The skin microbiome is a term that encompasses the trilions of bacteria and micro-organisms that live on the skin and keep it healthy. Skin health is directly linked to these natural, healthy bacteria, which needs to stay balanced to keep harmful bacteria at bay and prevent inflammation, redness, sensitivity and blemishes. The skin is our largest organ and making sure we have healthy skin is important, skincare products which promote beneficial bacteria help keep skin healthy, which means it looks bright and feels smooth.
Pre and probiotics are good for all skin types because a stable, balanced microbiome is a basic need of everybody’s skin. If your skin isn’t looking and feeling as healthy and fresh as it used to, there’s a good chance your microbiome could be unbalanced and lacking in healthy bacteria. People of all ages can benefit from the valuable support pre and probiotics provide, especially those with a compromised skin barrier or sensitivity. Pre and probiotics are also suitable for acne-prone skin, and many of them offer dual purpose as naturally hydrating ingredients.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are commonly referred to as “good bacteria”. These are live organisms that help your body maintain its natural balance. This applies to your skin in the same was as any other organ, with probiotics helping to kill off unwanted bad bacteria that might arise as a result of health conditions or environmental stressors.
One caveat here is that skincare often uses probiotic derivatives.These are non-living organisms classified as “postbiotics” that carry most of the same benefits as living probiotics, but which typically have a longer shelf life.
It’s also important to note that “probiotics” is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of different types and benefits, so you’ll need to find the best probiotics for your skin.
What about prebiotics?
You might have also heard about probiotics in conjunction with prebiotics. If you’re wondering what the difference is, prebiotics help to lay the ground for your probiotics, enabling them to do their best work. Sometimes described as the fuel or food source for probiotics, prebiotics are also important and we recommend looking for skincare that includes a balance of prebiotics and probiotics to help you get maximum benefits.
Probiotic benefits for skin
Different probiotics have different benefits, but a few are favoured in skincare. The best products use a blend of different probiotic and prebiotic ingredients that complement each other. The balancing effects of probiotics are often utilized to help protect and restore the skin, combatting some of the effects of everyday stressors such as stress, hormones and the outside environment as well as sun damage.
Probiotics work to strengthen the skin barrier, which also helps to lock in moisture and can be beneficial for those looking for ways to tackle dry or dehydrated skin. They’re also thought to help boost the production of collagen, which makes skin look plumper and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
