What is probiotic skincare? And what are its benefits?

Key Points

• Probiotic skincare products are typically infused with probiotics.
• They aim to restore the balance of good bacteria on your skin.
• As a new product, further research is needed on their efficacy.

Probiotics have earned a permanent place in discussions about gut health. But beyond their benefits for the gut microbiome, interest in the skin microbiome has led to another evolving trend: probiotic skincare.

Probiotic skincare claims to support the skin’s microbiome (the many different microorganisms that live on the skin). While the emergence of probiotic skincare is an exciting development, there’s not yet enough scientific data to back up its claims.

Let’s do a deep dive into the trend of probiotic skincare with help from healthylife naturopath Gabbie Watt. We’ll explore potential uses, the difference between probiotic and standard skincare and whether these beauty bugs can deliver results.

What is probiotic skincare?

With an average daily skincare routine including facial cleansers and soaps, there’s a chance that we might be stripping our skin of the healthy bacteria that reside on it. The result? Potential breakouts, flare-ups and stressed complexions.

Probiotic skincare aims to offer a balance. By adding probiotics topically to the skin, it claims to boost the good bugs. And as we already know that probiotics support numerous health functions, it makes sense to start exploring the role they could play in skincare.

But what do probiotics do to your skin? 

“Just as the gut has a layer of good bacteria keeping our immune systems strong and our guts healthy, our skin also has a layer playing a similar role,” says Gabbie. “The skin microbiome ensures the environment is just right so pathogens can’t penetrate it.”

What’s the difference between pre and probiotics when it comes to your skin?

As with food and health supplements, labels of ‘prebiotic’ and ‘probiotic’ in skincare represent different things.

“Prebiotics are non-digestible compounds that feed the ‘good’ microorganisms in the gut and stimulate their growth,” Gabbie explains. “In skincare, this might look like plant-based active ingredients. But it’s yet to be clinically studied.” 

Probiotics, on the other hand, are the microorganisms themselves. Probiotic skincare is usually a product that contains these microorganisms for topical application.

The benefits of probiotic skincare 

As one of the newer areas of skincare, the jury – and science – is still out on possible probiotic skincare benefits. However, early studies show some promising potential benefits for our skin.

• Relieving irritation. One study found that probiotic baths were helpful in reducing skin irritation symptoms, including dryness and itching. It also found that probiotic baths were good for promoting generations of good bacteria and reducing the unfavourable types.
• Reducing inflammation. Probiotics may be beneficial in reducing skin inflammation. They achieve this by blocking the release of cytokines – a signalling protein that helps your body control inflammation.
• Protecting your skin barrier. “Probiotics may also accelerate the recovery of skin barrier function,” says Gabbie. “By maintaining the skin integrity via the microbiome, topical probiotics may benefit the skin.”
• Boosting immunity. “By altering the function of T-cells, these beneficial microbes can aid the immune cells that help to control the skin's health,” Gabbie tells us. Additionally, the beneficial skin bacteria may interact with cells, pathogenic microbes and each other to ward off threats.

Does probiotic skincare work?

Not all probiotic-infused skincare products are created equal. “The potential benefits of probiotic skincare come from the biodiversity of the bacteria, just like our gut microbiome,” says Gabbie. “Research tells us, the more diverse, the stronger it is, with each species contributing to a vital role to its health.”

As a relatively innovative skincare product, there isn’t much scientific research to back up the efficacy and safety of topical probiotics. Instead, skincare products should be chosen to primarily suit your skin type and concerns.

What’s the difference between probiotic skincare and standard skincare?

How does probiotic skincare differ from the regular stuff? Gabbie explains: “These topical products may contain probiotic strains,” she says. “Standard skincare products are topical products that don’t contain probiotic strains.

“It’s also important to note that topical skincare products are non-sterile. This means they might contain antimicrobial preservatives that affect the probiotic strain viability.”

Probiotic skincare products are now marketed towards most skincare needs and skin types. They include toners, moisturisers and facial mists, each offering unique properties and benefits. Commonly combined with other ingredients that may promote healthier skin, including kakadu plum and hyaluronic acid, there’s a significant range to choose from.

Should I use probiotics on my skin?

Probiotics have become a staple in discussions about good gut health, and their usefulness in skincare is something to watch.

Speak with your healthcare professional if you have concerns or questions about your skin.

Related:

• Top 10 foods that are good for your skin, hair and nails
• Layering your skincare. What is it all about?
• Are the benefits of honey the bee’s knees for skin?

Gabbie Watt is a Naturopath and is passionate about blending evidence-based practice and traditional natural medicine into her approach. With experience previously working as a Radiation Therapist, Gabbie’s professional background in conventional medicine has been instrumental in shaping her holistic approach to health.

Reviewed by healthylife health experts July 2023