Bacteria and skin — the association alone makes us itch. Contrary to the popular belief, bacteria are not all bad. There’s such a thing as good bacteria and it’s made its way into our beauty cabinets.
Lately, there’s been an explosion of probiotic skincare products, along with numerous studies on how these live bacteria and yeasts, which hold key benefits for the overall health of our gut, can improve every kind of skin concern, including slowing down the signs of aging.
So, what exactly are probiotics?
‘The proper definition of probiotics is “micro-organisms that can benefit its host’, says Marie Drago, founder of award-winning probiotic skincare brand, Gallinée, ‘but I just tend to call them good bacteria!”
Probiotics hold key benefits for the overall health of our digestive system, and similar to how they can treat and prevent gut problems, topical versions are known for their calming effects on the skin. Just like our gut, our skin also has its own resident microbiome with a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites.
Believe it or not, there are more than one trillion bacteria living in and on our skin, representing roughly one thousand distinct species. A healthy microbiome strengthens your skin barrier and locks in hydration while also fending off infections and reducing inflammation.
‘The natural bacterial ecosystem of our skin has a very important protective role, and with our over-clean modern lifestyle, this ecosystem is often damaged and can result in dry, stressed, sensitive skin’ says Marie. Changes in the skin microbiome have been connected to a number of major skin concerns, including acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. This is exactly where the latest probiotic skincare comes in, helping foster the bacteria in our microbiome improving the health of our skin’s barrier, keeping it plump and dewy.
While some products contain live cultures – probiotics – others may include prebiotics and postbiotics. While prebiotics can help feed your own bacteria, and further help rebuild the skin barrier while postbiotics are central to the healthy function of our immune system and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
But is it really worth incorporating probiotics into your ever-expanding skin regime?
The answer is yes, especially if you have sensitive skin, or you’re acne-prone. Probiotic skincare products encourage the recovery of the skin’s barrier and reduce inflammation. By encouraging cell renewal and protecting your skin from environmental stressors probiotics may be just what you need to fight off the first signs of aging.
Sounds too good to be true? Remember that mainstream skincare products are designed to get rid of all bacteria altogether, which can sometimes throw our skin’s natural functions out of balance. Incorporating probiotic-packed products into your skincare regime will help to restore that balance.
Have you incorporated probiotics into your skincare routine yet?
