You may have heard of probiotics for gut health, but have you tried adding them to your skincare routine? Many “holy grail” use varieties of probiotics to strengthen and nourish mature skin. If your skin cannot tolerate ingredients like , live microorganisms may just be the gentler alternative you’re looking for. Read on to learn more about the benefits of probiotics and why you should add them to your skincare routine.
What Are Probiotics?
Not all bacteria are bad for you. Probiotics, also known as “good” bacteria, are a variety of live microorganisms commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi. They usually fall under two major groups: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Generally, they restore the body’s natural flora, known as the microbiome. In skin care, they prevent and address skin disorders through various functions.
Benefits of Probiotics on Mature Skins
The skin is a physical barrier that protects us from foreign organisms or toxic elements. It’s also the part of us that faces the outside environment, and its surface holds microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, also known as the skin’s microbiome.
According to a , the aging process – lower sebum production, changes in lipid composition, increased dryness, and reduced collagen and elastin – influences this ecosystem. The same study notes that taking and topically applying probiotics can help boost the immune system by releasing antimicrobial peptides that eliminate pathogens.
The benefits of probiotics also extend to antioxidant actions that increase skin hydration, glow, and elasticity while minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, they can reduce oxidative stress and other symptoms of , which results from long-term UV exposure.
In addition, the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reported that probiotics restore acidic skin pH, which is essential to keeping moisture in and bacteria out. Since the skin becomes more alkaline with age (especially after ), applying and taking probiotics can benefit mature skin.
What's in Your Anti-Aging Serum?
Anti-aging serums come with different active ingredients that mainly promote cellular turnover and hydration. The most well-known ingredient is retinol, which some people find irritating to the skin.
Meanwhile, probiotics are gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin, including those with and . The following probiotics are common in anti-aging skin care products.
- Lactobacillus is a type of bacterium known to . In skin care, it helps relieve and soothe sensitive or irritated skin. According to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, lactobacillus can also repair the skin barrier and reduce the skin microflora, which also helps with .
- Vitreoscilla is known to improve the skin’s barrier function, your first line of defense against external aggressors. The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology also reports that it can alleviate skin inflammation that comes with atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.
- Bifidobacterium is another probiotic known to reduce skin sensitivities and repair skin barriers. Thus, it is commonly used to treat allergic dermatitis and other allergic diseases. Since aging weakens the , bifidobacterium is also good for mature skin.
How to Use Probiotics for Skin Care
Since probiotics are gentle and rarely cause irritation, all you need to do is choose a product that suits your skin’s needs. and product claims can help but talk to your doctor if you have specific issues such as severe dry skin or dermatitis. Otherwise, reaping the benefits of probiotics is as easy as patting them on and going to sleep.
Such is the case when you use POND'S NEW YORK Bright Brilliance Night Serum Essence Niacinamide – a product to add to your nightstand roster if you want radiant and refined skin. This product accelerates and fades dark spots with ACTIENCE, , and resveratrol. It also has lactococcus ferment lysate high up on its ingredients list (which means it has high quantities of it).
Derived from probiotics in the fermentation process, lactococcus ferment lysate has that protect the skin from environmental damage. It also improves the skin’s barrier function by acting as a humectant that draws moisture to the surface.
Follow with POND'S NEW YORK Bright Brilliance Moisturizing Face Cream Ceramide, a day and night face cream that uses to hydrate and brighten the skin.
The benefits of probiotics aren’t limited to tackling indigestion. By repairing the skin barrier, probiotics can keep your skin smooth, supple, and radiant. So go ahead and let some good bacteria into your (maybe stock up on some kimchi in your other fridge, too).