8 probiotic skin care goodies that will give you your best skin yet
Meet the game-changing skin MVPs
Over the past few years, the buzz around probiotics in skin care has exploded and discussions around our natural microbiome have become as standard as talk about AHAs and ceramides. Along with a surge in studies, beauty brands are beginning to take note, turning to advanced probiotic-infused formulas that will benefit your skin.
Before we get into all the best bug-laden products getting around town, it’s probably worth giving you guys a little background on what probiotics can do for your skin.
Why your microbiome is important
The truth is, your face is literally crawling with bugs; at any given moment, trillions of microscopic ‘good’ bacteria can be found chilling on your epidermis. The function of this bacteria is to protect the skin and keep it healthy (like the bacteria in your gut) by providing a natural barrier against contaminants and harmful bacteria.
“However, on occasion, this microbiome can become disrupted, which causes a shift in skin health,” explains dermal therapist Dr Giulia D’Anna from Dermal Distinction. “This disruption might be because of harsh exfoliants being used, or using soap, washing our skin too often (which is a real problem at the moment with COVID-19) or due to illness. This can result in redness, sensitivity, breakouts and other skin problems.”
The benefits of applying probiotics onto skin
So where do probiotics fit in? Well, for skin, probiotics basically work in a similar way as they do in the gut and help us maintain a ‘balanced’ state. Dr D’Anna says that probiotics basically work to replicate the microorganisms on your skin, so they can outnumber the bad bacteria and restore balance.
The best part? “All skin types can benefit from probiotic skin care products and most skin care companies offer products that are aimed at ‘normal’ skin, as well as specialised products for dry, oily and sensitive skin too,” she says.
“Some uses include the probiotics acting as a protective shield against bad bacteria, which in turn reduces inflammation, and helps to assist with management of premature ageing or skin stress, among other things,” explains Dr D’Anna. On top of that, these teeny bugs can do wonders for those who experience breakouts on the regular. “For those who have blemish-prone skin, using probiotics in skin care helps to create the perfect environment for the good bugs, swinging the balance back in your favour against P. acnes bacteria — the main offender in acne and pimples.”
Ready to protect that cute little microbiome? Let’s go!
Looking for more new products to add to your skin care routine? Check out the best new beauty buys to hit shelves this May.
Erin Docherty is a Beauty Writer for BEAUTYcrew, Beauty Editor for Women's Health magazine and a Grooming Writer for Men's Health magazine. She has a keen interest in cosmeceutical skin care and is currently working on minimising her 9-step skin care routine – because ain’t nobody got time for that. When she’s not writing about the latest beauty news, or applying copious amounts of serum, you can find her spending all her money in Sephora.
