Since the 1950s, researchers believe that hygiene habits could be at the origin of the explosion of certain diseases such as atopy, acne, autoimmune diseases or even allergies.
The hygiene hypothesis, mentioned for the first time by epidemiologist David Strachan (1) in 1989, has since been taken up by many doctors and researchers. Our human microbiome (the millions of bacteria that live on and with us) is an essential part of our immune system. By using antibacterial products, aggressive washes (too alkaline, full of preservatives) living in a sanitized environment, we have weakened our immune system.
In individuals with allergy, atopy, or irritation, researchers have found a depleted microbiome. Their resident bacterial population is unbalanced. The microbiome can no longer play its role of barrier against pathogenic bacteria and prevent inflammatory episodes.
So what to do? Stop washing? For researchers, the idea that you should relax your hygiene habits is absurd. Less hygiene would lead to an explosion of infections on skin already weakened by our bad practices. The right attitude would be to promote the diversity of microorganisms present on our skin by changing our habits (2): getting closer to nature (by touching the earth, plants, animals), avoiding antibacterial or alkaline pH products, favoring rebalancing "probiotic" hygiene products.
The washing products in the BIOSME hygiene range are part of this path. Their formulas have been developed to best respect the skin microbiome and its diversity: probiotic active ingredients with targeted action, an acidic pH that respects the microbiome, mild non-detergent surfactants, ultra-hydrating and protective natural active ingredients. By using them daily, you best protect your skin from irritations, flare-ups or dry skin.
(1) Strachan DP (1989) Hay fever, hygiene, and household size. BMJ 299 (6710): 1259–1260
(2) Bloomfield SF, et al. (2016) Time to abandon the hygiene hypothesis: New perspectives on allergic disease, the human microbiome, infectious disease prevention and the role of targeted hygiene. Perspect Public Health 136 (4): 213–224.