The Benefits of Probiotic Skincare

A new innovation in skincare is taking the beauty world by storm. Unseen to the naked eye, experts say good bacteria can help more than your gut. These microscopic marvels might just be the key to calm, clear, healthy-looking skin. Read on to find out about the benefits of probiotics for skin – and why probiotic skincare should take up residence in your beauty regime.

Bacteria: The Good, The Bad, and the Balance

Think bacteria’s a bit, well, gross? Surprise! Our bodies are naturally full of good bacteria and bad bacteria. These live harmoniously with fungi, viruses, and other micro-organisms. Together, they form a diverse and complex ecosystem: the microbiome.

If our levels of good and bad bacteria fall off balance, we can experience digestive issues and other health concerns. Research on gut health and skin suggests that the bacterial imbalance in our gut can affect other parts of our body, too. For example, links have been drawn between inflammation of the gut (caused by a bacterial imbalance) and acne. Our bodies are machines which rely on harmony to function at their best.

The skin microbiome

Just like our gut has a microbiome, so too does our skin. Our unique skin microbiome is influenced by our genetics, where we live, and the pollutants and products we expose our skin to. A healthy skin microbiome is critical to healthy-looking skin because it reinforces the skin’s natural barrier. It’s like a shield against free radical damage and photo-ageing – factors that cause the appearance of premature ageing. Disrupt these bacteria levels, and a weakened skin barrier can result. That can lead to irritation, redness, and generally stressed skin. No fun.

Probiotics skincare benefits

A growing body of research states that probiotics can have a positive effect on our complexion. Probiotic skincare is the best way of delivering good bacteria to the skin. And let’s be honest. Although we’re totally on board with supplements, skincare is a lot more luxurious than swallowing a pill.

Probiotic skincare helps strengthen the skin barrier 

Probiotic skincare encourages healthy bacteria. It rallies the troops that act as a defence for your skin. With a functional barrier, skin is better protected against environmental stress. And we subject our skin to a lot of that! Chemical products, pollutants, weather, UV rays, heating, air conditioning – you name it.

There’s another important benefit to a stronger skin barrier. With the skin’s epidermal layers sealed and strengthened, less moisture is able to escape – a phenomenon known as trans-epidermal water loss. More water spells skin that’s hydrated and fresh.

Probiotic skincare helps balance your microbiome

Probiotics for skin can help keep your microflora in harmony. A healthy microbiome contributes to balanced pH levels, which encourages clearer skin. Oil production is kept in check, helping to stave off blemishes.

Probiotic skincare fosters calmer skin

If you’re wondering about probiotics for eczema, or probiotics for acne, take note. Inflammation is the underlying cause of stressed and red skin, as well as a host of common skin concerns. Probiotics have been noted for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They may also help to offer protection against the effects of photo-ageing – all factors which nurture calmer skin.

The difference between probiotics and postbiotics

‘Probiotics’ is an umbrella term to describe both probiotics and postbiotics, but there are some key differences. Probiotics are live bacteria that live in the body. You won’t find pure probiotics in probiotic skincare because they are difficult to preserve and need to be stored at low temperatures.

Postbiotics are special forms of ‘non-live postbiotics’, bio fermented for use in probiotic skincare. Postbiotics are powerful active compounds that are completely stable. You can get probiotic skin benefits in these nourishing skincare formulations.

The best probiotic skincare

With science singing the praises of probiotics, cutting-edge natural beauty brands like Antipodes have embraced the use of probiotic skincare. Our vegan Calming & Clearing range features two strains of the innovative, science-backed Kalibiome probiotic.

Kalibiome Sensitive is a distinct probiotic strain for sensitive skin. It is clinically shown* to reduce redness by 15%, increase hydration by 20%, and decrease water loss by 14%.

You’ll find Kalibiome Sensitive in Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask, a dermatologically tested mask to destress and freshen sensitive or blemished skin, while helping it recover. Apply the soothing treatment to cleansed skin twice weekly, or whenever your skin needs relief. Leave for 15 minutes, then wash off with a soft face cloth.

The other two products in our probiotic skincare range feature Kalibiome AGE probiotic, which is focused on skin regeneration and anti-ageing. It is clinically shown* to reduce redness by 18%, reduce wrinkle depth by 13%, and increase elasticity by 10%.

Kalibiome AGE is the key ingredient in Credo Probiotic Ferment Revitalise Serum, a daytime gel serum that restores balance to stressed skin to deliver a fresh, clear complexion. Apply 3-4 drops of Credo to cleansed skin each morning, before your moisturiser.

Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream also features Kalibiome AGE. Thanks to the power of good bacteria, the water-rich moisturiser cultivates calm, healthy skin while you sleep. Apply Culture as the final stage of your evening ritual. Massage a generous amount into cleansed skin or after your water-based serum.

*Kalibiome probiotics/postbiotics 600: clinically shown to revitalise extracellular matrix.