Cosmetics | what are the best natural probiotics?
When it comes to skin health, probiotics - living micro-organisms - are increasingly part of our vocabulary. But what exactly are probiotics? How can they help improve skin health, especially for those suffering from skin problems? In this article, we'll explore the role of probiotics in cosmetics, their impact on skin flora, and the benefits they offer for skin health in general.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics, often referred to as "good bacteria" or "friendly bacteria", are living micro-organisms with beneficial effects on human health. Their main role is to maintain the balance of our body's microbial flora, which has a significant influence on our general well-being.
These micro-organisms occur naturally in various parts of our body, with a notable presence in the digestive system. They are also present on the skin and in other mucous membranes, where they help prevent the proliferation of bad bacteria.
Probiotics are closely associated with fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and miso. These foods are rich in lactic acid bacteria, natural probiotics. Nevertheless, it is important to note that dietary supplements contain specific strains of probiotics, designed to strengthen intestinal flora and promote general health.
The benefits of probiotics extend to various aspects of human health, including:
- Improved digestion
- Boosting the immune system
Probiotics play an essential role in strengthening the immune system. They stimulate antibody production and promote immune cell activity, helping the body to defend itself against infection.
- Mental health support
Recent studies suggest a link between gut microbiota and mental health. Probiotics may influence the brain via the gut-brain axis, potentially reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood.
- Infection prevention
Probiotics help prevent infections by inhibiting the proliferation of bad pathogenic bacteria. This can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections.
- Maintaining skin health
Probiotics are playing an increasingly important role in cosmetics, where they promote a balanced skin flora. They reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier and help maintain healthy skin.
In conclusion, probiotics - living micro-organisms - are essential health allies, acting both inside and on the surface of our bodies. Their positive influence extends far beyond digestion, affecting immunity, mental health, infection prevention and even skin beauty. Incorporating probiotics into your diet and skincare routine can make a significant contribution to your overall well-being.
Find out more about probiotics here !
What are probiotics used for in cosmetics?
The skin's surface is a complex environment that harbors a wide variety of micro-organisms, including both good and bad bacteria. Balancing the skin's microbiota is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Probiotics, as good bacteria, help prevent an imbalance in the microbiome, which can lead to a variety of skin problems.
Probiotics in cosmetics have the power to strengthen the skin barrier, improving overall skin health. They accomplish this in several ways:
- Rebalancing skin flora
The skin's flora, made up of bacteria and yeasts, plays an essential role in skin health. Probiotics help keep this flora in balance by preventing the proliferation of bad bacteria. This reduces the risk of skin infections and inflammation.
Skin imbalance can be the cause of blackheads, acne and blemishes. The presence of probiotics and prebiotics in a skincare range therefore helps to limit their appearance.
- Improved skin barrier
Probiotics strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the production of essential amino acids and lipids. A healthy skin barrier retains moisture, prevents transepidermal water loss, and protects against external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.
- Reduced inflammation
Probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm sensitive skin prone to irritation. This can be particularly beneficial for people with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis. They will limit tightness and irritation.
- Support for the skin's immune system
Probiotics boost the skin's immune system by activating infection-fighting immune cells. They help the skin defend itself against external aggression.
What skincare products contain probiotics?
Probiotics are increasingly present in a range of cosmetic products. Here are just some of the skincare categories where you can find products containing probiotics:
- Moisturizing creams
Many moisturizers are now formulated with probiotics. These products help maintain a healthy skin barrier, prevent moisture loss and keep skin soft.
- Serums
Serums containing probiotics are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin, offering additional benefits. They are ideal for those seeking a targeted improvement in skin health.
- Facial cleansers
Probiotic-based facial cleansers help maintain the balance of skin flora while gently cleansing the skin.
- Skincare mask
Moisturizing facial masks containing probiotics are ideal for occasional use. They limit dehydration and protect the skin. Applied after exfoliation, they can balance dry, oily, combination and even the most sensitive skin.
- Hair care
Probiotics aren't limited to the skin. Shampoos and hair care products containing probiotics can promote a healthy scalp, reducing hair problems such as dandruff and itching.
What are the best natural probiotics for cosmetics?
Probiotics, living micro-organisms bursting with benefits, are revolutionizing the world of skincare. Their ability to promote healthy skin by rebalancing the skin's flora, strengthening the skin barrier and hydrolipidic film, and reducing inflammation, is becoming increasingly popular. If you're looking for the best natural probiotics for use in cosmetic skincare, here's a look at some must-haves, such as Lactobacillus and many others.
- Lactobacillus: The Probiotic Superstar in Cosmetics
Lactobacillus is a rising star among cosmetic probiotics. This beneficial bacterium helps balance the skin microbiome by preventing the proliferation of bad bacteria responsible for various skin problems, such as acne. To find out more about what to do for oily skin, click here!
Lactobacillus also helps strengthen the skin barrier. This barrier plays a fundamental role in maintaining skin hydration, preventing transepidermal water loss. A strong skin barrier is essential to protect the skin from external aggressors, such as pollution and UV rays.
Skin care products containing Lactobacillus are designed to improve skin health, while reducing inflammation and promoting a radiant appearance.
- Bifidobacterium: The Anti-Aging Ally
Bifidobacterium is another renowned cosmetic probiotic that prevents skin aging and premature skin ageing. It is often included in anti-aging products for its skin-regenerating properties. This beneficial bacterium stimulates the production of amino acids and lipids essential to the skin barrier. As a result, the skin retains its moisture and defends itself more effectively against environmental aggressors. Combined with collagen and hyaluronic acid, it leaves skin nourished and restores elasticity to all skin types.
What's more, Bifidobacterium helps reduce skin inflammation, which is particularly beneficial for people with sensitive or inflammatory skin problems.
- Streptococcus: Harmonious skin balance and a healthy glow
Streptococcus is another probiotic strain commonly used in cosmetics. It plays a key role in maintaining the balance of skin flora, preventing bad bacteria from taking over. This microbiotic stability translates into a reduction in skin problems such as acne, eczema and rosacea.
Streptococcus also helps stimulate the production of skin growth factors, promoting cell regeneration and skin renewal. This boosts the skin's healing process and improves its overall appearance.
- Lactic Acid: A Gentle Exfoliant
Lactic acid is a derivative of Lactobacillus, commonly used in cosmetic exfoliants. It works gently to remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, brighter skin. This gentle exfoliation is ideal for sensitive or irritation-prone skin.
In addition, lactic acid promotes moisture retention, which is essential for healthy skin. It helps maintain the skin's pH balance, which helps reduce skin problems.
What ingredients can probiotics and prebiotics be combined with?
It all depends on your skin type and the action you're looking for!
By combining them with salicylic acid, you'll find a purifying and exfoliating action to eliminate impurities and fight dull complexion by eliminating dead cells from the epidermis' horny layer.
If you're looking for skin soothing and intense hydration, combine them with skincare products enriched with aloe vera, jojoba oil, sweet almond or glycerin.
For very dry skin, a moisturizing face cream formulated for sensitive skin, rich in probiotics and collagen and fragrance-free, will have that nourishing cream look you're looking for to combat dryness.
Conclusion
Probiotics incorporated into cosmetic skincare products are valuable allies for skin health. Probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus are commonly used to balance skin flora, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. In addition, derivatives such as lactic acid act as gentle exfoliants to improve skin texture.
Incorporating skincare products containing probiotics into your beauty routine can contribute to radiant, healthy skin. However, it's important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your skincare routine to ensure that probiotic products are suitable for your specific skin type and needs. With the right probiotics in cosmetics, you're on your way to beautiful, healthy skin.