inside out.
Sources:
- http://www.antlersandrose.com/blog/how-to-get-flawless-skin
- https://www.antlersandrose.com/blog/the-proper-order-to-apply-your-skincare-products
- https://thebeautychef.com/blogs/blog/8-healthy-habits-to-get-you-glowing
- https://www.livefit.co.nz/blog/8-essential-steps-to-healthy-glowing-skin/
- https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/34406/Hautkrankheiten-Wechselwirkung-zwischen-Haut-und-Psyche
