Nu Allumé Blog

Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: What’s Better for Your Skin Microbiome? Exfoliation is an essential part of a well-rounded skincare routine, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, more youthful complexion. But it’s important to choose the method that best supports your skin's health, including its microbiome. There are two main types of exfoliation for the face, physical and chemical. While both aim to achieve the same goal, they work in very different ways and can have different effects on your skin’s microbiome. Understanding these differences is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.   What is the Skin Microbiome? The skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, that live on the surface of your skin. This community plays a vital role in protecting against harmful pathogens, regulating the immune system and maintaining overall skin health. Disrupting the microbiome can lead to various skin issues.   What is Chemical Exfoliation? Chemical exfoliation involves using acids or enzymes to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away easily without physical scrubbing. Common chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and enzymes from fruit extracts. AHAs (e.g. glycolic or lactic acid) are water-soluble and best for dry or dehydrated skin, can help with wrinkles and fine lines and are also good for sun-damaged skin. BHAs (e.g. salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, making them ideal for acne-prone, clogged or oily skin, are milder than AHAs and have antibacterial effects. Enzymes (e.g. papaya or pineapple enzymes) gently break down dead skin and are often recommended for sensitive skin.   Pros Gentle on the Skin: When used correctly, chemical exfoliants can be gentler on the skin compared to physical exfoliation, as they do not involve scrubbing, which can disrupt the skin barrier and its microbiome. Targeted Action: Chemical exfoliants can penetrate deeper into the skin, targeting specific concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation without disturbing the surface-level bacteria too much. Balanced pH: Many chemical exfoliants are formulated to maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, which is crucial for a healthy microbiome.   Cons Overuse Risks: Over-exfoliation with chemicals can strip away too much of the skin’s natural oils and beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalanced microbiome. Sun sensitivity: Some chemical exfoliants, especially AHAs, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, making sunscreen essential. However, we use fruit enzymes that do not cause sun sensitivity.   What is Physical Exfoliation? Physical exfoliation involves manually removing dead skin cells using tools or products with a gritty texture.   Common Types of Physical Exfoliants Facial scrubs: Contain small particles like sugar, salt or ground nuts that help scrub away dead skin cells. Exfoliating brushes and sponges: Tools like facial brushes or sponges provide gentle abrasion to exfoliate the skin. Microdermabrasion: A professional treatment that uses a specialised device to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.   Pros Immediate Results: You can see and feel the difference in your skin immediately after exfoliating, as it becomes smoother and softer.   Cons Not ideal for sensitive skin: Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience increased irritation or breakouts. Microtears and disruption: The manual scrubbing action can cause microtears in the skin, disrupting the skin barrier and its microbiome. This can lead to inflammation, irritation, breakouts and increased vulnerability to harmful bacteria. Over-exfoliation risks: Similar to chemical exfoliation, overdoing it with physical exfoliants can strip the skin of its natural protective oils and beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalance in the microbiome.   Which is Better for Your Microbiome? When it comes to protecting and supporting your skin’s microbiome, chemical exfoliation when used properly is generally the safer and more effective option for long-term skin health. It offers a deeper exfoliation without the risk of physical damage to your skin and tends to be more microbiome-focused compared to physical exfoliation. It can also be customised for different skin concerns and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. For those with sensitive skin or a compromised microbiome, chemical exfoliants like fruit enzymes, that are milder can be particularly beneficial. These ingredients exfoliate gently without causing significant disruption to the skin's environment. However, the key is moderation. Over-exfoliation, whether chemical or physical, can be detrimental to both your skin’s barrier and its microbiome. Always start slow, listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation routine accordingly. Start with once per week before moving to twice a week, and always follow up with a moisturiser and sunscreen to help maintain skin comfort.   Final Thought Maintaining a healthy skin microbiome will not only improve your skin's appearance but also its resilience and overall health. Choose carefully, and your skin will respond accordingly.

