Q. I get a probiotic fix in my morning smoothie – do I really need to add them to my skincare regimen, too?
A. A few years ago, no-one gave much thought to their gut, let alone the bacteria in it. But now it’s hard to order a coffee at a cafe without noticing yet another kombucha brand promising inner peace. While probiotics can feel like a fad, the science supporting healthy bacteria is sound – and just as your gut has a unique microflora that needs nurturing, so does your skin.
On top of the epidermis sits a layer of micro-organisms called the “microbiome”, which helps support healthy cell function, fights eczema and acne (conditions caused by inflammation), and generally keeps skin happy. But it’s thought our obsession with being squeaky-clean harms the microflora (ie, kills all bacteria – good and bad), so if your tendency is to double cleanse and exfoliate daily, then adding a probiotic product to your regimen may restore balance. And the more balanced the skin, the stronger it is to fight against environmental aggressors such as free radicals and UV.
Try the latest from Elizabeth Arden’s Superstart range: a probiotic-packed cleanser that reinforces the microflora while gently rinsing away grime, or a cooling sheet mask that infuses skin with the good stuff. Ocinium’s Ecdysis Bio-ferment Enzyme Cleanse uses Australian natives to gently purify. And if you suffer from breakouts, Essano’s new line combats acne using probiotics and calming chamomile.