8 Comments
User's avatar
Scott C Anderson's avatar

Stéphanie, the oral microbiome is intimately connected to brain health, and likely plays a role in Alzheimer's. Researchers have found toxins from gingivalis bacteria in the brains of 98% of Alzheimer's patients, so your instincts are correct. Keep up the good work!

Expand full comment
Stéphanie Colle-Watillion's avatar

Indeed, another important message to share with our readers! Prevention always beats intervention.

Expand full comment
Scott C Anderson's avatar

Stéphanie, the skin also has a microbiome, although not as spectacular as the gut. I've been trying to create a skin prebiotic to feed the good microbes, but so far no luck. I'll keep you posted if I figure it out!!

Expand full comment
Stéphanie Colle-Watillion's avatar

I should have mentioned that in my post. I was reading up a little bit more on our microbiome, after publishing (ahem!).

I wasn't sure about how much we actually know and it looks like there is still quite a bit to research. But we can "manipulate" it to improve our overall health.

I think I'll look into our oral microbiome next, as oral health is also something to keep in top shape, even more so as we age.

This is such a huge topic!

I'm looking forward to your findings. Thank you for this comment.

Expand full comment
Emma KG -  Ageing Psychologist's avatar

Thanks for this. It makes perfect sense that our skin is communicating about the state of our health. I guess as well healthy inside also feels better and mood improves. A virtuous circle.

Has made me think about water quality as well as quantity. X

Expand full comment
Stéphanie Colle-Watillion's avatar

I sometimes wonder about water quality as well. I drink tap water, in Brussels it's apparently of excellent quality. Good for me. It does contain a small amount of chlorine though, which is now controversial. So who knows? Thanks for stopping by!

Expand full comment
Scott C Anderson's avatar

Great article, Stéphanie. Many skin treatments, like hyaluronic acid, simply can't penetrate the skin, so they have limited benefits. But a healthy gut prevents inflammation, the real villain in aging and wrinkling. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Stéphanie Colle-Watillion's avatar

True. Some treatments work better than others, but I've noticed that I have to rotate my cosmetics. If I use a moisturiser for too long, and this varies for each product, my skin seems to get used to it. Maybe the product does its job and over time, I don't need to use it as much? But indeed, working from the inside out make so much more sense. And this goes for all aspects of our health.

Expand full comment