What are Pre / Probiotics in skincare? Does Probiotic Skincare actually work?

As the largest organ, our skin’s health is as important as of any other organ in our body.

Probiotics and prebiotics play a crucial role in maintaining skin health at all ages and especially for women navigating midlife as their skin is now much thinner than it used to be. They balance the skin's microbiome, promoting a healthy barrier against environmental stressors. By nurturing the skin's natural flora, they help reduce inflammation and enhance skin's radiance and resilience. Before we understand how prebiotics and probiotics can help our skin, we need to understand what the microbiome is and how it works.

 

 What’s skin microbiome?

As strange as it may sound, there's a parallel world of microbiome that lives with us. Our skin is home to trillions of tiny, microscopic elements like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and lots of other microorg­anisms.

You may think they are impurities but they are actually your skin’s way of nourishing and protecting itself.

 

 

 

What are Probiotics?

Think of probiotics as the superhero bacteria that reside on our skin, acting as nourishers and protectors. These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in strengthening our skin's natural defenses. By reinforcing the skin's barrier, they guard against harmful bacteria and help maintain the skin's pH levels. This not only keeps our skin well-protected but also ensures it stays balanced and healthy.

 

What are Prebiotics?

If probiotics are the superheroes, then prebiotics are their trusty sidekicks, providing the essential nourishment they need to thrive. Prebiotics serve as a food source for the good bacteria, ensuring that they can flourish and multiply. This support helps to cultivate a diverse community of beneficial bacteria, which is key to maintaining healthy skin. Without prebiotics, our skin's microbiome would struggle to stay balanced, leaving our skin constantly trying to catch up.

 

Together, Probiotics and Prebiotics: Harmonizing the Skin’s Ecosystem

Probiotics and prebiotics stabilize the skin’s microbiome balance creating a strong barrier that can withstand a variety of environmental stressors. They align closely with the skin’s natural processes, offering gentle yet effective support and promoting a balanced, healthy skin environment.

 

Role of Probiotics and Probiotics in the skincare

 

Harsh facial cleansers and topical products deplete skin of the healthy or the ‘good' bacteria causing skin to inflame resulting in breakouts, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis etc.

Most skincare products focus on treating the exterior of the skin with topical products to reduce visible problems like aging, acne, or discolouration, the results are nil or short term. 

 

The long-term solution, however, lies in treating the skin from the inside out. That is where the role of Prebiotics and Probiotics is. 

We're familiar with their benefits for gut health, boosting our immune system and organ functions. What researchers have realized is that these microbes also play a huge part in the vitality, appearance, and health of our skin. They utilize the nutrients that naturally occur in the skin to promote a healthy complexion.

 

 

  

Ingredients that amplify the benefits of pre/probiotics in skincare

In the realm of skincare, the efficacy of prebiotic and probiotic products is significantly enhanced when combined with certain complementary ingredients. Dermatologists often recommend and verify such combinations for their synergistic benefits.

 

Key ingredients like hydrators, including Polyglutamic acid, Peptides and Ceramides—which are lipids identical to those found in the skin—play a crucial role. These components work to reinforce the skin barrier, creating an optimal environment for beneficial skin microbes to thrive. This synergy not only boosts the effectiveness of pre/probiotic skincare products but also promotes a healthier, more resilient skin ecosystem.

Is the pre/probiotic skincare for you?

Pre/Probiotics, being biomimetic, mimic the skin’s natural processes, balance the skin's microflora and bolster its natural defense mechanisms. Especially for those of us with sensitive skin types, these are particularly advantageous as they support and enhance the skin's natural flora and immune response, making them a perfect match for sensitive skin. Opting for fragrance-free pre/probiotic skincare products is the best combination if you have sensitive or delicate skin.