What Is Microbiome Skincare?

Exploring the Role of Probiotics in Skincare

For various reasons, probiotics tend to come and go in the skincare conversation. We've all experienced reminders of how what we put into our bodies affects our skin, especially when dealing with illness or dietary issues. Once we feel better, probiotics often fade from our thoughts again.

As skincare enthusiasts, we love to stay on top of trends. A quick Google search for "what's trending in skincare" brought probiotic skincare back to our attention. Of course!

As we delved deeper into our research, we wondered why we ever forgot about probiotics in the first place. In both health and beauty, trends are cyclical, and they eventually come back around. This time, however, it's different. While probiotics have traditionally been associated with gut health, we're now learning that the skin has its own microbiome too. Surprised? So were we-but only a little.

Probiotic skincare gained significant attention in 2020, and if you're a beauty follower, your inbox has likely been flooded with information about how it works.

Understanding Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics

If you recall the first time you heard about probiotics, you might have thought, "This sounds familiar-it's like antibiotics, but different." I remember learning about probiotics in my twenties, probably related to yogurt and the early days of my nutritional journey. Growing up in a Russian household, my mother and grandmother often fed me fermented cabbage for its health benefits, emphasizing its "good bacteria" that helps fight off the bad bacteria.

With the rise of the internet, our understanding of nutrition and health has drastically evolved. If you haven't already embraced probiotics, you're missing out, as we're now exploring prebiotics and postbiotics too. What's the difference? Let's break it down.

• Antibiotics: Medicines that help stop the spread of infections caused by bacteria. They kill off bacteria to prevent the bad ones from reproducing, but they can also disrupt the balance of good bacteria in our bodies.
• Prebiotics: Supplements or foods that contain non-digestible ingredients that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial bacteria.
• Probiotics: Supplements or foods containing live microorganisms that alter the microflora of the host.
• Postbiotics: Non-viable bacterial products or byproducts from probiotics that have biological activity in the host.

Now that we understand these terms, let's explore how they relate to skincare.

What is the Skin Microbiome?

According to New York Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, "the skin microbiome is the billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that comprise the skin microbiota." She explains that "the human skin has 1 billion microbes (bacteria) per square centimeter, and this natural bacteria maintains the skin's immunity and prevents pathogenic growths like atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis."

When the healthy balance of microorganisms on our skin is disrupted, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, increased inflammation, and altered skin pH.

Balance is key-the more strains of bacteria you have, the healthier your skin is likely to be.

What Disrupts the Skin's Bacterial Balance?

Certain self-care routines and products, such as harsh exfoliation, antibacterial soaps, and the use of antibiotics, can disturb the skin's microbiome. This imbalance can result in bacterial and fungal skin rashes, eczema flare-ups, dermatitis, and acne.

Adding beneficial bacteria to our skin and using gentler products can help maintain the balance of bacteria and promote overall skin health. This is where microbiome skincare comes in.

While the terms "microbiome skincare" and "probiotic skincare" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences. Probiotic skincare is used therapeutically, while microbiome-friendly products are simply less disruptive to the skin.

Over the next year, we'll be closely monitoring the rise of microbiome skincare products. Stay tuned for product reviews and recommendations.

As we venture into new and exciting skincare products and techniques, we're just beginning to explore how microbiome skincare can support healthier skin.

If you have concerns about your skin or undiagnosed skin issues, please consult with your primary physician before attempting to resolve or mask them.