How Menopause Affects the Skin Microbiome As women transition through menopause, they experience numerous changes in their bodies, many of which affect the skin. One critical but often overlooked aspect of skin health during menopause is the skin's microbiome. This complex ecosystem of microorganisms plays a vital role in maintaining skin health, and hormonal changes during menopause can significantly impact its balance. Let's delve into how menopause affects the skin's microbiome and how microbiome-friendly skincare products can help.   What is the Skin's Microbiome? The skin's microbiome is a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that reside on the skin's surface. These microorganisms are essential for maintaining the skin barrier, protecting against pathogens, and regulating immune responses. A balanced microbiome is crucial for healthy, resilient skin.   How Menopause Affects the Skin's Microbiome 1. Hormonal Fluctuations: During menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can disrupt the balance of the skin microbiome. Estrogen helps maintain skin thickness, moisture, and elasticity, and its reduction can lead to dryness, thinning, and an altered skin pH, all of which can affect the microbiome. 2. Increased Dryness: Reduced oil production due to lower estrogen levels leads to drier skin. This dryness can create an environment that is less hospitable to beneficial microorganisms and more conducive to harmful bacteria, potentially causing imbalances. 3. Altered Skin Barrier: The skin's barrier function weakens with age and hormonal changes, making it easier for harmful microorganisms to penetrate and disrupt the microbiome. 4. Inflammation and Sensitivity: Menopausal skin often becomes more sensitive and prone to inflammation. This heightened inflammatory state can further disturb the microbiome, leading to conditions like eczema, rosacea, or acne.   The Benefits of Microbiome-Friendly Skincare Products Microbiome-friendly skincare products are designed to support and maintain a healthy skin microbiome, which is especially beneficial during menopause. Here’s how these products can help:   1. Restore and Maintain Balance Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help replenish and balance the skin microbiome, reducing the risk of dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and promoting healthier skin. Prebiotics: These compounds nourish beneficial microorganisms, encouraging their growth and activity, which helps maintain a balanced microbiome.   2. Strengthen the Skin Barrier Ceramides and Fatty Acids: Ingredients that mimic the skin's natural lipids can help restore and reinforce the skin barrier, protecting against environmental stressors and moisture loss. Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful hydrator can help maintain skin moisture, reducing dryness and irritation.   3. Reduce Inflammation Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Microbiome-friendly products often contain ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, and chamomile, which can soothe inflammation and calm sensitive skin. Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and other antioxidants help protect the skin from oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and promoting skin repair.   4. Improve Skin Hydration Moisturising Agents: Ingredients such as glycerin, squalane, and natural oils provide deep hydration, which is crucial for menopausal skin that tends to be drier. Humectants: These substances, like urea and panthenol, attract and retain moisture in the skin, improving overall hydration.   5. Enhance Skin Resilience Peptides: These small proteins can help stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Botanical Extracts: Natural extracts from plants like licorice root, green tea, and centella asiatica can provide additional benefits, such as soothing irritation and promoting skin healing.   Final Thought The relationship between menopausal skin and the skin's microbiome is intricate and vital for maintaining skin health during this transitional period. Microbiome-friendly skincare products play a crucial role in supporting this balance, helping to restore and maintain a healthy skin environment. By incorporating these products into your skincare routine, you can address the unique challenges of menopausal skin, ensuring it remains healthy, resilient, and radiant. Embrace this new chapter with confidence, knowing that a well-cared-for microbiome is your ally in achieving beautiful, balanced skin.

