Bacteria On Our Skin: Friend Or Foe?

by Sarah Thomas

Typically, when we think of bacteria, it is not with fondness or admiration. Bacteria seem like something to fear and avoid. For a long time, the focus has been on zapping the bad guys. But here's a fascinating truth: our bodies, especially our skin, are home to trillions of microorganisms—and many of them are actually the good guys.

Our skin microbiome is a bustling, invisible ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in harmony on every inch of our skin. Far from being something to scrub away, these tiny allies are absolutely crucial for our skin health and our overall well being.

Think of our skin microbiome like a protective shield. Good skin bacteria form a living, breathing barrier that works tirelessly to keep skin happy and healthy.

Here's How They're Our Unsung Heroes

Defense Against the Bad Guys: Good bacteria compete for space and nutrients, actively pushing out pathogens that can cause infections, acne, and irritation.

Boosting Your Skin's Immune System: Our skin microbiome "teaches" immune cells what's normal and what's a threat, helping them respond appropriately to invaders while avoiding overreactions. This can reduce inflammation and keep skin conditions like eczema in check.

Maintaining Skin's pH Balance: Healthy skin has a slightly acidic pH, which is essential for its protective barrier, or acid mantle. Many beneficial bacteria produce acidic compounds that help maintain this optimal pH, making it harder for unfriendly microbes to thrive.

Producing Skin Loving Nutrients: Some of these tiny workers actually produce beneficial compounds like ceramides, fatty acids, and amino acids. These are vital for keeping skin hydrated, plump, and resilient. It's like having our own personal skincare factory!

Odor Control: This is where Lume comes in. Body odor isn't caused by sweat itself, but by certain bacteria on our skin breaking down sweat. Odor causing bacteria thrive in a high pH environment.

Lume's unique low pH formulation gets to the root of odor, creating an environment where odor causing bacteria can't break down sweat or other bodily fluids. And here's the key: Lume isn't antibacterial. We don't kill bacteria; we just prevent them from making odor in the first place.

So, How Do We Keep The Good Bacteria Happy?

Be Gentle with Cleansing: Harsh soaps and excessive scrubbing can strip away beneficial bacteria along with the protection the acid mantle provides. Opt for gentle, pH optimized or balanced cleansers that respect your skin's natural ecosystem.

Avoid Over Sanitizing: While hand sanitizers have their place, overdoing it can disrupt your skin's natural balance. Choose gentle cleansers over antibacterial soaps.

Moisturize Regularly: Well hydrated skin provides a better environment for your microbiome to flourish.

Choose Skin Friendly Products: Look for products that are mindful of your skin's natural pH and don't contain ingredients that could upset the delicate balance of your acid mantle.

Our bodies are amazing, complex systems, and the beneficial bacteria on skin are an integral part of their natural defenses and overall health.

Because they're pH optimized to align with our skin's natural pH, Lume Deodorants, Washes, Wipes, and Body Cream actively support our skin's acid mantle. This makes them gentle on skin and friendly to the beneficial bacteria that keep it healthy.

Did you Lume today?