Taneesa Williamson How the oral microbiome may be contributing to commonly seen skin disorders.
A first-time skin consultation can give you a strong insight into a client’s history and uncover what may be contributing to their skin concerns. Previous treatments, current skincare usage and medical history all can aim to connect the dots, but another element that the industry is now beginning to uncover is gut and oral health.
The microbiome. You have heard about it, read about it, and talked about it with your clients in consultations, possibly more in relation to the skin. However, it doesn’t just stop there. Humans have a large community of microbiota in the intestinal tract (the gut) which plays a large contributing factor to skin and overall systemic health. Previous studies have shown independently that the skin and gut microbiota are closely associated with atopic dermatitis and other chronic skin disorders, but we must consider where the digestive tract begins – the mouth.
Achieving optimal results for your clients using a global approach is key, and understanding the anatomy and physiology of the human body can strongly contribute to finding the ‘needle in the haystack’ solution to commonly seen chronic skin conditions.
Dentist and aesthetic practitioner Dr Martina Lavery recently led an engaging discussion at the Beauty & Spa Insiders Event about the oral microbiome, and surprised audiences with the mention of ‘brushing your teeth before cleansing your face’, to spread the importance of how inter-connected the oral & skin microbiome are.
Your mouth is the gatekeeper of your wellbeing. It is a critical barrier to the external world and has a significant protective role.
Dr Martina Lavery
Advising your client of simple lifestyle changes such as good oral hygiene practices like regular brushing, flossing and visiting their dentist for routine check-ups and cleans can significantly impact overall health by improving the oral microbiome.
Reducing sugar can also play a role in balancing the oral microbiome, as those with high sugar intake have higher counts of disease-causing bacteria. High sugar consumption is proven to contribute to intrinsic ageing and glycation of the skin, which further accelerates disease processes in the body.
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