Washing Your Face Too Much Is AGEING You, Say Scientists

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission –learn

Suppose I told you millions of tiny creatures were crawling across your face right now, what would you think? Yuk? Help! Nooo!

But these infinitesimally small bugs are a good thing, especially if you want to look younger.

you و on و a – تفاصيل مهمة

We’ve all heard about the gut microbiome and how the bacteria in our intestines affect our health, immunity and even mood. Now scientists are turning their attention to the skin microbiome.

According to recent research conducted by Unilever and published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the microbes on our skin might play a vital role in how old we look.

Out of 65 participants in one study, those who appeared younger had a healthier, stable skin microbiome, while those showing signs of premature ageing had a weaker, less diverse community of bugs.

That’s because as well as acting as miniature cleaning machines, eating up dead skin cells and excess oil, they protect us from infection, regulate the skin’s pH and reduce inflammation.

of و and و in – تفاصيل مهمة

Astonishingly, the community on your face can comprise than 1,000 species of microbe – yes, yuk again – but one stands out when it comes to anti-ageing prowess: acinetobacter.

Higher levels of acinetobacter were on the skin of those who looked younger than their chronological age, while numbers were lower among those who showed signs of premature ageing.

We can help these bacteria to thrive in a few ways. Getting good quality sleep is essential as this is when the skin repairs itself.

Drinking enough water also helps, since the microbiome loves hydration. Regular exercise is beneficial too, bringing sweat and sebum to the skin – the perfect food for acinetobacter.

the و of و skin – تفاصيل مهمة

A healthy skin microbiome could be the difference between looking ten years younger than your age or, horror of horrors, ten years older.

the و skin و ten – تفاصيل مهمة

So how do you boost the good bugs and slow down the signs of ageing? According to consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips: ‘The best way (to get a healthy skin microbiome) is to protect the skin barrier, ensuring a balanced and diverse ecosystem of micro-organisms.’

If your skin barrier’s damaged, chances are your microbiome isn’t up to snuff – and vice versa.

Telltale signs your microbiome might be struggling include ‘increased dryness, irritation, redness or sensitivity, and in some cases flare-ups of conditions like acne, eczema or rosacea’.

‘Fifty per cent of the cells in your body are bacteria,’ says Dr Marie Drago, founder of microbiome-focused skincare brand Gallinée.

your و of و are – تفاصيل مهمة

‘The protective layer of bacteria is an integral part of the barrier function of your skin but when it becomes damaged or unbalanced, skin becomes hyper-sensitive and inflamed.

‘The first step is preserving the beneficial micro-organisms already there. That means thinking about the way you cleanse.

‘People today wash too much. We lose a lot of diversity without noticing it. So, while it’s a bit controversial, I don’t recommend double cleansing or cleansing in the morning. Don’t boil your microbiome alive with hot water and don’t scrub too hard either. It’s all about being gentle.’

Skipping a cleanse isn’t for everyone and many dermatologists will advise against it unless you have extremely dry, irritated skin. But being gentle and choosing kind-to-skin formulas when you do cleanse is essential.

the و you و a – تفاصيل مهمة

‘Using harsh products or over-exfoliating can upset the microbiome’s balance and lead to irritation or inflammation, which can make the skin look older or less radiant,’ says Dr Phillips.

This is especially true of those products containing strong active ingredients like retinoids or acids, which can strip the skin of its natural defences if overused.

The key for a microbiome-friendly routine is using actives in moderation and balancing them with soothing, replenishing ingredients.

Your microbiome could also be playing a major role in skin issues suffered during perimenopause or after menopause. ‘As we age the diversity of our skin’s microbiome tends to dwindle,’ says Dr Phillips. This, combined with declining oestrogen levels, means skin concerns are often exacerbated.

of و skin و is – تفاصيل مهمة

‘About 64 per cent of women who attend menopause clinics have skin concerns,’ he adds. Many skincare brands now offer products formulated with strains of pre- and probiotics, which claim to support your skin’s good bacteria, but ‘we don’t yet know which strains or formulations are most effective’, says Dr Phillips.

skincare و says و and – تفاصيل مهمة

A better bet might be to stick with a consistent routine and focus on barrier care. ‘Choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers, soothing moisturisers and daily sun protection to help keep the microbiome healthy,’ he says.

