From The Straits Times    |

Probiotics skincare

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If the word “probiotics” makes you think of kombucha, kefir, yoghurt and kimchi, you’re not wrong. However, there’s so much more that probiotics can do in addition to maintaining a healthy digestive system, including ensuring that your complexion looks and stays plump, radiant and youthful.

Needless to say, skincare companies have been cashing in on that, with more brands and products made available to customers that promise to work with our skin’s microbiome in order to maintain and improve skin health. But before you go shopping, here’s everything you need to know so you can make the best decisions:

#1: What Is Probiotics Skincare? 
While much has been researched about the role of probiotics in gut health, the field of study when it comes to probiotics and its application in skincare is still relatively new. So far, what we know is that scientists have discovered that there’s a whole ecosystem of micro-organisms that live (and usually thrive) on our skin. And this, is known as the skin’s microbiome. The role that our skin’s microbiome plays can include regulating the ingredients that penetrate cell membrane and also to strengthen skin’s barrier function. Which explains why there’s been a wave of skincare products that are formulated to maintain this delicate balance for better skin health.

#2: How Exactly Do These Probiotics Work On Our Skin?
The skin’s microbiome can have a far-reaching effect on our skin health. Depending on the balance of good and bad bacteria on our skin, how resilient our skin barrier is in keeping out harmful particles, how well our skin is able to retain moisture and even how easily our skin becomes inflamed can all be affected.

#3: Probiotics vs Prebiotics
Amidst all the buzz surrounding probiotics, you probably have also heard of the term “prebiotics”. And in case you’re wondering, let us explain: probiotics are the micro-organisms living on our skin surface, while prebiotics are sugars that are the “food” and energy source in order to keep the probiotics alive.

#4: How Should I Use Probiotics Skincare?
First of all, allow us to reiterate that the skin’s microbiome is a delicate balance. This means that there are armies of tiny micro-organisms living and thriving at the same time. When their living environment is maintained at an optimal level, they are able to effectively fend off harmful particles, regulate skin’s pH levels, minimise cellular inflammation for beautiful, healthy skin.

So if you are currently dealing with a weakened skin barrier, have dull and rough skin or chronically dry skin, you are likely to benefit from using probiotics skincare.

#5: Who Is Suitable To Use Probiotics Skincare? 
Almost everyone can benefit from using probiotics skincare because of the abovementioned reasons. More importantly, because prebiotics skincare primarily aim to maintain skin health by keeping that balance in our skin microbiome, they’re typically formulated to be gentle and not harsh. Here, the best probiotics skincare for beautiful, healthy skin:

Gallinée Youthful Serum, $95 for 30ml

Probiotics skincare
Harnessing the skin-balancing properties of prebiotics and probiotics, this fast-absorbing serum benefits all skin types as it optimises cellular function. Cellular inflammation is minimised and while skin barrier function is reinforced. The formula is also enriched with lactic acid gently get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate skin renewal for a plump and smooth complexion.

Allies Of Skin Molecular Saviour Probiotics Mist, $79 for 50ml

Probiotics skincare
With an ingredient list this impressive, you know you’re feeding your skin right whenever you’re spritzing this onto your skin. With a rosewater base, this face mist is packed with probiotics, aloe juice, niacinamide, peptides and a blend of botanical oils to douse your skin with moisture and antioxidants. At the same time, its sebum-moisture level is balanced, signs of irritation are banished and your complexion looks plump and glowy.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser, about $68 for 120ml, at Net-A-Porter.com

Probiotics skincare
Remove all traces of makeup and rebalance your skin in one easy step with this gentle cleanser. Formulated with probiotics, peptides and skin-conditioning botanicals, it dissolves even stubborn makeup without stripping skin of its natural moisture. All you have to do is massage onto skin and remove with the muslin cloth included for some gradual exfoliation to reveal brighter, fresher skin.

By Terry Detoxilyn City Cream, $170 for 50g

Probiotics skincare
Harnessing the benefits of Acerola extract (a powerful antioxidant) and skin-balancing probiotics, this detoxifying moisturiser fends off urban pollution by strengthening skin’s natural defences. It also contains Alpine Rose Native Cells that are enriched with a mineral complex for an intense antioxidant boost while improving oxygen flow to skin cells.

Tata Harper Purifying Mask, $93 for 30ml

Probiotics skincare
Perfect for those living in polluted cities or have congestion-prone skin, this purifying mask is a deeply detoxifying treatment that purges skin of impurities, pollutants and free radicals to give tired, asphyxiated skin a new lease of life. Thanks to its blend of probiotics, white clay and papaya enzymes, it eliminates congestion, gets rid of dead skin cells and maintains a healthy balance on skin surface.