The Ultimate Guide To Probiotics & Prebiotics In Skincare

Table of Contents

1. How Do Probiotics And Prebiotics Work In Skincare?
2. The Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Different Skin Types
3. Popular Probiotic and Prebiotic Ingredients in Skincare
4. Common Myths About Probiotics and Prebiotics in Skincare
5. Conclusion
6. References

In recent years, skincare has taken a huge leap toward understanding the deeper connection between our skin and its microbiome - the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living on our skin’s surface. Among the hottest trends gaining traction are probiotics and prebiotics, ingredients that focus on restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria to promote better skin health.

Much like the digestive system, the skin thrives when its microbiome is balanced, and this balance can be disrupted by factors like pollution, harsh skincare products, stress, and diet. When the skin’s natural bacterial environment is disturbed, it can lead to various skin concerns such as acne, eczema and premature aging. This is where probiotics and prebiotics come in.

Probiotics are live microorganisms - you think of them as the “good bacteria” - that help support the skin’s defence mechanisms and keep harmful bacteria in check. Prebiotics, on the other hand, serve as food for these good bacteria, encouraging their growth and activity. Together, they create a harmonious environment that can reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall skin health.

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics in skincare, explore how they work together to maintain the skin’s microbiome, and discover how these powerful ingredients can transform your skincare routine.

How Do Probiotics And Prebiotics Work In Skincare?

Understanding how probiotics and prebiotics work on the skin is essential to appreciating their role in a healthy skincare routine. At their core, these ingredients focus on maintaining the skin’s delicate microbiome — the community of microorganisms living on its surface. Here’s how they contribute to improving your skin’s health:

Probiotics: The Good Bacteria

Probiotics are live bacteria that are often associated with gut health, but they also have a significant impact when applied topically to the skin. In skincare, probiotics help to reinforce the skin’s natural defences by:

• Balancing the microbiome. Probiotics work by ensuring a healthy balance of “good” bacteria on the skin and can reduce inflammation and redness [1].
• Calming inflammation. Many probiotics can help to reduce redness, sensitivity, and flare-ups.
• Strengthening the skin barrier. A well-balanced microbiome can enhance the skin’s barrier function, locking in moisture and protecting against environmental stressors such as pollution or harmful UV rays.

Examples of commonly used probiotics in skincare include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus thermophilus. Each work in different ways to boost skin health, soothe irritation, and promote a more even complexion.

Prebiotics: Fuel For Probiotics

While probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the skin, prebiotics act as the “food” that nourishes and supports these good bacteria, helping them to thrive. Prebiotics are non-digestible ingredients (usually plant-based fibers) that serve as a nutrient source for probiotics. When incorporated into skincare, prebiotics:

• Support healthy bacteria growth. Prebiotics help create an environment where beneficial bacteria can flourish while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

• Enhance the skin’s natural defence. By fuelling good bacteria, prebiotics help strengthen the skin’s defence system and prevent moisture loss.

Popular prebiotics found in skincare include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and xylitol, which are derived from plant sources such as chicory root, oats, and other fibrous plants.

The Symbiotic Relationship: Probiotics and Prebiotics Together

In many formulations, probiotics and prebiotics are used together to create a synergistic effect. When paired, prebiotics nourish probiotics, allowing them to function more effectively on the skin. This combination helps keep the skin’s microbiome in balance, protecting it from harmful bacteria, pollutants, and external irritants while promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.

The Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics for Different Skin Types

Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, probiotics and prebiotics can be valuable tools in your skincare routine. Their ability to balance and protect the skin’s microbiome offers a range of benefits for different skin types and concerns.

For Acne-Prone Skin

Acne is often caused by an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome, where harmful bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes thrive and lead to breakouts. Probiotics may help to reduce breakouts [2] and restore this balance by introducing good bacteria that inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Probiotics like Lactobacillus can help reduce inflammation and redness, calming the skin and minimizing acne flare-ups, whilst prebiotics help reinforce the skin’s barrier function, keeping it hydrated and preventing further irritation or breakouts from occurring.

For Dry and Eczema-Prone Skin

Dry skin lacks moisture and is often prone to flaking, itching, and a compromised skin barrier. Probiotics and prebiotics can be beneficial for dry skin because they help retain moisture and rebuild the skin’s protective barrier.

For Oily and Combination Skin

Oily and combination skin types often struggle with excess sebum production, which can lead to clogged pores and shine. Probiotics and prebiotics can help balance oil production without stripping the skin of its natural moisture [3].

For Aging or Mature Skin

As skin ages, its ability to regenerate and maintain a strong barrier weakens, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. Probiotics and prebiotics may support aging skin by encouraging cell renewal and boosting hydration.

Popular Probiotic and Prebiotic Ingredients in Skincare

Probiotic and prebiotic skincare products have gained popularity for their ability to support and restore the skin’s natural microbiome. Here are some of the most popular and effective ingredients you’ll find in probiotic and prebiotic skincare formulations.

Probiotic Ingredients

• Lactobacillus. Known for its anti-inflammatory [4] and antimicrobial [5] properties, Lactobacillus could help to soothe irritated skin and combat acne-causing bacteria.
• Bifidobacterium. his strain is effective in strengthening the skin barrier and improving hydration [5], making it particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin types.
• Streptococcus thermophilus. This strain has also been shown to contribute to a healthy skin microbiome [6].