What Affects the Skin Microbiome? The skin microbiome is influenced by a variety of factors, both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external). Here’s a detailed look at the key factors affecting the skin microbiome:   Intrinsic Factors 1. Age The skin microbiome changes throughout different life stages: Infancy: Newborns have a unique microbiome influenced by the mode of delivery (vaginal birth vs. cesarean section). Adolescence: Hormonal changes during puberty can alter the microbiome, often increasing oil production and changing microbial composition. Adulthood: The microbiome stabilises but can be influenced by lifestyle and health. Elderly: Ageing can lead to changes in skin structure and immune function, affecting the microbiome.   2. Gender Hormonal differences between males and females result in different skin microbiomes. For instance, males typically have higher sebum production, which can influence the types of bacteria present.   3. Genetics Individual genetic makeup affects skin properties such as oil production, moisture levels and immune responses, all of which influence the microbiome.   4. Skin Site Different areas of the body have distinct microbiomes due to variations in skin environment, such as oily vs. dry areas and the presence of hair follicles.   Extrinsic Factors 1. Environment Climate (humidity, temperature), pollution and UV exposure can significantly impact the skin microbiome. Urban vs. rural: People in urban environments may have different microbiomes compared to those in rural areas due to varying levels of pollutants and lifestyle differences.   2. Hygiene and Skincare Practices The frequency of washing, the use of soaps, lotions and other skincare products can disrupt or support the natural microbiome. Antibacterial products: Overuse can kill beneficial bacteria along with harmful ones, disrupting the microbiome balance.   3. Diet and Nutrition Diet can influence the microbiome by affecting skin health and immune function. For instance, diets high in sugar and fat may promote conditions like acne, which are associated with specific microbial changes.   4. Health Status and Medical Conditions Chronic conditions such as diabetes, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis can affect the skin microbiome. Immunocompromised individuals often have altered microbiomes.   5. Medications Antibiotics and other medications can disrupt the skin microbiome. Antibiotics, in particular, can reduce microbial diversity by killing both harmful and beneficial bacteria.   6. Lifestyle Factors Exercise, stress levels and sleep can indirectly affect the skin microbiome by influencing overall health and immune function.   7. Contact with Others Close physical contact with other people or animals can lead to the transfer of microbes, influencing one's skin microbiome.   Final Thought Understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome, which plays an important role in overall skin health and resilience.

Dry Skin During Menopause: Causes, Barrier Changes and How to Support It Dry skin during menopause is commonly linked to declining oestrogen levels, which can reduce lipid production and weaken the skin barrier. As hydration decreases and water loss increases, skin may feel tight, flaky and persistently dry. If you are searching for dry skin menopause, why does menopause cause dry skin, post-menopause dry skin, perimenopause dry skin or menopause skincare for dry skin, you are experiencing one of the most common menopause skin changes. Here is what is happening beneath the surface. Why Does Menopause Cause Dry Skin? Menopause can contribute to dry skin because oestrogen supports hydration, collagen production and lipid balance. As oestrogen declines, sebum production may decrease, natural lipid levels can fall and the skin barrier may become less efficient, which can increase transepidermal water loss. Lipids act like mortar between bricks in the outer skin layer. When lipid levels decline, water can escape more easily, leaving skin feeling dry and tight. This process can begin during perimenopause and continue into post-menopause. What Is the Skin Barrier and Why Does It Matter? The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that helps prevent moisture loss and helps protect against environmental stress. During menopause, barrier integrity may weaken, water retention may decline and skin can become more reactive. When people search for menopause dry skin, they are often experiencing barrier vulnerability rather than simple dehydration. Supporting the barrier is central to improving comfort. Perimenopause Dry Skin vs Post-Menopause Dry Skin Perimenopause dry skin can appear gradually. You might notice products that previously felt fine now feel insufficient or irritating. Post-menopause dry skin can feel more constant, as oil production often continues to decline. In both stages, dryness may present as rough texture, flaking, fine lines appearing more visible and increased sensitivity. For a broader overview of menopause skin changes, see our complete guide to menopause skin changes. Why Moisturiser Alone Sometimes Isn’t Enough Moisturiser can provide relief, but if the skin barrier is not supported, water loss may continue. Effective menopause skincare for dry skin often focuses on supporting lipids, maintaining hydration and avoiding over-cleansing. Switching to a gentle cleansing crème that does not strip natural lipids can support comfort. Explore our Postbiotic Papaya Cleansing Crème. During the day, many women benefit from a barrier-supportive moisturiser formulated for hormonally changing skin. Explore our Aloe & Snow Peach Postbiotic Day Moisturiser. In the evening, a richer moisturiser can provide additional comfort overnight. Explore our Postbiotic Berry Night Moisturiser. Does the Skin Microbiome Change During Menopause? Emerging research suggests hormonal changes may influence the skin microbiome, the community of microorganisms that supports barrier function and overall skin health. When hydration and oil production shift, skin pH may fluctuate and microbial diversity may change. While research continues to evolve, maintaining a supportive skin environment during menopause remains a practical approach. How to Support Dry Skin During Menopause If you are experiencing dry skin during menopause, consider these practical steps: Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser Apply moisturiser to slightly damp skin Choose barrier-supportive formulations Avoid unnecessary antibacterial products Maintain consistent sun protection Frequently Asked Questions About Menopause Dry Skin Why is my skin suddenly so dry during menopause? Declining oestrogen can reduce lipid production and weaken the skin barrier, which increases water loss and can lead to persistent dryness. Can perimenopause cause dry skin? Yes. