Dive into the heart of the little-known universe that resides on your skin - the cutaneous microbiome. While we pay particular attention to our appearance, we often forget that our skin is home to a veritable community of microorganisms that play an essential role in our health and beauty. In this captivating article, we'll explore the mysteries of the skin microbiome and discover its influence on our skin, our immune system and even our general well-being. Prepare yourself for a truly surprising revelation, as science gradually reveals the vital importance of this microscopic world to our largest organ: the skin, and therefore also to our scalp.

What's the difference between microbiome and microbiota?

Microbiota and microbiome are two closely related terms, but they have slightly different meanings.
Microbiota refers to all the micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) that live in a specific environment, such as the human body. For example, the intestinal microbiota refers to the microorganisms present in the intestine, while the cutaneous microbiota refers to the microorganisms present on the skin.
The microbiome, on the other hand, refers to the set of genes of all the microorganisms present in the microbiota. It encompasses the genetic material of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., that make up the microbiota.
In other words, the microbiota is the community of microorganisms, while the microbiome is their set of genes.
It's important to note that the microbiota and microbiome are studied in a variety of contexts, such as the gut, skin, mouth, etc. Each body region has its own microbiota. Each body region has its own microbiota and microbiome, with specific compositions that can have an impact on the health and functioning of that region.

The particularities of the scalp.

The scalp plays an essential role in hair growth and health. It is distinguished by its complex composition and specific characteristics.
The scalp is a highly vascularized region, with an abundance of blood vessels feeding the hair follicles. These follicles produce hair, the number of which varies from 100,000 to 200,000 depending on the individual. Hair is made up of keratin, a fibrous protein.
In addition to hair follicles, the scalp contains a high concentration of sebaceous glands, which produce sebum to nourish and lubricate the hair, and sweat glands, which regulate body temperature through perspiration.
The scalp is also highly sensitive, thanks to the many nerve endings present in the area. This sensitivity enables it to perceive tactile sensations and react to its environment.
Overall, the scalp is vital to hair growth and health. Its complex structure, vascularization, density of hair follicles, sebaceous glands and sensitivity make it a unique region that deserves special attention to maintain healthy, vigorous hair.

What about the scalp microbiome?

Different areas of the body have different communities of microorganisms, known as the microbiome. The microorganisms that live on the surface of our skin play a vital role. The microbiome produces nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids, which are essential for healthy skin. It reinforces the skin barrier, protecting the skin from pathogenic bacteria by acidifying the skin surface and acting as a shield.
The scalp has a particular microbiome, mainly due to the sebaceous glands, which provide a lipid-rich environment. The microbiome is made up mainly of cutibacterium acnes, malassezia and staphylococcus epidermidis, and can vary according to geographical area.
An imbalance in the microbiome is correlated with sensitive, atopic, itchy or dandruff-prone scalps. For example, sensitive scalps have a higher proportion of cutibacterium acnes, which alters pH and disrupts sebum secretion.

How can we maintain our scalp microbiome?

It's important not to focus on a single star ingredient, especially if you suffer from an atopic scalp, but to check that all the ingredients are healthy for our microbiome. So how do we choose what's best for our scalp?

First of all, the pH of the shampoo is crucial. Our skin has a pH around 5.5, so the ideal is to use a shampoo with a pH around 4.5 to 7. However, conventional shampoos and cleansers have a high pH, usually around 10 to 11, making them alkaline. They are formulated with surfactants, notably sulfates, which give them a high cleaning capacity, and sometimes even excessive action.

Next, let's talk about preservatives. They are essential in traditional cosmetics, as they prevent the development of pathogenic micro-organisms and prevent products from going mouldy. However, preservatives can alter our skin microbiome and irritate even the most sensitive scalps. Fortunately, there are several options available today. Solid shampoos, for example, use no preservatives, as the absence of water limits microbial development.

This is precisely what Yodi chose when developing its products. Starting with shampoos. We decided to remove water from our formulas, and we also eliminated preservatives. What's more, we've formulated our 2 shampoos to have a pH close to that of the skin, and therefore respectful of our scalp.
Similarly, for our hair mask, we've removed the water and replaced it with organic aloe vera juice. So you can take care of your hair and scalp with this 100% natural, vegan mask.

Why Yodi shampoos?

Yodi shampoos contain Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide, a starch-derived prebiotic with the ability to nourish and promote the growth of the good bacteria present on our skin. By acting as a "superfood" for beneficial micro-organisms, Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide helps maintain the balance of the skin microbiome, creating a healthy and optimal environment.
But that's not all. Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide also offers soothing and protective properties for the skin. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and protecting the skin from external aggressors such as pollution and free radicals. By choosing skincare products containing a natural prebiotic, you're opting for a holistic approach to skin well-being. You nourish your microbiome, strengthen your skin's health and promote a radiant, balanced appearance.

Innovative Yodi routines

For dry, color-treated, damaged, curly hair & dry ends. Use Nutritive Argan shampoo with Ideal Aloe Argan mask. The ideal combo for nourishment from root to tip!
To protect your lengths, use Muesli and Pure Vanilla precious oil.
A healthy, 100% natural, vegan routine.

For oily hair looking for volume, use Douceur de Lait d'Amande powder shampoo and Ideal Aloe Argan mask. The perfect ultra-gentle routine to bring shine and volume to your hair, without damaging it, while deeply nourishing your ends.

A little tip: for extra volume, leave the mask on for 5 minutes before shampooing, rinse and then wash with shampoo.

Carry out your personalized hair diagnosis.