Simple clean skincare benefits the whole self, especially the gut.
The microbiome, is the community of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract and on the skin, can indeed be influenced by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, medications, and potentially chemicals absorbed into the body through the skin or ingested from cosmetics and skincare products.
At Alc’emy we have created botanical products that nurture your unique microbiome to minimise potential negative effects.
More research is needed to better understand the effects from cosmetics and skincare on the skin and the gut microbiome: what effects we do know are these;
Endocrine Disruption. Chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors can influence the body's hormonal balance, which in turn can affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Hormones have been shown to play a role in regulating the growth and differentiation of bacterial populations in the gut. 95% of serotonin, which also acts as a hormone, is made in the gut.
Ingestion of Chemicals. While most exposure to chemicals from cosmetics is through the skin, some can be ingested accidentally, such as lip products or hand creams that come into contact with food. Once ingested, these substances can have direct or indirect effects on gut bacteria.
Antibacterial Agents. Some skincare products contain antibacterial agents (e.g., triclosan) that could potentially disrupt the microbiome if they are ingested. This disruption can lead to a decrease in microbial diversity, which is often associated with negative health outcomes.
Altered Immune Response. The skin is an important barrier and plays a role in the immune system, which is closely linked with gut health. Chemicals that affect the skin barrier function or immune responses could indirectly affect the gut microbiome by altering the body's overall immune regulation.
Gut-Skin Axis. There is an intricate relationship between the gut and the skin, often referred to as the gut-skin axis. Changes in the gut microbiome can manifest in skin health and vice versa. Chemicals affecting the skin's health could also indirectly affect gut microbiome composition due to this interconnected relationship.
While there is a growing body of research on the gut microbiome, the direct effects of cosmetics and skincare products on gut health are not as well studied as other factors like diet and medication. More research is needed to fully understand these connections and the long-term implications for health.
It's also worth noting that the skin has its own microbiome, which can be directly affected by skincare products. The alteration of the skin microbiome can have various implications for skin health, including changes in skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
Image of the beautiful Lily Calloway.