An interesting approach in cosmetics focuses not on the addition of exogenous active ingredients, but on balancing the microbiota. This balance allows the skin to maintain its hydration and radiance or to combat imbalances.
We have dissected clinical studies to understand and demonstrate the importance of prebiotics and probiotics.
WHAT IS THE MICROBIOME?
Your skin is a complex organ that houses a multitude of cells and microorganisms, interacting closely to maintain a healthy and protected skin barrier. The skin microbiota, or microbial flora, consists of more than 100 billion different microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mites, which colonize the skin surface and regulate various functions such as protection against external aggressions, regulation of skin hydration, modulation of the immune response, and synthesis of certain vitamins.
However, various factors such as stress, pollution, unbalanced diet, the use of unsuitable cosmetic products, or antibiotics can alter the balance of this microbial flora, leading to skin dysfunctions such as acne, dryness, peeling, or irritation.
This is why cosmetic prebiotics, which are ingredients capable of nourishing and stimulating the growth of beneficial skin microorganisms, have become increasingly popular in the beauty industry. These prebiotics work by nourishing the beneficial bacteria present on the skin, stimulating their growth, and maintaining their diversity to strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Post-biotics: An Overview
Prebiotics and probiotics have been used for years to improve digestive health, but recently, their use has expanded to other areas such as cosmetics.
Prebiotics are active ingredients that nourish and support the good bacteria present on the skin. They are used to help maintain the natural balance of the skin flora, which can have a positive impact on skin health and appearance. Prebiotics are non-living substances that promote the growth and survival of beneficial bacteria already present on the skin. Cosmetic prebiotics can be added to products such as creams, lotions, and facial cleansers. They strengthen the skin barrier by promoting the production of natural lipids, reduce inflammation, and improve the appearance of the skin by reducing roughness and increasing hydration. Among many others, inulin and oligosaccharides can be found.
For a comprehensive approach, prebiotics can be combined with probiotics. Probiotics are microorganisms that help maintain and restore the balance of the skin ecosystem while strengthening the skin barrier. They can reduce inflammation and help prevent damage caused by free radicals. Probiotics can also help reduce signs of aging by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Each probiotic has a specific action. The most commonly used are: The Lactobacillus strain helps reduce inflammation and acne, as well as improve skin hydration. The Bifidobacterium strain helps prevent damage caused by free radicals. Lactobacillus lactis stimulates the production of elastin and collagen to prevent signs of aging.
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics is strongly recommended in cosmetic care to hydrate and rebalance your hydrolipidic film.
Post-biotics are metabolites produced by beneficial bacteria in the skin microbiome. They are similar to probiotics, which are living microorganisms, but instead of being whole bacteria, they are the metabolic by-products, or in other words, the waste they produce. These compounds are considered beneficial for human health as they have prebiotic effects, meaning they promote the growth and activity of good bacteria in the skin and digestive microbiome. Post-biotics also have anti-inflammatory, immune, and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. These "wastes" can be fatty acids, lactic acid, or peptides that act as messengers and effectors of the skin's good bacteria. They can thus stimulate lipid production to reduce transepidermal water loss, increase hyaluronic acid levels, and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
WHY CARE FOR YOUR SKIN'S BACTERIA?
Pollution, stress, sun exposure, certain irritating cosmetics, and diet are factors that can negatively impact the balance of the microbiome, and thus be responsible for sebum outbreaks, dry skin, and other inflammations. Once the balance is established between "good" and "bad" bacteria, this ecosystem of microorganisms can deeply hydrate the skin, purify it, and participate in preventing the appearance of imperfections, eczema, and acne by regulating inflammatory responses. If applied or consumed regularly, prebiotics and probiotics in your healthy beauty products can help establish this balance and remove dead cells present on the surface of your skin.