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause can affect hydration and barrier function years before menopause is complete. Does post-menopause dry skin improve? Some changes can stabilise, but reduced oil production may continue, which means consistent barrier support can remain important. What is the best skincare routine for menopause dry skin? A menopause skincare routine for dry skin often includes gentle cleansing, barrier-supportive moisturisation and consistent sun protection. The Bottom Line Dry skin during menopause is a common change associated with hormonal transition. It can reflect declining oestrogen, reduced lipid production and increased water loss. Understanding the reasons behind menopause dry skin helps you choose skincare that supports hydration, barrier function and overall comfort. For a complete overview of how hormones can affect the skin, explore our guide to menopause skin changes.Updated December 2025

What Does the Skin Microbiome Do? And Why It Matters During Menopause If your skin suddenly feels drier, more sensitive or reacts differently than it used to, there’s a reason. And it’s not just age. It’s the environment your skin lives in. One of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of that environment is the skin microbiome. The skin biome, also known as the skin microbiome, plays several crucial roles in maintaining the health and functionality of the skin. Here are some of its key functions:   Key Functions of the Skin Microbiome Protection Against Pathogens: The skin microbiome acts as a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms. By competing for nutrients and space, beneficial microbes prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi from colonising the skin. Immune System Modulation: The skin microbiome interacts with the skin's immune system, helping to train and modulate immune responses. This interaction ensures that the immune system can effectively respond to pathogens without overreacting and causing inflammation or other issues. Maintenance of Skin Barrier Function: The microbiome helps in maintaining the skin’s pH and integrity. By producing fatty acids, they contribute to the skin’s natural barrier function, keeping it moisturised and preventing dryness and irritation. Regulation of Inflammation: The skin microbiome helps to regulate inflammatory responses. By maintaining a balanced microbial community, the skin can avoid chronic inflammation, which is associated with various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Production of Antimicrobial Substances: Some skin microbes produce antimicrobial peptides and other substances that directly inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, adding an extra layer of defence. Nutrient Production and Utilisation: The skin microbiome can produce certain nutrients and metabolites, such as vitamins and fatty acids, which are important for skin health and function. Influence on Skin pH: The microbiome helps maintain an acidic skin pH, which is crucial for preventing the growth of pathogenic bacteria that prefer a neutral or alkaline environment. Repair and Wound Healing: Some microbes in the skin microbiome play a role in wound healing by promoting tissue repair and reducing the risk of infection during the healing process.   What This Means for Your Skin When this system is supported, your skin tends to feel comfortable, resilient and better able to maintain hydration. When it’s not, skin can start to behave differently. This is often when you begin to notice: Dryness that wasn’t there before Increased sensitivity or reactivity Redness that lingers Breakouts appearing in new places Skin that takes longer to recover   The Microbiome–Menopause Connection This is part of the microbiome–menopause connection, where changes in the skin’s surface environment during perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause can influence how the skin behaves. As oil production declines and the skin barrier becomes more vulnerable, the conditions that support the microbiome shift, which can affect hydration, sensitivity and overall skin function.   Why Supporting the Skin Microbiome Matters The skin microbiome is integral to the overall health and function of the skin, performing a wide range of essential roles. From acting as a barrier against pathogens to modulating immune responses, maintaining skin barrier integrity and regulating inflammation, the skin microbiome is a dynamic and complex ecosystem. It produces antimicrobial substances, essential nutrients and helps maintain the skin's acidic pH, which collectively contribute to its protective and reparative functions.   Final Thought The interplay between the skin microbiome and the body's immune system highlights its importance in preventing infections and supporting recovery. Understanding and supporting the skin microbiome becomes especially important during menopause, when the skin is adapting to a new environment. When this environment is supported, skin is better able to maintain hydration, comfort and resilience through this stage of life.

