Have you ever noticed that sometimes no cream seems to help? Your skin peels, reddens, and feels irritated – as if it’s trying to send a message. And in a way, it is.

Your skin reflects the state of your body, and its problems often reveal a deeper imbalance. Science agrees: the secret to healthy, resilient skin lies in the microbiome and the strength of your protective barrier.

We already know about the gut microbiome – it supports digestion, trains the immune system, and keeps harmful microbes in check. But your skin also hosts an equally complex and vital ecosystem. The skin microbiome is your first line of defense, an invisible army protecting you from the outside world.

When this balance is disturbed, researchers refer to it as “leaky skin.” Just like the gut, the skin starts letting in what it shouldn’t – and failing to keep in what it should. The result? Irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity.

As microbiologist Reet Mändar explains in the Autumn 2025 issue of Apotheka Journal:

“When the intestinal microbiota becomes imbalanced – a state known as dysbiosis – its diversity decreases, and the relationships between key microbial groups shift. If bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids decline, the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells weaken, allowing bacterial residues and cell wall components (including endotoxins) to enter the bloodstream in excess.

This promotes low-grade inflammation throughout the body, affecting all organs, including the skin, and contributing to conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea. For example, in acne, studies show reduced bacterial diversity in the gut and fewer beneficial lactic acid bacteria (Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus), alongside an increase in inflammatory microbes.

These imbalances can also influence hormonal and metabolic pathways that boost sebum production and clog pores. But the good news is that by restoring gut microbiota balance, we may be able to help prevent and treat various skin disorders.”

Is your skin barrier leaky?

When your skin’s defenses weaken, it doesn’t stay silent – it sends clear (and uncomfortable) distress signals.

Here are the main warning signs:

  • Cracked, flaky skin that stays dry even after moisturising

  • Redness and irritation that appear “out of nowhere”

  • Persistent rashes or pimples that won’t heal

  • Sensitivity to products, weather, or even plain water

  • Itching, tingling, or burning – sometimes all three at once

These are your skin’s SOS signals, calling for support and restoration of the microbiome and protective barrier.

How to restore your skin microbiome

Skin balance doesn’t return overnight – it’s a process of consistent, mindful care. Here are five steps to help revive your skin’s invisible ecosystem.

1. Gentle cleansing

Choose products that cleanse without stripping away your skin’s natural barrier or washing off beneficial microbes. Skip harsh foaming cleansers and opt for gentle, microbiome-respecting formulas like Moisturising Cleansing Milk.

2. Nourish your microbiome

Prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are your skin’s best allies. Serums and creams like Naked, Bio-Klinik Probiotic Aloe Gel, Bio-Klinik Toner, and Sunbrero help nourish beneficial bacteria while calming irritation.

3. Avoid doing too much

Too much exfoliation or acid-based skincare can harm your natural defenses. When it comes to sensitive or inflamed skin, less is more.

  • If your skin is overworked, reach for something soothing and restorative – like our CBD+ Extra Strong Repair Salve, a trusted classic. It supports the endocannabinoid system, reduces redness, and helps restore the skin’s microbiome and protective barrier.

4. Moisturise and protect

A resilient barrier needs hydration, lipids, and protection. Bio-Klinik, Arctic Face Cream, and Halo Mask form a shield that locks in moisture and keeps out environmental stressors.

5. Support from the inside

Healthy skin begins in the gut. Nutrients like zinc, vitamin B3, omega-3, and the ME-3 probiotic strengthen both the skin and the digestive system.

In an international Nutrition Journal study (2005), Professor Reet Mändar and her team at the University of Tartu explored the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3, a probiotic known for its unique antioxidant properties.

In a three-week trial, participants consumed ME-3 daily, either in kefir or capsule form. The results were clear: ME-3 boosted the body’s antioxidant defenses and balanced internal processes.

Why does this matter? Oxidative stress contributes to inflammation, premature skin aging, immune weakness, and chronic disease. By reducing this stress, ME-3 supports both gut and skin health, promoting long-term well-being from the inside out.