For mature skin, they will help limit signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity. They will also help reduce skin inflammation and promote healing of damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
For dry skin, probiotics help improve lipid production in the skin, which is essential for strengthening the hydrolipidic barrier. Additionally, probiotics can help reduce skin inflammation, which can contribute to dryness and skin irritation. Finally, probiotics can also stimulate the production of growth factors and collagen, which are key elements in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. By helping maintain skin health from within, probiotics can thus help reduce dryness and improve skin appearance and texture.
For oily skin, probiotics can regulate sebum production and help balance the skin's bacterial flora, which can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores. By regulating sebum production, probiotics can also help prevent breakouts, blackheads, and imperfections. Probiotics also help reduce skin inflammation, which can be a contributing factor to acne appearance. In summary, these ingredients can help regulate sebum production, reduce skin inflammation, and strengthen the skin's protective barrier in people with oily skin.
Finally, prebiotics and probiotics can also benefit people with combination skin. Combination skin tends to have a T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) that is oilier than the rest of the face, while the cheeks may be dry or normal. Probiotics help reduce excessive sebum production in the T-zone while helping to moisturize drier cheeks. This regulation of sebum also helps decrease the number of enlarged pores in the T-zone. By strengthening the skin barrier, probiotics can help maintain balance between dry and oily areas of the skin, thus helping improve the overall appearance and texture of combination skin.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SKIN MICROBIOME AT VIBRE Paris
Skin health and balance are our priorities. We aim to maintain them rather than offering treatments that only temporarily alleviate the conditions you want to address (such as blemishes, wrinkles, redness, dry and dehydrated skin, etc.).
For this reason, in our formulas, we combine prebiotics such as inulin with strains of probiotics like Lactobacillus. These active ingredients, coupled with biotechnologies, help rebalance the skin and achieve effects that are not only immediate but also long-term.
Furthermore, our formulas, to be applied morning and evening, mimic the structure of the skin's hydrolipidic film (more precisely, the epidermis). This characteristic gives them the advantage of working in symbiosis with the skin to enhance the effectiveness of the ingredients and deeply regenerate cells.
This biomimetic aspect also allows them to be compatible with all skin types, from the oiliest to the most sensitive skins.
REMINDER OF OUR ECOLOGICAL AND SUSTAINABLE CHARTER
Prebiotics and probiotics in our skincare are not only beneficial for your skin but also for the environment. Indeed, these microorganisms are often of natural and biodegradable origin, reducing the environmental impact of conventional cosmetics.
Rather than relying on organic facial care, in other words, those derived from organic farming, we focus on active principles derived from biotechnologies. Why? Using biotechnologies means creating natural cosmetics that bypass the intensive agricultural processes associated with harvesting plant-based ingredients. Essential oils and vegetable oils such as argan, aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, and floral waters require a significant amount of water and energy for cultivation and harvesting. Moreover, the harvesting of raw materials is followed by the extraction of the desired ingredients, a step that generates numerous waste products. Biotechnology thus helps limit waste production. Additionally, using biotechnologies avoids the carbon footprint associated with importing vegetable oils like argan oil.
Because we want to fully commit to this approach, our project is COSMOS certified and delivered by ECOCERT. This assures us that we adhere to a selective charter regarding ingredient traceability and origin. However, we go further as we are petroleum-free, whereas the COSMOS label allows for a certain percentage. We use plant-based gums as preservatives and do not use synthetic fragrances, hydrosols, or parabens. Therefore, our skincare can be considered natural and composed of natural ingredients.
On cosmetic packaging, you may sometimes read "cruelty-free cosmetics." However, be aware! European regulations changed in 2013, and cosmetic brands and their products can no longer be tested on animals. However, it is still permitted to use animal-derived derivatives in formulas. For example, some preservatives are derived from shark liver. We have chosen to develop certified natural origin skincare with the COSMOS label, but also vegan and, of course, not tested on animals.
OUR FACIAL CARE
Our beauty ritual consists of moisturizing treatments that all have something extra. Firstly, they are suitable for men's, women's, and non-binary individuals' faces, a fact verified through clinical tests conducted on various people.