Prebiotic Ingredients

• Inulin. Derived from plants like chicory root, inulin is a naturally occurring prebiotic that nourishes the skin’s beneficial bacteria. It helps maintain the balance of the microbiome by feeding the probiotics on the skin’s surface, promoting a healthy complexion.
• Fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Fructooligosaccharides are prebiotic sugars that help to support and strengthen the skin’s natural microbiome by encouraging the growth of good bacteria. These sugars are known for their hydrating properties and are often used in products designed to soothe and hydrate sensitive or irritated skin.
• Xylitol. A sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables, xylitol has moisturizing properties and is often used in prebiotic formulations to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria on the skin. It’s particularly effective in maintaining skin hydration and improving the overall health of the skin’s barrier function.
• Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide. Derived from sugar beets or wheat, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is a prebiotic ingredient that promotes the growth of good bacteria while inhibiting harmful microorganisms. This helps to maintain a balanced microbiome, protecting the skin from environmental stress and keeping it healthy and resilient.

Common Myths About Probiotics and Prebiotics in Skincare

As with many emerging trends in the beauty industry, the use of probiotics and prebiotics in skincare has led to various misconceptions. It’s important to separate the facts from the myths to make informed decisions about incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine. Here are some common myths about probiotics and prebiotics in skincare.

All Probiotic and Prebiotic Skincare Products Are the Same

This is a common misconception. Not all probiotic and prebiotic skincare products are created equally. The effectiveness of these products depends on the strains of probiotics used, the concentration, and the formulation. Some products contain live bacteria, while others contain probiotic extracts or by-products like ferments and lysates. Similarly, prebiotics in skincare can come from a variety of sources like sugars, fibers, and plant extracts, and their efficacy depends on how well they support the skin’s microbiome.

Probiotics and Prebiotics Only Benefit the Gut, Not the Skin

While probiotics are most commonly associated with digestive health, their benefits extend to the skin. Research shows that probiotics applied topically can strengthen the skin’s barrier, reduce inflammation, and improve hydration. Prebiotics work by supporting the beneficial bacteria on the skin, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome and protect against harmful pathogens.

Probiotic Skincare Products Must Contain Live Bacteria to Work

Many people believe that probiotic skincare products are only effective if they contain live bacteria. However, this is not true. Probiotic derivatives like lysates, ferments, and postbiotics (beneficial by-products of probiotics) can offer significant benefits without requiring live bacteria. These ingredients help to calm inflammation, boost hydration, and support the skin’s natural barrier without the stability challenges of live bacteria.

You Don’t Need Probiotics in Skincare if You’re Taking Oral Supplements

While oral probiotics are beneficial for gut health and can indirectly benefit the skin, they are not a substitute for topical probiotic skincare. The skin’s microbiome has specific needs that topical probiotic and prebiotic products address directly, such as balancing the skin’s natural flora, protecting against harmful bacteria, and maintaining a healthy barrier.

Conclusion

Probiotics and prebiotics in skincare offer a range of benefits, from reducing inflammation and enhancing hydration to protecting the skin’s natural barrier and preventing environmental damage.

As scientific research on the skin’s microbiome continues to grow, we are learning more about how probiotics and prebiotics work synergistically to support skin health. Incorporating them into your skincare routine may help address common skin concerns such as acne, dryness, irritation, and premature aging.

While it’s important to choose the right products and understand that results take time, probiotic and prebiotic skincare is a promising and effective way to boost your skin’s health. By fostering a healthy environment for the skin’s natural flora, these ingredients can lead to long-term improvements in skin function and appearance.

References

[1] Alves, Emília, João Gregório, André Rolim Baby, Patrícia Rijo, Luis M. Rodrigues, and Catarina Rosado. 2021. “Homemade Kefir Consumption Improves Skin Condition—a Study Conducted in Healthy and Atopic Volunteers.” Foods 10 (11): 2794. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112794.

[2] Chilicka, Karolina, Iwona Dzieńdziora-Urbińska, Renata Szyguła, Binnaz Asanova, and Danuta Nowicka. 2022. “Microbiome and Probiotics in Acne Vulgaris—a Narrative Review.” Life 12 (3): 422. https://doi.org/10.3390/life12030422.

[3] Rybak, Iryna, Kelly N. Haas, Simran K. Dhaliwal, Waqas A. Burney, Aunna Pourang, Simran S. Sandhu, Jessica Maloh, John W. Newman, Robert Crawford, and Raja K. Sivamani. 2023. “Prospective Placebo-Controlled Assessment of Spore-Based Probiotic Supplementation on Sebum Production, Skin Barrier Function, and Acne.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 12 (3): 895. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12030895.

[4] NISHA T A, T VINOTHA and SAKENA JOSEPH. “Probiotics in dermatological therapy and skincare.” GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2023): n. pag.

[5] Scillato, Marina, Ambra Spitale, Gino Mongelli, Grete Francesca Privitera, Katia Mangano, Antonio Cianci, Stefania Stefani, and Maria Santagati. 2021. “Antimicrobial Properties of Lactobacillus Cell‐Free Supernatants against Multidrug‐Resistant Urogenital Pathogens.” MicrobiologyOpen 10 (2). https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.1173.

[6] Saxena, Poorvi. “Unveiling The Role Of Microorganisms In Cosmetics.” .