With the sudden boom in popularity of Probiotic Skincare, you might be wondering what exactly it does and why. Here’s an easy, summarized break down on what, why and how you should be adding probiotics into your skincare.
The Human Body Microbiome
Humans are filled with bacteria. Literally.
We have more bacterial cells than actual human cells; colonies of bacteria are called microbiomes. Two main functional ones are in the guts and skin’s surface. The majority of these bacterial cells are essential to our health.
This is how it works: Like there’s a balance to skin pH, there’s a balance to microbiomes. Balanced and healthy microbiomes have more “good” bacteria, or probiotics, than “bad” bacteria, which help the body extract nutrients, support mucous membranes, and can even strengthen the immune system. Once the balance is thrown off, irregularities appear and could eventually lead to chronic diseases, inflammation, skin issues and more.
What Are Probiotics Exactly?
Probiotics are combinations of good bacteria and natural yeasts. They can be extracted from fermented plants and food such as yogurt, kimchi, and pickles. They benefit our health and help fight off “bad” bacteria while feeding off prebiotics in our bodies.
Prebiotics are specific compounds in food that feed probiotics, so ingesting prebiotic-rich foods such as whole grains and vegetables also help with sustaining healthy probiotics. In skincare though, instead of ingestion, it’s applied topically.
4 Best Types of Skincare Probiotics
1. Lactobacillus Ferment
Lactobacillus ferment is a cow milk-derived probiotic that is excellent for sensitive skin. Several of its functions are proven effective through scientific means: skin protection, inflammation relief and blemish control. However, customers looking for vegan options can still find effective alternative ferments from plants or yeast.
2. Bifida Bacteria Fermented Bifida Ferment Lysate
Bifida bacteria, or bifidobacterium longum, is the earliest type of natural bacteria to colonize our bodies. Its ferment derivative, Bifida Ferment Lysate is commonly used in skincare to retain moisture, maintain skin barriers and protect against UV damage.
Unlike other probiotics, Bifida Ferment Lysate doesn’t have a specific origin, it could be found in dairy foods, animal feces or guts, but the most usual way to find the natural probiotic is extract it from grains. Vegan customers should check with brands to ensure that their source is plant based. (Snow Fox’s are grain derived)
Photo credit: Polina Rytova
3. Rice Ferment (Sake) Filtrate
“Sake” is a type of rice alcohol that has been refined over centuries of traditional brewing processes in Japan. Its ferment ingredients are renowned at minimizing acne, inflammation and work even better when it’s filtered and purified as filtrates. Snow Fox sources a quality traditional ferment directly from Japan for best results.
4. Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate is a yeast derived ferment that is rich in minerals, beta glucan, amino acids (organic compounds that form and repair protein) and vitamins, so it usually placed in skincare to help minimize dark spots, strengthen UV protection, skin softening and structuring.
Interested in trying out Probiotic Skincare? We suggest our Pre+Probiotic Sake Mask, formulated specifically with FIVE types of vegan pre and probiotics.
Pre+Probiotic Sake Mask from Snow Fox Skincare
This sheet mask formula includes the three best vegan probiotics mentioned above, with the addition of two types of prebiotics to further enhance results on the skin’s microbiome after topical application. Although these work as an efficient, effective and functional group, they are plant based, gentle and non-irritating for sensitive skin which is the priority for Snow Fox clientele.