Our Approach to Microbiome-Focused Skincare Not all skincare is designed with the skin’s microbiome in mind. Our mission is to research, develop and test formulations for optimal microbiome health. One of our main goals is to address skin dysbiosis, an imbalance in the skin's microbiome that can cause dryness, redness, acne and other issues. Understanding what causes dysbiosis is essential for creating skincare products that support a healthy skin environment.   Understanding the Skin Microbiome in Detail Recent advances in genetic sequencing have allowed us to analyse the skin microbiome in great detail. This helps us identify the specific strains of bacteria and other microorganisms on the skin, which we use to inform how we develop our formulations.   Beyond “Natural” or “Organic” Skincare Microbiome-focused skincare is more than just choosing “organic” or “natural” ingredients for marketing. We aim to ensure every element of a product serves a specific purpose. Depending on the product's goal, we include beneficial compounds such as:   Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) These are produced by beneficial gut bacteria and offer health benefits such as reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut microbiome and supporting metabolic health. In skincare, SCFAs help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and support smoother-looking skin.   Postbiotic Peptides These are small chains of amino acids produced by probiotic microorganisms. They help support collagen production, reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity and firmness.   Bio-Fermented Botanicals Using our advanced strain-specific fermentation, we optimise the fermentation process to produce high-quality and effective botanicals. This is especially useful for extracting difficult or poorly absorbed bioactive compounds.   The Role of Fermentation During fermentation, microorganisms consume sugars and other compounds in the botanical material, producing metabolites like organic acids and enzymes. These enhance the bioavailability of the active compounds, making them more easily absorbed and effective. Fermented botanical actives also benefit the microbiome. Some microorganisms produce compounds that support the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin, promoting a healthy and diverse microbiome.   Final Thought Using strain-specific fermentation to produce fermented botanical actives is an innovative way we create effective and safe ingredients for our skincare range.

Are Essential Oils Good for Your Skin? A Microbiome Perspective Essential oils are often seen as a natural solution in skincare. But natural does not always mean suitable, especially when the skin’s microbiome is involved. The answer is not straightforward. Many natural skincare and clean beauty advocates support the use of essential oils. However, when examined through the lens of microbiome science, essential oils are not universal solutions for healthy skin.   Why the Skin Microbiome Changes the Conversation A healthy skin microbiome depends on balance and diversity of microorganisms. In carefully controlled concentrations, certain essential oils have been shown in studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and may influence oil production and overall skin appearance.   Where Essential Oils Can Become Problematic Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Without careful formulation, they may increase the risk of irritation, sensitisation, photosensitivity and dryness. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity may also disrupt beneficial skin microorganisms and affect the skin’s protective barrier and pH environment.   Why This Matters During Menopause This becomes particularly relevant during perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause, when the skin’s surface environment is already changing. As the skin becomes drier, more reactive and more vulnerable, ingredients that can disrupt the microbiome or barrier may have a more noticeable impact.   Our Approach at Nu Allumé For a brand formulated around the microbiome–menopause connection, this matters. We therefore choose not to include essential oils in any Nu Allumé formulations. As product developers, our responsibility is to select ingredients in appropriate concentrations that support the specific needs of perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause skin. Our microbiologists draw on decades of industry expertise and global research to guide formulation decisions. Advanced microbiome analysis, including next generation DNA sequencing, informs our understanding of how ingredients interact with the skin ecosystem.   Final Thought Essential oils can offer potential benefits, but they also carry risks, particularly for hormonally changing skin. At Nu Allumé, we prioritise microbiome-focused, evidence-informed ingredients selected to support the skin barrier and overall skin health.