The days of celebrity-endorsed fad skincare products are over. The new movement in skincare is science-led, probiotic formulae, that are truly beneficial to skin health.

Sparked by a deeper understanding of the connection between gut health and skincare, the focus has shifted to the microbiome and its natural control over harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses that may coexist in the skin’s microbiome. 

The emphasis is now on the microbiome and how good bacteria are responsible for skin rejuvenation, general health and appearance and how to protect the skin against environmental damage.

To put this into perspective – the human skin has over one million microbes (bacteria) per square centimetre. That’s a community of billions of microorganisms on your skin, and the purpose is to get them co-existing in harmony.

The key to a healthy microbiome is to ensure enough beneficial bacteria exist to keep harmful bacteria at bay. It’s all about nurturing our good bacteria.

Probiotics promote a healthy biome

Probiotics are crucial in maintaining a healthy skin microbiome – the skin’s first line of defence and moisture barrier. Dermatologists have been stressing the importance of this, and it is only now that consumers are taking note.

There is a new wave of products centred around how the balance of microorganisms can be managed through skincare innovation. 

Online, search trends from Google report a five thousand percent increase in searches for Microbiome Skincare. On the social media front, #probioticskincare has been viewed over two million times on TikTok.

The difference between prebiotics and probiotics:

• Prebiotics are food that stimulates the growth of good bacteria.
• Probiotics are the actual microorganisms themselves. 

When probiotics are applied topically to the skin, they boost microbial health.

Modern lifestyle habits, stress, suspect diets, lack of sleep, and environmental aggressors such as excess UV/UVB radiation exposure, can disrupt the skin’s natural defences. The body’s largest organ, the skin, bears the brunt of compromised wellness. Infection, Eczema, psoriasis and dandruff are just some of the consequences of an unhealthy microbiome. The topical use of probiotics can help to balance, protect and restore a healthy glowing complexion.

As an anti-inflammatory, probiotics treat a number of skincare problems, including rosacea, acne, hypo-pigmentation and dullness, as well as reduce redness, sensitivity and breakouts.