It’s well acknowledged that probiotics are great for your gut health, but now it’s all about how probiotics are great for your skin. Although you can’t see them, at any given time there are about three trillion(!) microscopic microbes living on the skin’s surface. Yes—it’s enough to make your skin crawl, but the important thing to remember is that these microbes are not all bad. In fact, they’re doing a lot of good work for your complexion by defending against infections and environmental aggressors. The skin’s microbiome also plays an important role in regulating the pH levels of the skin and supporting a healthy enzyme function.

Generally, we are all aiming for a balanced microbial community, so a mix of good and bad microbiome. It’s when this balance is thrown out that we start to see skin issues like breakouts, rashes, and eczema. So if stronger, more balanced skin is your aim, it may well be worth investing in a probiotic-powered skincare routine. And thankfully now there are a whole host of products on the market that allow you to feed your skin’s microbiome. 

A good place to start is a serum that you can use daily. Tailor’s Renew Morning and Night Probiotic Serum, uses 3 per cent vegan probiotic lysate to stimulate natural cell regeneration and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier for enhanced resilience. It also reduces skin sensitivity and works to clear blemishes. Another great offering is Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream 60ml. This one uses a high-performing compound known as Kalibiome AGE probiotic to strengthen the skin barrier, increase elasticity and hydration while working to reduce roughness and redness. 

If you’re not looking for a serum but would prefer a mask, ASPECT’s Probiotic Mask, is just the thing. Similar to a probiotic serum, this luxurious and hydrating mask contains a mix of probiotics and antioxidants to help deliver nutrients to your skin while protecting skin from external free radicals. Feeding your skin with probiotics will  result in happy, healthy and glowing skin.  Something, I think it’s safe to say, we’re all keen to have.