We’ve all heard of probiotic yogurts, drinks and fermented foods that help promote a healthy gut etc, but what about probiotic skincare? Up until last week I had never heard of it.
Last week I read an article on Who What Wear talking about probiotic skincare and how it was on the cusp of blowing up and being seen everywhere. After an initial wide-eyed gaze and quick skim-read, I rolled my eyes at the notion of yet another buzzy skincare trend, and went back to work. Honestly, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought (and wouldn’t have written this post), if I hadn’t been browsing through net-a-porter earlier this week only to discover Aurelia Probiotic Skincare.
What Is Probiotic Skincare?
Before I get on to the Aurelia Probiotic Skincare I’m currently eyeing, let’s talk about the details of probiotics. According to WebMD, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system. Paula’s Choice Skincare describes how probiotics, prebiotics and carbohydrates “serve as a food source so the probiotics can optimally do their job of protecting and nurturing your skin.”
How Does Probiotic Skincare Differ From Other Skincare?
The main thing that makes probiotic skincare different to others is that it helps keep the skin’s microbiome (the bacteria also known as “microflora” that lives under the skin and is responsible for youthful appearance) in balance. Maintaining this balance helps protect the skin from environmental factors like population and free radicals; increases the skin’s ability to stay hydrated; improves dryness and help reduce redness. Probiotic skincare does this by breaking down the skin’s surface and creating:
brilliant new ingredients for skin, such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins, as well as increasing the presence of ceramides. This in turn leads to diminished signs of aging, better hydration, and a radiance that’s visible proof of skin’s renewed vitality.
What Are Some Benefits?
Probiotic skincare has many benefits, but there are three key ones that dermatologist, Dr Whitney Bowe outlines:
- Prevents bad microorganisms from provoking an immune reaction by acting as a protective shield
- Helps produce naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides that fight against bad bacteria
- Boosts the skin’s ability to deal with external factors such as pollution, free radicals and sun
Bowe adds that “…these benefits help to reduce inflammation. This helps reduce flare-ups and preventing premature ageing.”
Who Is It Suitable For?
Probiotic skincare is good for all skin types. However, it’s worth noting that certain probiotic products will work better to target certain areas. For example, Bowe told Allure magazine that whereas dry and eczema suffers would benefit from oat products that help soothe itchy skin and feed the skin’s natural good bacteria; those with acne-prone skin could benefit from a probiotic product that’s similar to the bacteria that’s produced in our gut to help better fight against spots. Likewise, those with combination skin should look to a mix of prebiotic and probiotics; and those with sensitive skin should consider lysates (a probiotic derivative).
Check out the full article on Allure where Bowe advises which products are good to use. You can also read more about probiotic skincare here and here.
Aurelia Favourites
So now that we’re all clear on probiotic skincare, I wanted to share a few of the products I have on my wish list from Aurelia Probiotic Skincare. First up is their Botanical Cream Deodorant which is aluminium and harsh chemical free – I’ve been looking for aluminium-free deodorant for a while now so this has come at a perfect time. Next up is their Brightening Botanical Essence and Probiotic Concentrate serum that helps refresh skin and fight against pollution – which living in smoggy London is a massive deal! Then finally, their Revitalize & Glow Serum rounds off the list thanks to its hydrating properties that supposedly leaves skin looking luminous (nice), dewy and soothed (very nice).
To bring us full again though, net-a-porter is currently having a 25% off private sale (until midnight 26/05 if you have an account with them), so there’s a good chance that I might try out some of these Aurelia Probiotic Skincare after all. If and when I do, you can be sure that I’ll share my findings with you.
alice
xo
