Scientists know that probiotic supplements can be helpful for the digestive system, but recently some companies have extrapolated that knowledge to justify the marketing of probiotic skincare products. It’s certainly true that microbes are an important part of topical health and when their world is disrupted by chlorinated water, soap and cosmetic ingredients, the skins overall health can suffer.
Still, the numbers and types of bacteria on the skin are constantly in flux and dependent on skin pH, sebum, barrier health and overall hydration. While applying bacteria topically may provide some temporary benefit, which more likely is every time you wash with soap and tap water, apply sunscreen or preservative laced cosmetics, you’re gonna be killing those microbes no matter how many critters you’re depositing on your face with product.
A better strategy for keeping your skin’s bacterial population healthy is to make sure you’re eating correctly. There’s an important relationship between the bacteria in our intestine and our cutaneous ones. By enjoying fermented and fresh veggies, while avoiding sugar and processed foods, you’ll not only support the bacterial population in the intestine, you’ll be keeping the ones living on your skin healthy and functional as well.
