Does Probiotic Skincare Work?
Probiotic skincare refers to products that contain live microorganisms believed to improve skin health. Probiotics are commonly associated with promoting gut health when ingested, but they are also used in skincare products for their potential benefits such as helping with acne and eczema.
While people have been using probiotics for skin for a while now, is the trend worth the hype? Here’s everything you should know about probiotic skincare.
What is Probiotic Skincare?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can improve your health–and your skin. Probiotic skincare involves using skincare products containing these microorganisms to treat a number of skin concerns such as eczema and acne. You’ll find probiotics in creams, serums, and many other treatments.
Only recently have researchers begun to understand the effects of probiotics on the skin, acne, and a variety of other skin conditions. Less than a decade ago, scientists thought there were only 200 different types of microbes living in and on the human body. Today, however, scientists know that there are actually trillions of microbes sharing space with us–and they play a fundamental role in the skin’s ability to protect itself and stay healthy.
Probiotic skincare is especially beneficial for balancing the skin and strengthening skin barrier function. Everything from sun damage to diet and even harsh skincare products can throw your skin’s microbiome out of balance. And when this happens, you’re likely to end up with issues like acne, redness, dryness, and sensitivity. Probiotic skincare helps to restore the balance that enables good bacteria to thrive so skin can stay functioning its best.
Are Probiotics Good for Skin?
According to dermatologists, yes, probiotics are good for your skin. That’s because they play a crucial role in keeping your skin in balance. By stabilizing the skin’s microbiome, probiotics help to strengthen the skin’s surface against external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution. They also improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, reduce signs of dryness and tightness, and restore a healthy pH balance.
Probiotics are forms of good bacteria that play an essential role in keeping your microbiome balanced. While you might think that ridding your skin of bacteria would be the best way to combat acne and irritation, the right bacteria has the opposite effect. It helps to fight bad bacteria, balance the skin, and build a defensive barrier to treat and reduce breakouts, redness, and irritation.
Ultimately, most people can benefit from applying probiotic skincare treatments since they’re known for keeping the skin strong and healthy.
Best Probiotic Skincare Products
Looking to shop probiotic skincare? Try out Truly’s Glass Skin Set which features a cleansing balm and probiotic serum to achieve poreless, dewy skin.
Glass Skin Set
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A 2-step routine featuring a cleansing balm and facial serum. Infused with sebum-reducing jojoba oil, hydrating niacinamide, and biome-balancing probiotics to leave skin plump, dewy, and poreless.
The Glass Skin Cleansing Balm is a 2-in-1 cleanser and makeup remover that penetrates deep into the pores, sweeping away sebum, gunk, and makeup for a clear and fresh complexion. The Glass Skin Facial Serum targets dullness, dryness, and large pores for a flawless, glistening finish.
Best for: Dry, oily, and sensitive skin types. The Glass Skin Set is vegan, cruelty-free, clean, and fragrance-free. Thanks to its hydrating and soothing properties, it’s the perfect choice for those with dry and easily irritated skin. And with its sebum-balancing benefits, the set is ideal for people with oily and acne-prone skin.
Benefits of Probiotics for Skin
Ahead, all the benefits of probiotic skincare and why it just might be worth incorporating topical probiotics into your daily skincare routine.
Acne
Using probiotics for acne can be extremely beneficial, especially if you have sensitive, easily irritated skin. One of the primary ways probiotics benefit the skin is by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes. Additionally, they help reduce inflammation, a key culprit of acne. Moreover, they may play a role in regulating sebum production, preventing pores from becoming clogged which often results in blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Eczema
Eczema is often associated with an imbalanced skin microbiome, where certain harmful bacteria predominate. Probiotics for eczema can help restore balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. This balancing effect can reduce skin inflammation, itching, and dryness–all common symptoms of eczema.
Probiotics may also help strengthen the skin's natural barrier function, preventing irritants from penetrating the skin and exacerbating the condition.
Visible Signs of Aging
As we age, our skin's natural ability to produce collagen diminishes, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Probiotics can stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Plus, they contribute to the skin's overall health by reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress, both of which accelerate the aging process.
Wound Healing
Probiotics have shown promise in promoting wound healing and minimizing the appearance of scars. When applied topically to wounds, probiotics can accelerate the healing process. They create a microenvironment that is less susceptible to infection and inflammation, allowing the skin to repair itself more efficiently.
Whether it's a minor cut, scrape, or skin irritation, probiotics may offer a natural and effective way to support the body's wound healing mechanisms and maintain healthy skin.
What are the Best Probiotics in Skincare?
Some common probiotics that you may find in skin products include
Lactococcus, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, and Leuconostoc. All of these probiotics can be effective at strengthening and balancing the skin while treating a variety of skin concerns.
Is Probiotic Skincare Worth the Hype?
Probiotic skincare is definitely worth a try given its number of benefits for the skin. For starters, thanks to its skin barrier strengthening properties, probiotics can help ease symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. What’s more, probiotics can be helpful when it comes to combating acne owing to its bacteria-fighting and inflammation-quelling abilities.
Essentially, everyone can benefit from using probiotic skin care. Besides treating a number of skin concerns, probiotics keep the skin healthy and prevent an array of issues.
Watch our Glass Skin Cleansing Balm in use:
