THE BIG PICTURE

The go-to gut health guru, Dr Megan Rossi (PhD, RD) is a dietician, researcher and author whose expertise in microbiome science provides exceptional insight into optimising skin health. A network of billions of microorganisms, skin’s microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and supporting its barrier function. Here, Megan offers an introduction to microbiome science, explains how diet and stress can impact skin’s appearance and shares her advice on how to get skin to glow. Take a look! 

“I take my hat off to Lancôme for doing the hard science and putting their products to the test with independently run clinical trials.” 

Lancôme is at the forefront of adapting microbiome science to skincare. Why is it important to support the skin’s microbiome?​

The skin’s microbiome, which is made up of billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, acts as a second skin. Those microorganisms do so much for us, like protecting us from environmental aggressions. A stable skin microbiome is thought to be key to the skin barrier function and overall skin health. ​

Advanced Génifique Serum’s formulation includes prebiotic- and probiotic-derived extracts. What are they?​

Prebiotics and probiotics are very different. Prebiotics are essentially the foods that feed “good” bacteria. Probiotics are live microbes, mostly bacteria, which have a specific health benefit. We’re at the early stages of understanding how we can manipulate the skin’s microbiome. I take my hat off to Lancôme for doing the hard science and putting their products to the test with independently run clinical trials.​

Lifestyle has an impact on our health and wellbeing. Are there simple dietary or lifestyle changes we can make to improve our gut health and boost our skin’s microbiome?​

One of the key recommendations I give to people is to try to include as many different plant-based foods in their diet as they can, ideally 30 a week, not just fruits and vegetables, but also wholegrains, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, herbs and spices. Our gut microbes like to eat lots of different kinds of plant-based foods and fibre. Aside from diet, sleep, relaxation and reducing stress, are also very important to maintain a healthy microbiome.​​

Are there any particular ingredients you would recommend including in a balanced diet to improve skin appearance?​

Looking at nutrition for the skin in particular, we know that a diet with lots of plant-based foods is best for optimal skin health as the skin is getting vitamins A, C, E and K, Zinc and polyphenols. If I had to pick out top research-backed foods, I’d suggest green tea, at least 70% dark chocolate, cabbage, sweet potato, avocado, walnuts, tomatoes, soy, oily fish and citrus fruits.​

“Our gut, our brain and our skin are all connected” 

Beyond a comprehensive skincare routine and an adapted diet, are there habits you’d recommend to ensure optimal gut and skin microbiome health?

I think it would be looking after the gut-skin-brain connection. What goes on in our heads can play out in our skin. Our gut, our brain and our skin are all connected. People don't tend to think about that. For example taking 15 minutes out every day to practice mindfulness or yoga can have a measurable impact on your health and wellbeing.​