Our range consists of 4 products.
Our gentle exfoliating cleansing gel is composed of prebiotics, probiotics, and salicylic acid. These active ingredients leave the skin soft and hydrated, remove impurities, and have an anti-pollution effect. Therefore, our purifying and cleansing formula soothes and smooths the skin's texture in the short term and reduces the number of pores and imperfections in the long term. Moreover, this formula is certified biodegradable.
Our serum is designed to give the skin a radiant glow and reduce the appearance of imperfections. Its concentration of various vitamins including vitamin C and certain antioxidants provides a healthy complexion and transforms dull skin into radiant skin. This luminous and iridescent formula, packaged in a transparent glass bottle, is formulated using patented technology. This high-end cosmetic brings real benefits. In fact, the size of the ingredients is reduced by a factor of 1000. Therefore, the active ingredients can penetrate deeper and work in the skin's deeper layers for enhanced long-term action. All our serum bottles are rectangular, reducing packaging size and limiting weight during transportation and associated carbon footprint.
Our anti-wrinkle plumping cream provides a smoothing and firming effect on the skin. This toning shot of ceramides and peptides acts on the skin's elasticity and can be used to address early wrinkles and static wrinkles in mature skin. This rich cream with a creamy texture provides intense hydration to ensure cellular renewal and the expected "lift" effect through cellular repair. This firming treatment is to be applied morning and evening to the face and neck.
Our anti-imperfection and anti-dark spot correcting cream is concentrated with Zinc, niacinamide, and p-Refinyl, a patented smoothing biotechnology. Its smoothing active ingredients act on the skin's pores and prevent the appearance of bacteria responsible for acne. This mattifying treatment with a lightweight texture is ideal for preparing the face for makeup application or for starting the day without shine.
FOR WHICH SKIN TYPE?
We have developed skincare products that are suitable for all skin types thanks to the biomimetic aspect of our formulas. This means that our products mimic the natural processes of the skin to better meet its specific needs. Our formulas have been clinically tested by an independent laboratory on all skin types and skin tones to confirm their effectiveness. The results of these tests have been approved by a dermatologist, confirming that our skincare is safe and effective for all skin types. We are proud to offer quality skincare that meets the needs of everyone, regardless of their skin type or tone.
IN WHICH COSMETIC PRODUCTS CAN YOU FIND PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS?
Prebiotics and probiotics are increasingly present in organic face care and in cosmetic products in general. They should be integrated into your beauty routine, whether it's for the face or body. You can find them in moisturizing day and night face creams, eye contour balms, lotions, foaming gels, elixirs, sunscreens, hygiene products, and even deodorants. Shampoos for dry hair, hair masks, and extra moisturizing shower gels may also contain them. Cosmetic products containing prebiotics and probiotics can help protect the skin and keep it beautiful and healthy. Some brands offer slow cosmetics products, using natural ingredients such as thermal water and almond, which also contain prebiotics and probiotics to take care of your skin gently and effectively.
OUR FOUNDER'S ADVICE, PHARMACIST DOCTOR
It is very important to apply a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. UV rays are the main cause of skin damage and premature aging. Sun exposure can cause skin damage such as age spots, brown spots, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, discoloration, and even an increased risk of skin cancer. The SPF in a sunscreen acts as a protective shield against these UV rays by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. SPF measures protection against UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburns, as well as UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause invisible but serious long-term damage. It is recommended to use a cream with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to the skin about 20 minutes before sun exposure. It is also important to reapply regularly, especially after sweating, swimming, or wiping the skin with a towel. In summary, applying a cream with SPF is an essential way to protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, thus helping to prevent skin damage and premature aging. A moisturizer with SPF can be a good option if you are looking for light daily sun protection. However, it is important to note that most moisturizers do not contain enough sun protection for prolonged sun exposure. Therefore, if you plan to spend time outdoors for long periods, it is best to use a separate sunscreen with a higher SPF.