We all know how our GUT microbiome affects our skin but another dimension of skincare that is often overlooked is our SKIN microbiome.

Opening up a new dimension in skin health, many scientists have delved much deeper into the world of the skin microbiota and acknowledged that this might just be the key to enhancing your skin appearance and maintaining a fountain of youth. This focus on addressing the deep rooted causes of your skin conditions (such as premature aging, sensitivity & inflammation) rather than just the symptoms gives hope to many of us who are struggling with bad skin.

First and foremost, what is skin microbiome?

We know how you’ll get that icky feeling when you think about the word ‘bacteria’ or ‘virus’. Despite these microorganisms being associated with negative feelings, did you know that their existence are extremely essential to your skin’s health?

Your skin flora hosts a diverse array of bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea that forms an ecosystem. Each organism carries equal importance in performing its capabilities to ensure your skin remains in top health. Essentially, your microbiome determines your skin complexion!

Why do I need to have a balanced and healthy microbiome?

A well-balanced skin microbiome creates an effective barrier to protect your skin from diseases while supporting a healthy immune system. The broader the spectrum of microbes you have, the better for your overall skin health and improvement in skin complexion.

Having excessive or insufficient microbes (otherwise known as ‘bacteria’) will lead to an imbalance that affects your skin negatively.

For example, acne can develop when there is excessive growth of Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia — This happens when follicles on your skin become clogged with natural skin oils that promotes the growth of these microorganisms. Another example is that the bacteria S. aureus is more abundant on the skin of those who suffer from eczema.

What’s more, your skin microbiome can constantly change too!

Depending on the location, weather, age or gender, your microbiota is constantly changing based on both internal and external factors. A teenage boy going through puberty has a contrasting skin microbiome from a mature 50 year old man.

And since donning on a mask may just be a permanent thing for all of us, the heat, sweat, oil and dirt trapped between the mask and our face can greatly alter our skin’s flora. Maskne – the new skincare buzzword of 2020 – is the result of this phenomenon, with many of us suffering from it. Increased sensitivity, red inflamed skin and prolonged breakouts on the lower half of your face is so common these days.

This means that you need to consciously be updated with your skin’s condition and feed them the right nutrients to keep your complexion glowing, smooth and youthful.

One step closer to healthy skin microbiome with TARABLISS

Our TARABLISS Personalised Skin Diagnosis by IOMA Paris can help you measure your skin’s condition and even help you keep track of the changes on a monthly basis — the only cutting edge machine that has the capabilities to do so.

It uses NASA’s Edge Technology for both microscopic and macroscopic measures of your skin, while providing bespoke beauty prescriptions that are 100% personalised.

So what does this medical-grade machine measure? Hydration Levels, Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Lip Contour, Seborrhoea, Skin Barrier, Sagging Skin and Dark Eye Circles.

Book Your Complimentary Personalised Skin Diagnosis (Worth $105) here!

Knowledge is power. Having a comprehensive understanding of your skin’s needs makes your one step closer to a healthy skin microbiome, kickstart an effective anti-aging regime and take the guesswork out of your skincare routine.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we talk about how you can support or restore your skin microbiome to let it flourish!

Red dates, or otherwise known as Jujubes in the western culture, are one of the highest antioxidant superfoods. Traditionally, it is a popular health food in China where people treat it as a health tonic and herb.

Known for its high concentration of fiber, minerals and vitamins, red dates are highly underrated ingredients with impressive skincare and health benefits.

Here are 5 main reasons why you need to start integrating red dates into your daily diet:

#1 Anti-aging Properties

As the Chinese saying goes: “一天三枣，永远不会老”. Having 3 red dates a day can help to maintain your fountain of youth and defy the aging process.

Not only do red dates help to reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles, it also protects your elastin fibers and promotes the production of collagen in skin cells to support your skin structure.

Being Vitamin C rich makes it a great anti-aging ingredient that neutralises free radicals which causes oxidative stress to skin and premature skin aging.

Whether you’re looking to reverse the effects of aging or to delay any signs of aging, this superfood is definitely a go-to.

#2 Revitalise Skin for Smooth, Glowing Complexion

Experiencing uneven skin tone, rough textures, acne scars or just lackluster skin in general? Red dates got your back!

This power superfood with potent antioxidants and the ability to energize the skin with oxygenated blood can help to unveil brighter, smoother skin while enhancing the strength of the skin barrier. Containing pantothenic acid, it also helps to improve the skin from within and give you that radiant glow of every woman’s dream.

#3 Improves Insomnia and Calms Anxiety

Having trouble falling asleep? Or is your work stress keeping you up awake? Red dates might just be the answer to these problems.

Touted by several experts as a natural sleep promoter, saponins (a type of flavonoids) in the fruit and seeds of red dates is a natural inducer that can lend a soothing effect to your entire nervous system to send you off to dreamland easily. Plus, it is great as an alternative medicine for stress management.

Read more about other ways you can get a good night’s rest here.

#4 May Support Digestion

Red dates’ high fiber content may help to work as digestive aid by increasing motility in your intestinal system.

Its extracts may also build up your stomach’s lining and intestines to prevent potential damages from ulcers and harmful bacteria, giving you a healthy gut.

#5 May Increase Immunity

Aside from combating oxidative stress on the skin level, red dates also help to fend off free radicals and decrease inflammation within your body. This helps to strengthen your body’s immune system

Interestingly, red dates are also claimed to be potential cancer-fighting food where scientific studies have shown its impressive ability to kill off tumor cells.

How to Integrate Red Dates into Your Diet

For best results, consume 3 red dates a day. As dried fruits, red dates are great snacks with a chewy texture.

Otherwise, you can combine it with water and goji berries, and bring to simmer for an hour. If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding in rock sugar or logan in your red dates tea.

Red dates may be small but never underestimate them

Packed with skin and health benefits, red dates are the perfect dose of daily nutrition so head over to your nearest supplement store now!