Probiotic Skincare for Acne: What You Need To Know

They may be invisible to the naked eye, but probiotics are a blessing for banishing blemishes. Hailed for their positive impact on gut health, the benefits of probiotics for skin are now being harnessed by beauty experts. So what is probiotic skincare, and why is it the secret to calm, clear, hydrated skin?

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are healthy bacteria. The thought of putting bacteria on your skin might sound less than fun – but prepare to be surprised. Our bodies naturally contain trillions of ‘good bacteria’ and ‘bad bacteria’, as well as fungi, viruses, and a host of other microorganisms. Collectively, this is known as the microbiome. Our gut has its own microbiome, as does our skin.  

When the microbiome has a healthy balance, we’re fighting fit. Good bacteria – also known as probiotics – support a healthy immune system. They help to control inflammation, aid digestion, and help us absorb nutrients. An imbalance of bacteria can lead to a range of health and skin issues, such as digestive issues and autoimmune disorders. Acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis have all been linked to an imbalance of gut flora.

How do probiotics for skin help? 

They help strengthen your skin barrier

Skin is the first line of defence against external aggressors, so you want to keep your skin barrier in tip-top shape. Chemicals, weather, UV rays, heating, air conditioning, pollution, allergens, and toxins can all weaken our skin barrier. This can lead to inflammation – the culprit responsible for blemishes. 

Probiotics for skin encourage an environment of healthy bacteria that can act as a protective shield, helping to enhance the skin barrier and keep skin looking clear. Because of this, probiotics for acne can be an effective blemish treatment. 

They help keep skin hydrated

With a stronger barrier, skin is not only better able to defend against external pollutants. A strong skin barrier can also help to prevent trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), which means our skin holds onto moisture. 

Those with oily skin and blemish-prone conditions often avoid moisturising products. After all, oily skin doesn’t exactly need more moisture now, does it? But oily skin can be parched, too. When oily skin doesn’t have enough moisture, the skin over-produces sebum to compensate. Leading to – you guessed it – even oilier skin. When used in topical products, probiotics for skin help to balance natural moisture levels and prevent moisture loss.

They help balance your microbiome

Pollution and synthetic skincare products can mess up the balance of your microbiome, leading to inflammation, blemishes, and clogged skin. Probiotics for skin help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria. This helps to control the production of oil and helps to balance the skin’s pH levels, resulting in clearer skin. 

The best probiotics for acne

Skin recovers best at night, so for blemish-prone skin, skincare that features probiotics for acne is the perfect solution. Our vegan Calming & Clearing range uses the innovative Kalibiome probiotic, a non-live probiotic, or postbiotic.

It is extracted from live cells and double fermented to remove nasties. That means the ingredient is clean and safe. This good bacteria is shown to support the skin barrier, helping to reduce water loss and defend against environmental irritants like pollution.

Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask features Kalibiome Sensitive probiotic – probiotics for skin that are specially formulated to help sensitive or stressed skin recover. It has been clinically shown* to reduce redness, increase hydration, and help calm inflammation. Use Flora twice a week as a skin-recovery treatment, or whenever your skin needs some relief.

Credo Probiotic Ferment Revitalise Serum features Kalibiome AGE probiotic. In-vivo test results show it can help decrease roughness and redness, increase hydration, and balance the microbiome*. For best results, apply Credo to cleansed skin each morning. Massage 3-4 drops into your face and neck, before following with your moisturiser.

Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream also features Kalibiome AGE, which helps to restore balance to your complexion as you sleep, to awaken with calm, hydrated skin. Apply the cloud-soft moisturiser as the final step in your nightly skincare ritual.

From gut glow to skin glow. A probiotic skincare regime might just be the missing puzzle in your night routine, offering calmer, clearer, more hydrated skin. 

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