Brace yourself: More than 1 trillion microorganisms currently live on your skin. Even though the word "bacteria" gives you goosebumps (perhaps now more than ever), we want these organisms to thrive because they can reduce inflammation (including eczema and psoriasis), prevent acne, and slow down aging sign.
This is where the concept of probiotic skin care comes into play. In addition to these microbes being the heroes of gut health (one of the reasons kombucha has become the drink of choice in recent years), probiotics also play an important role in skin care.
To better understand how adding probiotics to your daily routine can improve your microbiome and overall skin health, we asked scientist Sofia Popov, founder and CEO of GUTXY. What is the skin microbiome? To understand how probiotics work, Popov says, we first need to understand the skin's microbiome (also called skin flora).
"Our skin is home to millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, also known as our skin microbiome." Like a fingerprint, each person's microbiome is unique (and changes with age changes with growth), although they all serve similar functions.
"Just like the microbes in our gut, the microbes on our skin also play an important role in our bodies: They fight off pathogens, support your immune system and ensure your skin is healthy," Popov says. You're familiar with your skin Moisture barrier, this may sound familiar to you.
This is because the microbiome is technically its outermost layer. This invisible layer of microorganisms sits atop the skin's acidic mantle, helping to keep out invaders and protect the underlying layers from damage.
As you can imagine, keeping an ecosystem of bacteria and other organisms thriving is important to keeping your microbiome in tip-top shape, which benefits overall skin health. While this works for all types and issues, it can be especially beneficial if you have sensitive skin, prone to frequent breakouts, or prone to inflammation
(such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and dermatitis). "The number of microorganisms on your skin affects how your skin looks and feels," Popov adds. A balanced microbiome can fight infection, heal wounds (such as acne scars) more quickly, prevent moisture loss, and better protect against damage caused by UV rays.
Basically, Popov says, more good or bad microbes can play a role in skin staying clear or breaking out, feeling itchy or smooth, looking inflamed or staying glowing...you get the idea. When the microbiome is out of balance, the skin barrier cannot function as it should.
Taking antibiotics (which kill both good and bad bacteria), using high-pH products (remember: the optimal pH for skin is about 5), and eating an unhealthy diet can all contribute to this condition. So, how do we ensure that all the good bacteria are thriving and the skin microbiome stays happy and healthy? Enter: probiotics.
Benefits of Probiotics. Popov puts it simply: Probiotics are “live microorganisms that we can consume in pill, powder, or food form that directly enhance the good bacteria in the gut.” Since these microbes are also present in the gut, consuming probiotics may Increase the population of some beneficial bacteria.
This comes with side benefits. In fact, Popov adds, "Research has found an important connection between the gut and the skin. Gut problems often accompany skin problems and can even affect a variety of skin conditions." Before the thought of consuming live bacteria scares you, consider that you may have consumed probiotics before.
Yogurt, sauerkraut, tempeh and sourdough bread all contain them. However, unless you eat a lot of probiotic-rich foods, you're unlikely to consume enough probiotics to alter your microbiome. This is why many people choose to take probiotic supplements to achieve results.
Of course, if you're particularly concerned about any of the previously mentioned skin concerns, Popov says you can also get the benefits of probiotics by applying them directly to your skin (which is just as effective as vacuuming). Refining that microbial balance.
No matter how you take your probiotics, you may notice that they are called by their scientific names. Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Lactobacillus plantarum are some examples of probiotics commonly used to improve the skin microbiome.
Our creamy cleanser is formulated with Lactobacillus fermentation lysate; this ingredient goes through a fermentation process that breaks down into smaller molecules that the skin can actually absorb (as we know, the molecule size of ingredients like hyaluronic acid matters).
Although this ingredient is lab-made, it mimics the benefits of using live microorganisms: It restores balance, soothes, and reduces inflammation and redness.
Our creamy cleanser is formulated with Lactobacillus fermentation lysate; this ingredient goes through a fermentation process that breaks down into smaller molecules that the skin can actually absorb (as we know, the molecule size of ingredients like hyaluronic acid matters).
Although this ingredient is lab-made, it mimics the benefits of using live microorganisms: It restores balance, soothes, and reduces inflammation and redness.
By the way, while some experts recommend storing probiotics in the refrigerator (because these organisms are so unstable), most forms of skin care (including ours) use shelf-stable versions that don't require refrigeration.
What about prebiotics? If you're familiar with probiotics, you've probably come across the term prebiotic (we know, we know: it's confusing).
You can think of prebiotics as a supplement to probiotics; they are non-digestible fibers that promote beneficial gut bacteria. In other words, Popov says, "Prebiotics are food for live probiotics. If you don't have enough prebiotics, your 'good gut' bacteria will starve."
Ideally, probiotics and prebiotics Work together to ensure optimal function of the skin microbiome. Currently, research on the benefits of topical prebiotics is rather limited. However, similar to probiotics, you can consume them through your diet. Asparagus, oats (note: these are also included in the Gentle Cycle), onions, asparagus, and garlic are just some of the foods that contain high amounts of prebiotics.
What about prebiotics? If you're familiar with probiotics, you've probably come across the term prebiotic (we know, we know: it's confusing).
You can think of prebiotics as a supplement to probiotics; they are non-digestible fibers that promote beneficial gut bacteria. In other words, Popov says, "Prebiotics are food for live probiotics. If you don't have enough prebiotics, your 'good gut' bacteria will starve."
Ideally, probiotics and prebiotics Work together to ensure optimal function of the skin microbiome. Currently, research on the benefits of topical prebiotics is rather limited. However, similar to probiotics, you can consume them through your diet. Asparagus, oats (note: these are also included in the Gentle Cycle), onions, asparagus, and garlic are just some of the foods that contain high amounts of prebiotics.
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