Probiotic skincare products have become a recent hype, and with good reason. Adding probiotics or good bacteria to skincare products are touted to bring unique benefits that only these kinds of products can provide. Read on to know more about probiotic skincare products and how they’re good for the skin.

What are probiotics?

We all live amongst the presence of bacteria. Even human organisms interact with bacteria daily, 24/7, as our own body hosts millions of bacteria itself, most of which we can find in the gut. Bacteria colonies help regulate some bodily functions like aiding digestion, influencing hormone production, and monitoring the immune system.

The good bacteria are called probiotics. They are encouraged to populate within our systems to counterbalance the ill effects of harmful bacteria since we all have both good and bad bacteria in our systems. The most common way to increase our good bacterial colonies is by consuming probiotic-rich food such as fermented vegetables like kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented milk products like yoghurt, and taking probiotic supplements.

Probiotic skincare

Companies have discovered that probiotic ingredients are great for beauty products. Korean beauty experts like BRAND have used fermented natural ingredients for their products. You can find more here.

The skin itself hosts microorganisms on its surface that help balance our skin’s natural pH levels. Harsh cleansers and overuse of cosmetic products disrupt this natural balance, which can lead to breakouts, irritation, and skin ageing.

Thankfully, this is where probiotic skincare products come into the picture. Fermented skincare products help create a good-bacteria-friendly environment that enables good bacteria to thrive on your skin’s surface.

Best probiotic for skincare

Now that we’ve established what good bacteria can do for your skin, you might be wondering what kind of ingredients you need to look for in a fermented skincare product. Good bacteria on your skin help break down and assimilate nutrients so they can be absorbed into the skin faster. Bacteria produce byproducts such as enzymes that help break down nutrients and vitamins into smaller molecules so they can absorb and take effect on the surface more quickly.

Here are some of the probiotic ingredients you can check:

Aqua Posae Filiformis

This probiotic metabolic byproduct is excellent for restoring hydration and pH balance and is excellent for individuals suffering from dry skin.

Lactococcus ferment lysate

This probiotic works well for individuals with sensitive skin who are prone to irritation. The bacteria promote skin rejuvenation and soothe any flare-ups or irritations that can occur.

Nitrosomonas eutropha

This particular bacteria are carefully obtained from the soil and infused into skincare products. This probiotic can fight harmful bacteria and has anti-inflammatory properties, which is perfect for those who want to treat acne and pimples caused by bad bacteria lodged into the skin’s pores.

Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium

These are bacteria strains commonly found in milk and milk products, especially breast milk. Both strains are vital to human beings as they promote stronger immune systems and help break down nutrients into readily assimilable forms. Skincare products containing these strains are useful for delaying skin ageing and help improve youthful and revitalized complexion.

Since probiotic skincare products contain live bacteria and enzymes, it has a shorter shelf-life than non-probiotic skincare products. Probiotic skincare products usually have a six-month shelf life to be considered effective and may have a faster deterioration rate once opened. Thus, it is essential to store your probiotic skincare products correctly and to keep some products in the fridge once opened.

Probiotic skincare tips

When using probiotic skincare products, it is imperative to have a supportive skincare routine that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria on your skin.

Here are some tips on how to create a skincare routine to boost the effectiveness of probiotic skincare products:

Avoid harsh ingredients

Harsh cleansers strip off and disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance, which is vital for healthy bacterial growth on your skin. Switch for a mild cleanser that promotes skin hydration to support a healthy probiotic environment on your skin.

Avoid over-exfoliation

Too much abrasion can create similar results to using harsh cleansers. When using probiotic skincare products, limit your exfoliation count and use only mild exfoliants to maintain your skin’s pH balance.

Conclusion

Avoid combining probiotic skincare products. It is advisable to use only one kind of fermented skincare product at a time, as mixing different probiotic products with various bacterial strains may cause adverse effects on your skin. Stick to just one product at a time to get maximal results and prevent any possible irritations.