Though you can't see it happening, every minute of the day we lose about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of our skin. 

So just in the time it took you to read this far, you've probably lost about 20,000 cells.

That's almost 9 pounds of cells every year!

Your outer body has its own microbiome. Skin is like a vast savanna populated with millions of different bacteria. They feed on the oils seeping from your pores, dead cells, bits of organic matter, and each other, (as well as protect you from invasive dangerous pathogens when the skin is healthy and intact). "In a single centimeter of skin (0.39"), you can find thousands of bacteria," says James Meadow, former University of Oregon researcher and co-author of a microbiome paper published in the journal Peer J.Combined.The non-you cells in your body out-number the you-cells by about 10 to One.

Everyone has their own "Bacterial Cloud". Bacteria easily get stirred up by the currents and eddies you create as you walk around. If you are close enough to shake hands with someone, you are in their microbial cloud. When someone walks by and you feel breeze, that's taking your bacteria with them. That means you share microbes with your coworkers, classmates, your family members, and the people you ride the train with. And, every dead skin cell shed carries bacteria and other pathogens on them.

Let's throw a little more into this scenario... Maybe you went to the gym or did hot yoga and haven't showered in a few hours. Or it's bedtime and you don't wash your face. Or any combination of these: you leave your makeup on (creating a congestive skin glue), you skip a shampoo or have days of hair products in your hair, you haven't changed your sheets (esp. your pillowcase) in a while, throw on worn pj's, you drool, and sweat, and secrete oil. This creates a bacterial soup. As you lay in this night after night, you create a bacterial abundance which could negatively affect your skin & health - not to mention the prolific abundance of dust mites that are growing everywhere (including skin mites) by the thousands. If you have asthma, allergies, rosacea, sensitive skin, rashes, or acne, this is something you want to avoid.

Water rinsing alone is NOT effective because it cannot break-down the surface tension of the skin's barrier. Micellar water leaves a microscopic oil film and should only be used in a pinch, or as a pre-cleanse makeup remover. Make sure you use an appropriate cleanser after using micellar water.

Not sure what facial cleansing routine is best for you? Skinplicity has customized cleansing products formulated for every skin type & condition.

There are ways to improve your skin and environmental microbiome: Skinplicity carries active, concentrated probiotic products for the face & body, as well as home, pet, & institutional-use. They are a great addition to maintaining a healthy environment. And, they last 3-5 days after each use on surfaces.These products help naturally lessen the dust, bacterial, and allergen/dust mite load in your environment. Very effective and safe for your entire family. So concentrated, a teaspoon of concentrate makes 16 oz. There is NOTHING on the market that compares.

By taking a few extra minutes each day to make some corrections in your routine, you can help create a healthy microbiome in your environment, and that of your skin!