Gallinée Prebiotic Foaming Facial Cleanser, Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream and Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ are fantastic options.

Clinic-based treatments like Dermalogica’s new Exo Booster Treatment, AKA the ‘bacteria facial’, can work wonders too.

Hailed as the next big thing in skincare, exosomes are microscopic molecules that carry instructions between cells, coordinating responses to damage, inflammation and aging.

Facial و and و are – تفاصيل مهمة

Backed by three years of research, the Exo Booster Treatment (available at Dermalogica flagships nationwide, with prices starting from £330) uses bacteria-derived exosomes from plants to improve skin quality.

‘The lactobacillus exosomes used in Dermalogica’s Exo Booster microneedling treatment act like messengers within the skin, encouraging healthy cell-to-cell communication,’ says Dermalogica’s Candice Gardner.

‘This not only strengthens the skin barrier but also supports a balanced microbiome, helping to keep skin calm, strong and resilient over time.’

Treatments and skincare are integral parts of ensuring a healthy microbiome but lifestyle plays a big role too.

a و Dermalogica’s و the – تفاصيل مهمة

A balanced diet with fruit, vegetables and fermented foods like kimchi and kefir, combined with effective stress management, will all affect how your skin looks.

‘The gut and skin microbiomes are linked through what’s called the gut-skin axis,’ says Dr Phillips. ‘The gut microbiome is crucial for regulating the immune system and controlling inflammation, which directly affects how your skin looks and feels.’

Supplements might give you a boost but experts are still sceptical about whether they actually do much for your skin and gut health.

‘Oral prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics may benefit the skin by supporting the gut-skin axis but the evidence is still limited,’ says Dr Phillips. ‘They should be seen as complementary rather than a replacement for established treatments that specifically target skin concerns.’

and و skin و the – تفاصيل مهمة

While the science surrounding the skin microbiome is still catching up, one thing’s certain – looking after the bugs on your skin could be the next big beauty breakthrough.

Whether you are swapping harsh cleansers for gentler formulas, slathering on probiotic-packed creams or opting for a ‘bacteria facial’, the tiny tenants who hang out on your face might just hold the secret to younger, glowing skin.

Microbiome-boosting skincare buys

1. Chitocare Anti-Aging Repair Serum (£139, efskin.com)

Containing chitosan, a soothing antimicrobial ingredient derived from crustacean shells and a by-product of the fishing industry, this serum encourages ‘good’ bacteria to thrive and kills the ‘bad’ bacteria found on the skin.

the و on و a – تفاصيل مهمة

2. Gallinée Foaming Facial Cleanser (£12.75, lookfantastic.com)

This ultra-gentle cleanser won’t disturb your skin barrier, is suitable for even the most sensitive or eczema-prone skin and is formulated with lactic acid and prebiotics to encourage good bacteria to multiply.

3. Cultured Biomecare Calm Cream (£47.99, facethefuture.co.uk)

With fermented mushroom and algae extracts, plus prebiotic inulin, this fragrance-free, pH balanced moisturiser helps your microbiome to flourish and keeps your skin feeling soft and soothed.

and و your و skin – تفاصيل مهمة

4. Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence (£14.70, lookfantastic.com)

Those with extremely dry skin should add an essence into their routine. This milky formula is non-greasy, absorbed easily and contains a dose of skin microbiome-loving probiotics.

5. Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream (£15.08, lookfantastic.com)

Menopausal skin can feel dry and temperamental, but this moisturiser contains plenty of nourishing ceramides to help bring balance to the microbiome and comfort to the skin.

skin و and و to – تفاصيل مهمة

6. Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ (£15.50, boots.com)

Daily SPF is essential for healthy skin and this one has the added benefit of probiotics to promote a diverse, balanced and healthy microbiome. It’s lightweight, gives high UV protection and is suitable for all skin types.