Most of us focus on internal gut health and ignore our skin. But how can pre and probiotic formulas help your skin when applied topically? Let’s deep dive.

What We Know About Skin Biome

As we know, our skin is home to trillions of microbiotas such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The skin microbiome is the collection of all these microbiotas along with its physical components. It is believed that bacterial diversity is key. The greater the variety of bacterial species on the skin, the healthier its barrier will be. The balanced biome prevents the skin become dry, inflamed, itchy, and stingy. Research linking microbiome imbalances shows inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea.

Prebiotic, Probiotic & Postbiotic Skin Care

When it comes to skincare laced with live culture and fermentation extracts, there are three terms you may come across- prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Probiotics are skin-friendly live bacteria. On the other hand, prebiotics are dietary fibers that help “good bacteria” to thrive. Therefore, both prebiotics and probiotics work effectively when paired together. Postbiotics are produced during fermentation as metabolic byproducts of probiotic bacteria. Non-living fragments of bacteria called lysates and their beneficial biosynthetic ingredients also fall under the postbiotic umbrella. These ingredients are believed to help foster the skin’s rich and disparate microbial community enhancing the complexion.

The science-backed studies with these ingredients reveal promising leads. According to the white papers published, skincare with pre, pro, or postbiotics has positive effects on the skin without changing the microbiotic landscape on our skin. Moreover, many people who have taken pre/pro/postbiotic-infused skincare products for a test drive swear that they work.

Skin Care Benefits

  • Helps prevent and treat skin conditions
    Although the precise mechanisms by which probiotics improve skin health are unknown, several clinical studies showed that probiotic bacteriotherapy has great potential in preventing and treating skin diseases, including eczema, acne, dry skin, and UV-induced skin damage. Probiotic skincare optimizes microflora that naturally occurs on the skin, prevents inflammation, and delivers intense hydration. For example, Probiotic bacteria, lactobacillus paracasei, may improve the skin barrier function.
  • Helps increase ceramide content in the skin
    Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that trap moisture in the skin. Certain probiotics help promote the skin’s production of ceramides to strengthen natural barrier functions keeping acne-causing bacteria and infection levels in check. Importantly, people with eczema have lower levels of ceramides, so boosting it can be essential.
  • Balances the skin’s pH
    As we age, the skin’s pH increases, making skin drier and allowing more harmful bacteria to grow. Prebiotics feed healthy bacteria that balance the skin’s pH.
    In addition, several small-scale yet promising studies suggest that bacteriotherapy can address skin aging and even fight skin cancer. Ex: topical application of bifidobacterium longum was shown to reduce skin dryness and aging.

Who does it benefit the most?

Pre, pro, or postbiotic skincare and treatments can help all skin types but are especially beneficial to those with acne or skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. They calm skin and take better control over breakouts.

Probiotics are generally safe for most populations and are not linked to skin reactions or rashes. Experts do not recommend using them for people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems.

Like any other skincare, consistency is vital for probiotics-infused formulas. Apply twice a day and smooth over. And do not forget to apply sunscreen SPF 30 or above during the day.