When we think of healthy skin, we often imagine qualities like hydration, smoothness or a strong skin barrier. However, beneath the surface lies an invisible community that plays a much bigger role than most realise - the microbiome.
ย
Our skin hosts billions of beneficial microorganisms that work quietly to protect, calm, and maintain balance. When this ecosystem is nurtured, they help keep irritation, dryness, and discomfort at bay. But when disrupted, they can become the hidden cause behind sensitivity and imbalance.
ย
The Skin Microbiome: Your First Line of Defence
The skin microbiome acts as our skin's natural defence system, helping to:
- Shield against harmful bacteria and external irritants
- Support the skin barrier and prevent water loss
- Regulate inflammation and maintain comfort
ย
A balanced microbiome is essential for strong, resilient skin. But when this balance is disturbed, for instance, by harsh soaps, over-cleansing, or environmental stress, the protective barrier weakens. The result? Dryness, tightness, itching, and flare-ups often seen in sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
ย
What Disrupts the Skin Microbiome?
Everyday habits can unknowingly throw our skinโs ecosystem off balance. Common culprits include:
- Over-cleansing: Washing too frequently or using strong surfactants that strip away natural oils.
- Alkaline or harsh products: They can alter the skinโs natural acidity (our skin is naturally around pH 5.5!), allowing unwanted bacteria to thrive.
- Environmental factors: Pollution, heat, humidity, and even stress can affect microbial diversity.
- Fragrance sensitivities: While some fragrances may irritate sensitive skin, hypoallergenic fragrances - carefully selected and tested for low sensitisation potential - can offer a pleasant experience without compromising skin comfort.
ย
Caring for the Skin Microbiome
The best way to support a healthy microbiome is to be gentle. Think of it less as cleaning, and more as caring:
- Use mild, pH-appropriate (pH 5.5) cleansers that cleanse without stripping the skin.
- Moisturise daily to keep the barrier hydrated and intact.
- Avoid excessive exfoliation or antibacterial products.
- Keep skincare routines simple and consistent.
ย
Dermally is formulated with these principles in mind.
ย
- Ourย Hydrating Barrier Washย gently cleanses without disrupting the skinโs natural balance.
- Ourย Intensive Barrier Repair Lotionย restores hydration and reinforces barrier function, supporting the microbiomeโs natural resilience.
Together, they create a balanced routine that soothes and strengthens even the most delicate, eczema-prone skin.
ย
The Vaginal Microbiome: A Delicate Balance of Its Own
Just like our skin, the intimate area has its own finely tuned ecosystem - the vaginal microbiome. This community is dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria that help maintain an acidic pH (typically between 3.8 and 4.5).
ย This acidity is essential: it prevents harmful bacteria and yeast from overgrowing, keeping the area comfortable and healthy.ย
ย
When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Itching or burning sensations
- Unusual odour
- Discharge changes
- General discomfort or dryness
ย
Unfortunately, many women unintentionally upset this balance by using harsh soaps, wipes, or products that are not designed for the vulvaโs unique needs.
ย
How to Support the Vaginal Microbiome
Caring for this area requires a slightly different, but equally gentle, approach:
- Use only formulas specifically made for the vulva, not internal cleansing products.
- Choose pH-appropriate, microbiome-friendly cleansers that respect natural acidity.
- Avoid heavily perfumed or antibacterial products.
- Wear breathable fabrics and avoid prolonged dampness to prevent irritation.
ย
ย
Ourย IntimCare Foam Washย is developed with these principles at heart. It contains
- Lactic Acid to help maintain a healthy vaginal pH, and
- Glycogen, a natural prebiotic that supports beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria.
Its ultra-gentle formula respects the intimate areaโs microbiome while keeping it fresh, clean, and comfortable - without dryness or disruption.
ย
A Common Thread: Balance Over Stripping
Whether itโs your face, body, or intimate area, the message remains the same: balance, and not over-cleansing, leads to long-term health. Both the skin and vaginal microbiomes are essential ecosystems - protective, intelligent, and self-regulating when treated with care.
Supporting them doesnโt require complicated routines or strong ingredients. It starts with gentle cleansing, proper hydration, and pH-appropriate products designed to work with your bodyโs natural defences - not against them.
ย
Final Thoughts
ย Your microbiome doesnโt fix; it protects.ย
When we care for it, it cares for us in return - keeping our skin comfortable, resilient, and balanced.
At Dermally, we believe that healthy skin begins with harmony. From sensitive body care to intimate wellness, our formulations are designed to respect the bodyโs natural ecosystems - because comfort and confidence start with balance.
