Why probiotics are good for your skin

There’s a new innovation in skincare that’s taking the beauty world by storm. Unseen to the naked eye, experts says good bacteria might help more than your gut. These microscopic marvels might be the key to calm, clear, healthy-looking skin. Read on to find out about the benefits of probiotics for skin – and why probiotic skincare should take up residence in your beauty regime.

Think bacteria's a bit, well, gross? Surprise! Our bodies are naturally full of good bacteria and bad bacteria. These live harmoniously with fungi, viruses, and other micro-organisms. Together, they form a diverse and complex ecosystem: the microbiome.

It might be a little gross to think of bacteria setting up camp in your body, but rest easy. Good bacteria play an important role in keeping us healthy. Probiotics are living strains of healthy bacteria. They support our immune system and regulate inflammation. They balance our gut flora, helping the smooth running of our digestive system and aiding the absorption of nutrients.

If our levels of good and bad bacteria fall off balance, we can experience digestive issues and other health concerns. Research on gut health and acne and gut health and skin suggests that the bacterial imbalance in our gut can affect other parts of our body, too. For example, links have been drawn between inflammation of the gut (caused by a bacterial imbalance) and acne. Our bodies are machines which rely on harmony to function at their best.

Just like our gut has a microbiome, so too does our skin. Our unique skin microbiome is influenced by our genetics, where we live, and the pollutants and products we expose our skin to. A healthy skin microbiome is critical to healthy-looking skin because it reinforces the skin’s natural barrier. It’s like a shield against free radical damage and photoaging – factors that cause the appearance of early aging. Disrupt these bacteria levels, and a weakened skin barrier can result. That can lead to irritation, redness, and generally stressed skin. No fun.

A growing body of research suggests that probiotics can have a positive effect on our visage. Probiotic skincare is the best way of delivering this good bacteria to the skin. And let’s be honest. Although we’re totally on board with supplements, skincare is a lot more luxurious than swallowing a pill.

Topical probiotics foster an environment of healthy bacteria. They rally the troops that act as a defence for your skin! With a functional barrier, skin is better protected against environmental stress. And we subject our skin to a lot of that! Chemical products, pollutants, weather, UV rays, air conditioning, heating - you name it.

There's another important benefit to a stronger skin barrier. With the skin’s epidermal layers sealed and strengthened, less moisture is able to escape – a phenomenon known as trans-epidermal water loss. More water spells skin that’s hydrated and fresh.

Probiotics for skin can help keep your microflora in harmony. A healthy microbiome contributes to balanced pH levels, which encourages clearer skin. Oil production is kept in check, helping to stave off blemishes.

If you’re wondering about probiotics for eczema, or probiotics for acne, take note. Inflammation is the underlying cause of stressed and red skin, as well as a host of common skin concerns. Exposure to pollution and UV rays are a big factor in this. Probiotics have been noted for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They may also help to offer protection against the effects of photoaging – all factors which craft calmer skin.

"Probiotics" is an umbrella term to describe both probiotics and postbiotics. Confused? Fair enough. While these two things are similar, there are some key differences. Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the body. You won’t find pure probiotics in skincare because they are difficult to preserve. We’d have to keep our moisturisers in the fridge, which is more than a tad inconvenient.

Postbiotics are special forms of “non-live postbiotics,” bio fermented for use in probiotic skincare. Postbiotics are powerful active compounds that are completely stable. You can get probiotics skin benefits in these nourishing skincare formulations.