ASCP Esty Talk Episode 302 – The Rogue Pharmacist: Skin Microbiome

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Host: Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP)
Guest: Benjamin Knight Fuchs, Pharmacist and Skincare Formulator
Program Director: Maggie Stasik

Introduction

In Episode 302 of ASCP's Esty Talk, titled "The Rogue Pharmacist: Skin Microbiome," host Maggie Stasik engages in an enlightening conversation with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, a seasoned skincare formulator and pharmacist. The episode delves deep into the intricate relationship between the skin microbiome and overall health, emphasizing the critical role estheticians play as healthcare professionals in promoting skin health through a comprehensive understanding of microbiology.

Skin Microbiome: The Second Brain

Maggie Stasik opens the discussion by highlighting the significance of the skin microbiome, often referred to as the "second brain" of the body. This concept underscores the profound connection between skin health and internal bodily functions.

Quote:
"Every esthetician knows a balanced microbiome is essential for maintaining clear, healthy skin. And I've often heard of this microbiome being referred to as the second brain."
— Maggie Stasik [00:30]

Fuchs concurs, emphasizing that a balanced microbiome is foundational not just for skin health but for overall well-being.

The Intestinal Microbiome and Systemic Health

Fuchs takes a deep dive into the role of the intestinal microbiome, describing it as the heart of the digestive system and a pivotal player in preventing chronic diseases. He draws parallels between the blood and an organ, explaining how the integrity of the intestinal barrier is crucial for maintaining "clean" blood.

Key Points:

• Blood Integrity: The blood functions as a liquid organ, meticulously regulated to maintain optimal pH, enzyme levels, hydration, and oxygenation. Disruptions in blood purity lead to "dirty blood," characterized by thickening and toxicity accumulation.

• Leaky Gut Syndrome: Chronic stress, poor diet, and nutritional deficiencies weaken the intestinal barrier, allowing unwanted substances like food particles and bacterial debris to enter the bloodstream, initiating chronic diseases.

Quote:
"All chronic disease, not 99.9%, 100% of chronic disease involves toxicity in the blood. I call it dirty blood."
— Benjamin Knight Fuchs [07:15]

Fuchs stresses that maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome is paramount, as disruptions here can cascade to other microbiomes in the body, including the skin, lungs, and reproductive systems.

Modern Lifestyle Factors Affecting the Microbiome

The conversation shifts to the myriad ways modern lifestyles adversely impact the microbiome.

Key Factors:

• Antibiotics Everywhere: Ubiquitous use of antibiotics in food production and their presence in water sources lead to widespread microbiome disruptions.

• Dietary Changes: The modern diet, rich in processed foods, sugars, and artificial additives, is incompatible with the microbiome's needs, fostering dysbiosis.

• Environmental Toxins: Chlorine and fluoride in tap water, along with preservatives in skincare products, act as antimicrobials that harm beneficial bacteria.

Quote:
"Sugar also has a negative effect. Antibiotics also have a negative effect, and so does chlorine and fluoride... we're doing all kinds of things to cause disruptions at the level of the microbiome."
— Benjamin Knight Fuchs [15:20]

Fuchs laments that unlike centuries past, contemporary practices have severely compromised natural bacterial communities essential for health.

Impact on Skin Health

Fuchs elaborates on how microbiome disruptions manifest on the skin, leading to various dermatological issues.

Skin Conditions Linked to Dysbiosis:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Acne
• Sensitive and Dry Skin

He explains that the skin's microbiome is in constant flux, influenced by internal factors like diet and external factors like skincare routines.

Quote:
"Disruptions in the skin microbiome are associated with skin diseases... If you want to have healthy, beautiful skin, it always boils down to taking care of the internal milieu of the body."
— Benjamin Knight Fuchs [16:30]

Fuchs advocates for a holistic approach, where internal health directly impacts skin health, rather than relying solely on external treatments.

The Limitations of Probiotic Skincare

Addressing current trends, Fuchs critiques the efficacy of probiotic-infused skincare products.

Key Insights:

• Transient Benefits: Applying probiotics topically offers only temporary benefits due to the skin's dynamic environment.

• Preservative Conflict: Preservatives in skincare formulations often negate the benefits of live probiotics by killing them before they can act.

• Systemic Approach Preferred: Fuchs argues that nurturing the intestinal microbiome yields more substantial and lasting improvements to the skin microbiome compared to topical applications.

Quote:
"Using probiotic skincare is kind of like a little boy putting his finger in the dike... it's like playing whack a mole."
— Benjamin Knight Fuchs [14:50]

He suggests that focusing on internal health and dietary practices is a more effective strategy for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome.

Conclusions and Recommendations

In concluding the episode, Fuchs and Stasik underscore the importance of comprehensive microbiome health in achieving optimal skin wellness. They advocate for:

• Internal Health Focus: Prioritizing gut health through balanced nutrition and minimizing antibiotic exposure.

• Mindful Skincare Practices: Choosing skincare products free from harsh preservatives and harmful antimicrobials.

• Holistic Lifestyle Changes: Incorporating practices that support overall microbiome diversity, such as reducing sugar intake and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics.

Final Thoughts:
"The microbiome is incorporated, incredibly important, unspeakably valuable for most people. If you want to have healthy, beautiful skin, it always boils down to taking care of the internal milieu of the body."
— Benjamin Knight Fuchs [16:50]

Resources and Further Information

Listeners eager to delve deeper into the topics discussed can reach out to Benjamin Knight Fuchs at truthtreatments.com or connect with ASCP through their show notes for additional resources and information.

This episode offers estheticians and skincare professionals a profound understanding of the skin microbiome's role within the broader context of human health. By adopting a holistic approach that emphasizes internal well-being, practitioners can better support their clients in achieving healthy, resilient skin.