As beauty therapists and salon owners, you know that the human skin’s needs are complex, individual and continuously evolving. At Vital Plus, we incessantly follow new research and ideas that are emerging worldwide on the skin microbiome. Namely, how this complex organism of bacteria, fungi and viruses can impact the health and look of the largest human organ – the skin.

One product range that Vital Plus has embraced is JooMo. Their face and body washes are based on the premise that Biodiversity is the key to nurturing the skin microbiome. This innovative skincare brand is leading the way. They have produced some fascinating insights, based on clinical trials at the Medical University of Graz in Austria.  JooMo‘s research has proved that “The more diverse a microbiome becomes, the stronger the skin barrier and the greater the overall skin health”. (Kit Wallen-Russell, Co-Founder JooMo)

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity means several different species living in the same habitat.  Wallen-Russell uses the example of wolves in Yellowstone Park to illustrate how a change in the natural biodiversity of habitat will lead to imbalance and severe implications. To learn more, read his article here: JooMo Article

When it comes to the skin microbiome, well, it is home to the most diverse number of species anywhere in the human body.  JooMo’s research highlights that regular cosmetics are diminishing the microbial species to levels that negatively impact the skin. The surge in skin allergies, therefore, is no surprise.  

There is no evidence to suggest that introducing one species to the skin has any impact on skin health (a claim made by many of the pre/probiotic skincare lobbies). However, all the evidence points to high biodiversity being the single most important factor for optimum skin health.

Why is the Skin Microbiome Important?

As JooMo co-founder Nick Wallen explains, an allergy epidemic is raging across the Western world. Within the last 75 years, there has been a 500% increase in skin allergies?! 

Research shows that, on average, all people living in the developed world have a sub-optimal skin microbiome.  

Plus, we now know that all skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis etc., are linked to a damaged skin microbiome. Now, this could be that the skin condition itself causes the damaged microbiome or the damaged microbiome causes the skin condition. Whichever it is, may be irrelevant.  However, the fact remains that compared to Agrarian cultures, those of us in the Western world are exposed to something in the environment (toxins, food, skincare products) that is causing the microbiome of the skin and the gut to become impaired. So, if we can get to the root of the problem, then we are on the way to solving the allergy epidemic.  

Nick explains that the human body is a very complex and interlinked organism, and there is unlikely to be just one single cause.

The gut and skin microbiomes are inextricably linked and part of a whole ecosystem.  New research has found that a damaged skin microbiome is a significant factor in developing food allergies.  An example Nick provided is that of a young eczema sufferer who comes into contact with a peanut, may go on to develop a peanut allergy.  The skin is exposed to the outside world’s ravages in a way the gut is not, so this makes sense.

How do We Fight Against the Skin Allergy Epidemic?

Increasing the Biodiversity of our skin microbiome could be as important as increasing our gut microbiome’s Biodiversity.  When it comes to overall health, diet is vital, but so is skin maintenance.  Nick explains that these two ecosystems work in tandem to produce a more significant effect than the sum of their parts.  This is because they are dependent on each other for optimal whole-body health.

So how do we go about strengthening the skin microbiome?   We need to create an environment on the skin that allows Biodiversity to flourish.  Using 100% natural skincare products is essential to nurturing the right environment. Toxic chemicals promote sub-optimal skin and cause chronic inflammation throughout the body.

What you need to know as beauty experts

When it comes to the skin microbiome, the research is still ongoing, and new developments are emerging all the time. However, the research so far points out that the more diverse the skin microbiome, the healthier and more radiant the skin is. 

Increased understanding of the skin microbiome shows that 99.9% of it is unique! Like our fingerprints, no one’s skin microbiome is the same. The one-size-fits-all principle isn’t working when it comes to effective skincare, so what does the future hold?

The current understanding of the skin microbiome tells us that the future of skincare is personalisation. New testing tools are already available to allow health and beauty professionals to customise their recommendations and prescriptions. However, we are all unique, and our skin is no different…

What is JooMo?

JooMo consists of a face cleanser and a body wash that boost and supports the natural skin microbiome. 100% genuinely natural and preservative-free, JooMo is the only clinically proven product to enhance skin biodiversity.

Vital Plus is proud to be the only Australian distributor of these unique and outstanding products.  We also provide a JooMo face cleanser in a large salon size which can be used within your treatments.  The exciting and practical thing is that JooMo can be used alongside ANY other skincare brand and boost results!

Your Clients Are in the Know

Consumers are researching too and demanding transparency and clarity from brands about what ingredients they are putting on their skin. In addition, they are increasingly questioning what ingredients do to our skin – including what it does to our skin microbiome.

The microbiome market is booming! With consumer appetite and the potential of the skin microbiome so vast, the best developments may still be on the horizon, but they will come. As beauty professionals, it’s essential to remain a part of this educational journey.

Microbiome Friendly Products

One of the most important ideas from skin microbiome research is the need for products that do not disturb the microorganisms on the skin. 

Microbiome-friendly products are vital to good skin health. As we understand more about the skin microbiome’s influence on dermatological disease management, interest in this area continues to grow exponentially. Popular beauty treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser and chemical peels, for example, all impact the skin’s microbial balance. The question we need to be asking ourselves is, are there other ways to address skin concerns that don’t compromise the microbiome?

While understanding the skin microbiome is still evolving, this field will be the key to personalised beauty and health solutions.

We urge you to stay on top of new trends in this arena. Continue to take a holistic approach to beauty in order to constantly strive to give your clients the best.

For more information or to organise a visit from one of our Vital Plus Educators, please email [email protected] and claim your free Microbiome pack.

Helping you is what drives us. That’s the Vital Plus experience.

FAQS:

Q: How does biodiversity affect the skin?

A: Biodiversity contributes to a diverse skin microbiome, which helps protect the skin from various conditions and pathogens.

Q: Why is preserving biodiversity important for skincare?

A: Preserving biodiversity ensures a healthier environment, reduced exposure to pollutants, and overall improved skin health.

Q: What is the ecosystem of the skin?

The ecosystem of the skin refers to the complex network of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit the surface of our skin. These microorganisms, collectively known as the skin microbiota, form a symbiotic relationship with our bodies and play a crucial role in maintaining skin health.