MICROBIOM AND PROBIOTICS I
K-BEAUTY

Most people know probiotics as something that you get through food or drink. Some choose to add probiotics to their food consumption through supplements purchased at a pharmacy or health food, while others get it through various foods or drinks such as kimchi, sauerkraut or kombucha, a type of fermented tea. Recently, however, there has been an increased focus on probiotics that should also be applied to the outside of the body and not just consumed, so we will take a closer look at this growing trend around probiotics in our skin care.

We answer questions about what a microbiome actually is, which skin types benefit from probiotics in their skin care routine and what benefits you can expect from adding probiotics to your skin care.

TAKE CARE OF THE SKIN'S MICROBIOME

Bacteria is usually a word that most people don't associate with anything positive, but it's important to know that not all bacteria are bad for us or our skin. In our skin alone there are thousands of different microorganisms, and it is incredibly important that we take good care of them if the skin is to feel good. In the same way as gut health, our skin also interacts with the environment around us. Our skin has a number of important tasks, including protecting us from sun damage, infections and various external stresses.

Therefore, it is extremely important that we treat our skin in a good way to maintain healthy skin and a well-balanced microbiome. This will help fight bad bacteria and protect against external stressors. The skin's microbiome is also what prevents various skin conditions such as dermatitis and rosacea, as well as the appearance of acne breakouts and other skin infections.

The skin microbiome is simply the body's external immune system, and when it is out of balance, you will quickly feel the effects such as dry skin, red spots or impure skin. But what is the connection between the microbiome and probiotics?

PROBIOTICS IN SKIN CARE

Explained simply, probiotics are live microorganisms that contribute to creating a healthy and good bacterial flora. The same concept is also used for probiotics in the form of supplements or foods, as well as for probiotics found in various skin care products. Skin care products that contain probiotic ingredients are a clearly growing trend in the skin care industry. When probiotics are used on the skin it prevents fungi or other harmful bacteria from having the opportunity to thrive and grow, it is used to support and strengthen the skin's own defense system.

You can often see probiotics listed as various fermented ingredients in skin care products, which can include both bifida ferment lysate or saccharomyces ferment as examples. Maintaining a healthy microbiome equates to maintaining a strong skin barrier, which is especially important in countries like Norway where there are big changes in weather and temperature during the seasons.

Other challenges can arise due to acne, eczema, dry skin, sensitive skin or rosacea. By adding good bacteria to the skin through skin care products with probiotic ingredients, you ensure that the skin barrier functions optimally. This ensures that the skin continues to have functions such as protecting against external stressors, regulating sebum production and also having the ability to calm inflammatory conditions.

BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS IN SKIN CARE

There are several clear benefits to adding probiotics to your skin care routine. Probiotics in skin care are equally suitable for all skin types and will have clear benefits for everyone. However, sensitive, stressed and irritated skin will especially benefit from maintaining the microbiome in the skin. The goal of adding probiotics to your skin care routine is to maintain the skin's barrier. Below we have listed some of the biggest benefits of probiotics in skin care.

• Soothes irritated and red skin
• Delays early signs of aging
• Protects against damage from the environment
• Seals moisture in the skin
• Optimizes the skin's natural pH value.
  
  

OUR 5 FAVORITE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS WITH PROBIOTICS

Heimish – Matcha Biome Amino Acne Cleansing Foam : A foaming, water-based facial cleanser from Heimish that's especially good for acne-prone skin. The product contains antioxidants and amino acids, which help clear clogged pores and counteract impurities. It also contains probiotics and enzymes from Heimish's patented Matcha Biome, which strengthens the skin barrier and has a soothing and moisturizing effect on the skin.

Dr. Ceuracles Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence : The essence from Dr. Ceuracle is an impressive multifunctional product that contains extracts from kombucha tea and nourishing oils from seeds. In addition, you will of course find probiotics, vitamin V, green tea and omija which work together to strengthen your skin, prevent damage from external factors and restore a well-balanced moisture level.

Skin1004 - Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream : A rich facial cream containing probiotics and centella asiatica to soothe and hydrate your skin. Suitable for all skin types, this face cream from Skin1004 contains the ProBio-Cica complex, which is centella fermented with Tiger Grass Extract, combined with centella asiatica extract. Even better is that it is vegan and these ingredients work together to rebuild a damaged skin barrier, have a soothing effect on the skin and increase the skin's own ability to absorb all the amazing ingredients for optimal effect.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50: Here you get an organic sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon that contains 30% rice extract and probiotics. Probiotic ingredients include lactobacillus from fermented pumpkin, bacillus from fermented soybeans, and lactobacillus from fermented rice. The sunscreen provides high UV protection and is free of perfume, silicones, essential oils and leaves no white film.