Why are Probiotics in skincare?
Probiotics have become a staple in most people's daily routines, whether in the form of supplements or from foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha or even sourdough bread. We're normally consuming probiotics to aid our digestion and foster a healthy gut but have you ever wondered why probiotics might appear in your skincare regimen?
Well it all comes down to keeping a healthy microbiome. The term "microbiome" might transport you back to your bored-out-of-your-mind Biology class days but having one is an absolutely crucial part of how your skin stays healthy.
The skins microbiome is made up up specific strains of bacteria, viruses, fungus and microeukaryotes. Don't let microeukaryotes scare you, we're not going to deep dive in biology today, all you need know is that all of these tiny microorganisms are on a mission to enhance your skin's radiance. A bunch of viruses and bacteria may sound bad, but they're a mixed bunch - some are good for us, some aren't - it just depends on the circumstances.
Your skin's microbiome is influenced by factors like sebum production, hydration levels, and pH (the scale that dictates acidity or alkalinity). If any of these factors go awry, the friendly bacteria on your skin can turn into troublemakers. Studies suggest that alterations in skin microflora play a significant role in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer. In essence, bacteria (and the other players of the microbiome gang) are key players in maintaining your skin's health.
The Mechanism Behind Probiotic Skincare
Probiotics work their magic by allowing beneficial microorganisms (the good bacteria) to establish themselves on your skin, restoring its natural balance. They also fortify your skin's defenses against environmental stressors, like irritants and allergens.
However, when we talk about topical probiotics, we're not referring to slathering on a yogurt face mask and humming to a sounding bowl. For a start, this just wouldn't work -the bacteria found in probiotic yogurt are too large to be absorbed by the skin, and let's face it, no one since Cleopatra wants to smell like sour milk. Instead, probiotic bacteria produce acidic compounds, such as lactic acid, through the fermentation process. When applied to the skin, these compounds lower its pH, creating an environment that deters harmful pathogens.
The Benefits of Probiotic Skincare
Topical probiotics have a soothing effect on the skin. They help prevent skin cells from reacting to harmful bacteria, which can lead to inflammation. This means they could be a part of the solution for issues like rosacea or acne.
Probiotics may also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, offering a potential anti-aging benefit.
While not a replacement for sunscreen, topical probiotics can provide an added layer of protection against UV rays, bolstering your defense against sun damage.
These skincare heroes strengthen the skin's immune system, enabling it to fend off invaders, and they accelerate the skin's repair processes.
Numerous brands offer probiotic-infused products, with some like Biofresh's Yoghurt of Bulgaria line boasting a wide range of options.
Internal Probiotics and Their Impact on Your Skin
We think to upgrade your skin, you need to upgrade both inside and out. It may sound a bit "wellness" but there is a growing body of scientific literature which points towards a complex bidirectional communication network between the brain, gut and skin, and disturbances in one can influence the others.
Kepping the brain gut skin axis in mind we believe incorporating internal probiotics is a crucial aspect of achieving healthy skin. Probiotic supplements and other sources of probiotics, such as sourdough, kefir, yogurt, and sauerkraut (for the vegans among us), can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with everything from forehead congestion and acne to Psoriasis and Eczema.
In Conclusion
To sum it up:
- Your skin is home to a beneficial bacterial community that aids its natural functions.
- Probiotics, whether taken internally or applied topically, can restore bacterial balance on your skin.
- Balancing the bacteria can address a wide range of skin issues.
So, why wait? It's time to incorporate probiotics into both your internal and external skincare routines to nurture your skin's health and radiance.
Photo by Mike Jones: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-preparing-a-clear-glass-of-food-8805104/
Photo by Katerina Holmes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-black-teacher-explaining-biology-to-diverse-pupils-5905530/