What if radiant, resilient skin was not just about the products you apply, but also about caring for the living ecosystem that resides on your skin?
Welcome to the new frontier of skincare: your skin microbiome. This complex community of microorganisms plays a vital role in maintaining healthy, balanced, and youthful skin. And one of the most effective ways to support it is by using plant-based oils.
Understanding the Skin Microbiome
Your skin is home to a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Together, they form the skin microbiome, which acts as a natural defence system. These microbes help:
- Strengthen the skin's protective barrier
- Regulate inflammation and support the immune response
- Protect against environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays
- Maintain hydration and slow the visible signs of ageing
However, just like any ecosystem, the skin microbiome needs the right environment to flourish. Many of the beneficial microbes that promote healthy skin thrive in a well-hydrated, oil-rich environment.
The Impact of Dry Skin on Microbial Health
When the skin becomes dry, whether due to environmental exposure, hormonal changes, or the natural ageing process, its ability to support these friendly microbes is compromised.
Dry skin may lead to:
- A decrease in sebum production, which is the skin's natural oil
- Reduced populations of beneficial, oil-loving microbes
- Increased microbial imbalance, which can contribute to conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea
- Higher inflammation and sensitivity
Recent studies have shown that post-menopausal skin tends to have fewer beneficial microbes compared to pre-menopausal skin. This is largely due to the reduction in natural oil production that occurs with declining hormone levels.
How Plant Oils Support Skin and Microbiome Health
The good news is that you can help restore a healthy skin environment by nourishing it with plant-based oils, both topically and internally.
Topical Support with Plant Oils
Facial oils such as Bestow’s The Graces Soothing Oil and Nourishing Oil are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. These formulations, which include ingredients like jojoba, rosehip, tamanu, avocado, and raspberry seed oils, work to:
- Hydrate and calm irritated or inflamed skin
- Balance oil levels and pH
- Rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier
- Create a surface that supports the growth of beneficial microbes
These oils are particularly helpful for skin that is sensitive, mature, or prone to dryness and imbalance.
Internal Support Through Nutrition
In addition to topical application, feeding the skin from within is essential. Bestow Beauty Plus Oil is a blend of cold-pressed, omega-rich seed oils that provides the body with the essential fatty acids needed for healthy sebum production and skin hydration.
Supplying your skin with healthy fats internally helps support the natural production of oils that nourish both the skin barrier and its microbiome.
Why Oils Become More Important With Age
During menopause, the sebaceous glands become less active due to declining hormone levels. This leads to drier skin and a shift in the microbial landscape, leaving the skin more vulnerable to inflammation and irritation.
Supplementing with plant oils can help mitigate these effects by improving hydration and promoting a more balanced and youthful microbiome. This dual approach - supporting the skin from both the inside and outside - offers a gentle yet effective way to care for maturing skin.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Skin Health
The conversation around skincare is shifting. It is no longer just about applying the right products, but about nurturing the living ecosystem that supports your skin’s health and vitality.
By using plant oils both topically and internally, you are not only moisturising your skin, but also feeding the microbiome that helps regulate its appearance, resilience, and long-term health.
Choosing to nourish your skin with natural oils is a powerful step towards supporting its future - calm, balanced, and beautifully radiant.