You’ve probably heard of (or eaten) pro or postbiotics to keep your tummy working or to prevent painful UTIs. That’s because they’re meant to help maintain and boost the naturally occurring bacteria in different parts of our bodies. But did you know that the same goes for our skin? Bacteria on our skin are known as microbiomes and you can use certain skincare to support these microbiomes and keep them in balance. This is why microbiomes are essential for a healthy skin barrier!
Bacteria… on my skin?
Yes! We all have bacteria on our skin–both good and bad. While most of us try to fight off bad bacteria, like the kind that can cause acne, we want to keep the good bacteria and fungi on our skin. Why? Because it helps keep our skin barrier intact and working properly, protecting our skin from external stressors and pathogens.
Why microbiomes are essential for a healthy skin barrier? Our skin is like a complex ecosystem. And even though you might not like the idea of living organisms using your face as their home turf, there are thousands of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that work in symbiosis daily to keep our skin looking, but more importantly, feeling healthy and youthful.
Skin looking irritated? Your microbiome balance could be off!How to tell if your skin’s microbiome balance is off
The telltale signs that you have disturbed or compromised the microbiome balance on your skin are typically sensitivity, redness, and/or more serious skin conditions like eczema and acne.
A compromised microbiome balance on your skin basically means that you’ve damaged your skin barrier which can be easily done by common mistakes like:
- Overwashing your skin with antibacterial washes (like cleansers for acne-prone skin)
- Using too many (or too often) actives in your skincare routine
- Overexfoliating your skin
So how can you keep your skin’s microbiome balance and skin barrier healthy? Microbiome skincare!
Why Korea loves microbiome skincare
Microbiome skincare does exactly what you think it would: it protects and keeps the ecosystem on your skin in balance–through gentle, soothing ingredients that will nourish your skin and protect it from external stressors. Most K-beauty skincare focuses on gentle and soothing products so it’s no surprise that Korea loves microbiome skincare! You can recognize microbiome skincare if it contains any pre or probiotics as these help microbiomes thrive by eliminating bad bacteria and supporting the good bacteria.
Want to try out microbiome skincare? Here are a few pro and prebiotic-packed products for a healthy skin barrier!
THE LAB by blanc doux Prebiotic-Cera™ CreamTHE LAB by blanc doux Prebiotic-Cera™ Cream – A deeply nourishing yet lightweight cream uses a novel approach of combining Ceramides, Probiotic, and PREBIOME™️ to improve the skin barrier for healthier skin.
Hyggee Natural Repair SerumHyggee Natural Repair Serum – An all-around skin health enforcing serum with Red Ginseng Extract and Lactobacillus Ferment to protect the skin barrier.
107 Dewy Glow Serum Mist107 Dewy Glow Serum Mist – A fine mist with the power of a serum with Soy Milk Ferment Filtrate to nourish and protect the skin.
Aqulabo Kombucha First Breath-Like TonerAqulabo Kombucha First Breath-Like Toner – A clarifying and refreshing toner with Fermented Black Tea and Lactobacillus for optimal microbiome balance.
Do you keep your skin’s microbiome in mind when doing your skincare? What’s your favorite barrier-protecting product?
