The Rise of Probiotic Skincare

Exploring the Probiotic Revolution in Skincare

Probiotics, commonly used for their benefits to gut health, are now making a significant impact in the skincare industry. These beneficial bacteria are being touted for their potential to improve skin health by balancing our skin's microbiome—the protective shield of microorganisms that reside on our skin's surface. We aim to shed some light on the science behind probiotic skincare and why it's becoming a staple of beauty regimes focused on health and sustainability.

The Science Behind Probiotics in Skincare

Our skin’s microbiome plays a key role in protecting against pathogens/infections, managing pH levels, and supporting our skin's overall health. Probiotics in skincare products help to balance these microbial ‘communities’ by reducing the dominance of harmful bacteria and enhancing the beneficial ones. As with gut health, there is still a lot we don’t know, but current research suggests that more diverse ecosystems lead to healthier skin. Skincare formulations may include lysates (fragments of bacteria, also referred to as ‘postbiotics’), or prebiotics—ingredients that nourish beneficial bacteria, fostering a robust skin defence mechanism.

When is Probiotic Skincare Not Probiotic Skincare?

Probiotic skincare can be misleading. When we talk about 'probiotic skincare,' we're usually referring to products containing postbiotics (previously living bacteria) or prebiotics (ingredients that support the natural growth of beneficial bacteria.) Probiotics technically means live bacteria, which are not typically possible to include in skincare formulations, due to preservative requirements which eliminate bacteria for safety reasons. 

Unfortunately, most probiotics would be affected by these preservation methods. So, you're left with prebiotics that nurture beneficial bacteria on your skin, or nonliving/post-living bacteria that have shown to offer skin benefits (postbiotics.) Alternatively, you might have a preservative system that enables probiotics to survive. However, there's concern about potentially harmful bacteria thriving alongside the beneficial ones in your skincare routine.

Benefits of Probiotic Skincare for Various Skin Types

Integrating probiotic-infused products into your skincare routine can offer many advantages, especially including benefits for those dealing with sensitive, dry, or acne/blemish-prone skin:

Sensitive Skin

• Probiotics are known for their calming effects on the skin, helping to soothe inflammation and reduce sensitivity. By boosting the skin's immune response, probiotics can help decrease potential inflammatory reactions that typically occur in sensitive skin. This results in less redness, itching, and irritation.

Dry Skin

• For those living with drier skin, probiotics offer two key benefits: they strengthen the skin's barrier and enhance its natural moisture retention capabilities. A strong skin barrier prevents moisture-loss and keeps harmful environmental agents out. This means skin stays more hydrated and feels softer and smoother over time.

Acne-Prone Skin

• Probiotics in skincare can help prevent and reduce the severity of acne outbreaks by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and limiting harmful bacteria. This balancing act helps maintain the skin's environment, making it less prone to acne-causing bacteria that can lead to breakouts.

Protection Against Environmental Stressors

• Probiotics also contribute to the skin's resilience against environmental stressors such as pollutants and UV radiation. They enhance the skin’s ability to fight against these stressors by strengthening its natural barriers. The added protection helps to prevent damage that can accelerate skin ageing and exacerbate skin conditions.

Top Probiotic Skincare Products on the Market

If you’re convinced and looking  to integrate probiotic skincare into your routine, here are some top products recommended by Pippa, skincare scientist and co-founder of Renude, to look out for:

Three cult skincare products that contain probiotics and prebiotics. 

• Estee Lauder - Advanced Night Repair. A cult skincare product long before the term probiotics started trending, this formula includes Bifida Ferment Lysate as its second ingredient, meaning it’s likely in there at a substantial dose. 

• Sachi States of Skin - Ursolic and Retinal Overnight Reform. One of our favourite retinal formulations here at Renude, this overnight treatment also contains probiotic ingredient Lactobacillus Ferment.

• The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner. A new launch for the brand, this milky toner uses a ferment of Saccharomyces (a probiotic yeast) which can gently exfoliate the skin to improve overall radiance and texture. 

These products often come with dermatologist recommendations or clinical certifications, providing an added layer of trust for consumers.

Conclusion: The Future of Skincare with Probiotics

Probiotic skincare is shaping up to be more than just a passing trend, indicating a shift towards more evidence-based, health-centric and more personalised skincare solutions. 

Research continues to affirm the significant role a balanced skin microbiome plays in our overall skin health, suggesting that probiotic skincare will become increasingly fundamental in our daily skincare routines. Probiotics not only aim to improve skin health but also align with eco-friendly practices, aiming to minimise environmental impact through the use of naturally derived ingredients and fewer harsh chemicals. 

As we move forward, probiotic skincare promises to merge scientific advances with sustainable beauty, appealing to a growing base of environmentally and health-conscious consumers.