Many of you know that probiotics are a form of good bacteria and that they counter fight our bad bacteria but let's really take a deeper look at what they are and how they work. Probiotics are live micro-organisms that are intended to have health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products.
Although people often think of bacteria and other micro-organisms as harmful “germs,” many are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease causing cells, or produce vitamins. Many of the micro-organisms in probiotic products are the same as or similar to micro-organisms that naturally live in our bodies.
Probiotics may contain a variety of micro-organisms! The most common are bacteria that belong to groups called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Other bacteria may also be used as probiotics, and so may yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
Different types of probiotics may have different effects. For example, if a specific kind of Lactobacillus helps prevent an illness, that doesn’t necessarily mean that another kind of Lactobacillus or any of the Bifidobacterium probiotics would do the same thing.
You may already be familiar with the amazing, undisputed health benefits of eating foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, or of taking probiotic supplements. It’s a complex topic that ongoing research continues to investigate—but what we know so far about probiotics’ benefits for skin is just fascinating (at least I think so)!
(Not to creep you out or anything but.....) To give you an idea of how far the research has come in a short period of time, less than 10 years ago, scientists thought people had only about 200 different types of microbes living in and on our bodies but today, we now know that there are trillions of critters sharing space with us. They play a vital role in skin’s ability to protect itself; we literally couldn’t exist without them! FRIEND'S!!
Sun damage, airborne pollutants, diet, and irritating skin care products are just a few examples of what can throw the skin’s microbiome out of balance, leading to lingering skin issues like acne, dryness or red/inflamed, sensitive skin. The goal of probiotic skin care is to help restore the delicate balance that allows the good bacteria to flourish, so skin can keep itself in peak shape.
What are Prebiotics and do we need them?
Prebiotics are a type of fiber that the human body cannot digest. Both prebiotics and probiotics seed helpful bacteria and other micro-organisms working synergistically together, which support the gut and aid digestion. Fiber rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, contain an abundant supplies of prebiotics.
Fiber is prebiotic’s special sauce, but not all fiber is necessarily a prebiotic fiber! (don't forget that)
There are two kinds of dietary fiber:
Soluble fiber, which is fermented by gut bacteria.
Insoluble fiber, which leaves the gastrointestinal tract intact.
* Soluble fiber, which gets broken down in the colon and has the potential to be metabolized which is considered prebiotic. Soluble-rich foods nurture gut bacteria and thus improve gut health! (YASSSSS!!)
How Probiotics Work on Skin
Lower pH = healthier skin
(The average skin's pH is 4.7)
Well, guess what probiotics do? They lower the pH of skin by increasing lactic acid production in the body!
Sun damage, airborne pollutants, diet, and irritating skin care products are just a few examples of what can throw the skin’s microbiome out of balance, lingering issues like acne, dryness or redness/inflammation, sensitive skin. The goal of probiotic skin care is to help restore the delicate balance that allows the good bacteria to flourish, so skin can keep itself in peak shape!
Skin’s surface is a multifaceted environment, almost like a city of living things populating and working in every part of it. Even though the top layers of skin are dead, there’s an abundant population of microflora thriving there, affecting skin’s appearance, youthful or otherwise, every day. If you're asking yourself what is microflora? Microflora is the bacteria that lives on the skin, any bacteria classified as in an 'ecosystem' is usually associated as microflora. It breeds and often lives on the human skin, only to die in short periods due to the acidity level of the skin, which helps keep bacteria out of the body.
Balancing the Microflora:
Some of the microflora on skin are helpful, some are (or can become) harmful. The good guys are often referred to as “resident bacteria,” while the bad guys are “transient (visitor) bacteria”; however, although they’re transient, the problems they cause can linger and not go away. Ironically, when the skin’s microbiome is out of balance, the good microflora can become bad, leading to issues like acne and red/inflamed, sensitive skin.
Keeping the microflora of the skin balanced can:
Strengthen skin’s surface against environmental threats.
Enhance skin’s ability to become—and stay—properly hydrated.
Diminish factors that trigger sensitized, reddened skin.
Visibly improve signs of dryness, including a tight, uncomfortable feeling.
Restore a healthy pH balance to skin’s surface.
Studies show alterations in the skin’s microflora can contribute to several notable skin conditions. These may include acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. When it comes to microbiomes, the good bacteria are essential for maintaining balance. When introduced to the skin, these bacteria may help lower instances of these conditions. They also help the skin perform its normal functions!
Speaking of "Probiotic Skin Care" a few of my Rhonda Allison recommendation's are:
Foaming Peptide Cleanser- all-natural probiotic milk cleanser that may be used for many skin types, giving skin a gentle, but thorough cleanse. Rosacea, sensitive skin, burnt, adolescent acne, aged and thin skin will love its soothing effects. With natural milk, foaming peptides and yogurt extract, Foaming Peptide Cleanser dissolves surface residues, yet is mild enough to use post peel.
* Yogurt Extract is widely recognized for its health benefits to skin due to its high content of vitamins, calcium, minerals, growth factors (which stimulate collagen production) and probiotics (“friendly” bacteria that help fight disease while balancing yeast and bacteria).
Milk Mask- perfect for a compromised barrier! Providing calming, cooling, soothing hydration, and healing support from vitamin E. This is a great versatile mask to mix with many different ingredients.
Mask Tips:
Glow:
1 tsp turmeric powder
Milk mask
* Mix together and apply for 20 minutes then rinse.
Hydrating:
1 tbls lemon juice
Milk mask
¼ tbls turmeric powder
* Mix together slowly then apply for 10-20 minutes then rinse.
Acne:
Apple cider vinegar
Milk mask
1 tbls turmeric powder
1 tbls raw local organic honey
* Apply apple cider vinegar to face using a cotton ball and wait 5 minutes before applying mask. Mix together and apply for 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.