Did you think all bacteria was bad for your skin? Think again. Rubbing bacteria all over your face may sound counterintuitive but using the right type of good bacteria could remedy a whole manner of skin woes from acne and rosacea to dryness and fine lines.
The concept of using good bacteria, otherwise known as probiotics, to promote good digestion and a healthy gut is nothing new. If you grew up in the nineties you’re likely to remember Yakult, and if not, you’ve probably seen the large array of probiotic supplements, drinks and food at the supermarket. However with increasing evidence linking gut health and skin condition, probiotics are popping up on the ingredient lists of skincare products too. Just like a probiotic drink may help balance your digestive system, probiotic skincare can help stabilise your skin.
Whether it’s environmental factors such as pollution, sun exposure or stress, or natural factors like hormones and ageing, the balance of your skin can easily be sent out of whack. When it is, inflammation occurs, and this inflammation is what causes most skin concerns including spots, sensitivity or signs of ageing. However, when you incorporate probiotic ingredients into your skincare regime you can improve those defence mechanisms.
"Probiotic ingredients reduce the damage these triggers cause to collagen, elastin and healthy cells and activate the skin’s natural ability to repair itself and boost the natural process of restoration and repair in your skin," Claire Vero, founder of Aurelia Probiotic Skincare, explained.
While Aurelia Probiotic Skincare was the first beauty brand to pioneer probiotic skincare of this kind, others have quickly followed suit. Whether it’s using pure probiotics, fermented ingredients that are rich in good bacteria or prebiotics (essentially the carbohydrate that act as food for probiotics), the message is clear: bacteria is beneficial.
From moisturisers and masks to cleansers and serums, click through to see our favourite probiotic skincare products.
While we’re all aware of the damage caused by sun, we are less familiar with the damage pollution can cause to the skin. This is where Tata Harper’s Purifying Mask comes to the rescue, a treatment that harnesses the power of probiotics to target environmental stresses brought on by city living. Great for congested or stressed out skin, this potent all-natural mask deeply cleanses, minimises the appearance of pores, and helps boost the skin’s natural defences.
Tata Harper Purifying Mask, £57, available at Cult Beauty
If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin you’ve probably noticed that some cleansers feel like they leave the skin tight, and stripped of moisture. This is not the case with Oskia’s Perfect Cleanser. The nutrient rich balm deeply decongests, soothes and restores moisture levels using skin balancing probiotics, essential fatty acids and natural emollients.
Oskia Perfect Cleanser, £32.50, available at Oskia
Chances are, if you’re suffering from breakouts in adulthood, the spot-busting treatments from your teenage years are no longer cutting it. Enter Murad’s Advanced Blemish Wrinkle Reducer, a dual-action serum that simultaneously targets spots and signs of ageing. Combining the use of probiotic rich Kombucha (yep, that’s the fermented tea) with spot-fighting Salicylic Acid, this serum helps to clear and prevent breakouts while also hydrating and plumping the skin.
Murad Advanced Blemish Wrinkle Reducer, £45, available at Murad
Not just applauded for its nutritional benefits, tea, in particular fermented tea, is full of probiotics. Sample its probiotic power via Fresh’s Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, a hydrating treatment ideal for parched or flaky skin. The combination of fermented tea and other natural ingredients including Jicama root juice and Lychee seed extract will leave skin feeling soft, supple and radiant.
Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, £77, available at Fresh
Every single one of Aurelia's products is bursting with good bacteria but our favourite is the Miracle Cleanser. Suitable for all skin types, this creamy cleanser fuses probiotic technology and nourishing plant and flower essences to hydrate and soothe the skin, and leave your complexion dewy and glowing. Simply massage the heavenly scented cream into dry skin and remove with a warm flannel to experience its miracle-working ways.
Aurelia Miracle Cleanser, £38, available at Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
Much more than a refreshing floral face spray, Allies Of Skin’s Molecular Saviour Mist is a nutrient packed cocktail of probiotics and antioxidants that will soothe skin, reduce redness and fight blemishes. Supercharged with a genius anti-evaporation molecule, it cleverly clings to skin cells instead of simply vanishing into mid air like other spray products. Spray on freshly cleansed skin before applying your serum or moisturiser, or spritz throughout the day for an on-the-go skin boost.
Allies Of Skin Molecular Saviour Mist, £48, available at Cult Beauty
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