Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics: what they are and what role they play in maintaining skin health
Posted by Ivatherm
Although they have similar names, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics perform different functions in the human body, but all are beneficial for good health. Both beneficial and harmful bacteria live in the human body, and biotics tip the balance in a positive direction.
Probiotics, which are the most well-known and studied, are good bacteria that are naturally found in our body and help assimilate nutrients, playing an important role in immune function, as well as in maintaining skin health. Prebiotics feed probiotics, and postbiotics produce metabolites, to ensure balance in the skin's microbiome.
Below, you will find out what prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are, what the role of each is, and how they contribute to skin health.
Table of Contents
Probiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer numerous health benefits. These beneficial bacteria reside in our gut and help maintain a balanced microbial environment. Probiotics support digestion, improve nutrient absorption, strengthen the immune system, and can alleviate symptoms of certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Given that both good and bad bacteria exist in the human body, the goal is for probiotics to keep the bad ones under control.
The skin hosts a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms. Environmental factors, harsh skincare products, and unbalanced pH levels can disrupt the skin's microbiome, leading to various skin problems. Prebiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, supporting a stronger skin barrier.
Additionally, prebiotics and postbiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. They can modulate the skin's immune response, reducing redness, itching and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea-tipuri-cauze-simptome-tratament">rosacea and eczema.
Examples of probiotics frequently used in dermo-cosmetic products:
Lactobacillus Ferment
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus Ferment
Lactobacillus Ferment is a laboratory-created ingredient, obtained by fermenting the microorganism Lactobacillus. Used in cosmetic products, Lactobacillus Ferment has a strong soothing effect and strengthens the skin's ability to defend itself against aggressors.
Lactobacillus Ferment helps to restore and balance the skin's microbiome, which can contribute to improving the skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. It can also help to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
ivaRG Regenerating SPF30 Day Cream – provides high sun protection and prevents photoaging. It is formulated with Lactobacillus Ferment, Kakadu plum extract, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Swiss Pine Extract, sun filters and Herculane thermal water.
ivaRG Regenerating Night Cream – acts on signs of aging, evens skin tone and corrects age spots. It is formulated with Lactobacillus Ferment, Granactive Retinoid 2%, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Shea butter and Herculane thermal water.
ivaRG Regenerating Eye Contour Cream – acts on wrinkles around the eyes, puffiness and dark circles. It is formulated with Lactobacillus Ferment, Swiss Pine Extract, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, Chaga mushroom extract and Herculane thermal water.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
This strain is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier,improve hydration, and reduce skin sensitivity. It can also help to alleviate symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.
A study involving 112 pregnant women showed that Bifidobacterium bifidum may play a role in preventing eczema in babies. In the study, researchers gave mothers with a family history of eczema either a placebo or Bifidobacterium bifidum treatment, four to eight weeks before birth. After birth, infants received one Bifidobacterium bifidum tablet per day for six months. Only 18.2% of infants who took the tablet developed eczema. In contrast, approximately 40% of infants in the placebo group developed eczema. The results of this study are promising, but more research is needed.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. While its primary role is to support digestive health, there is some evidence suggesting it may also have benefits for the skin.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can improve the skin's barrier function, which helps retain moisture inside and keep irritants out. A healthy skin barrier is essential for protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Certain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm skin inflammation. Some studies suggest that Lactobacillus acidophilus can accelerate the wound healing process.
Additionally, Lactobacillus acidophilus produces antimicrobial substances that can help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin.
Prebiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the body, allowing the skin to function optimally while inhibiting harmful bacteria. They support the growth and activity of probiotics.
Common sources of prebiotics:
garlic
onions
bananas
whole grains.
Research has shown that prebiotics can improve mineral absorption and blood sugar regulation, speed up digestion, enhance immune function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Prebiotics in cosmetics:
Prebiotics used in cosmetic products mainly include plant-derived sugar molecules and oils with healthy carbohydrates. These elements serve as food for good bacteria to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
By providing the necessary nutrients, prebiotics help stimulate the growth of these bacteria, maintaining a balanced and diverse microbiome. This, in turn, supports a stronger skin barrier, improved hydration, and a reduction in inflammation and skin sensitivity.
Prebiotics can enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture. By improving the skin's barrier function and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Last but not least, prebiotics can improve the effectiveness of other skincare products by creating a favorable environment for the absorption and utilization of active ingredients.
Postbiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Postbiotics are metabolites of probiotics or other microorganisms. They are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria during fermentation. These compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, peptides, and organic acids, offer numerous benefits for the skin.
Postbioticshave antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,help strengthen the skin barrier, support collagen synthesis, and brighten the skin.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Many postbiotics have antioxidant activity, meaning they can help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
And, like probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics have the ability to strengthen the skin barrier by supporting the production of essential lipids and proteins.
A healthy skin microbiome can also be achieved with the help of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. These can strengthen the skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics: what they are and what role they play in maintaining skin health
Although they have similar names, prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics perform different functions in the human body, but all are beneficial for good health. Both beneficial and harmful bacteria live in the human body, and biotics tip the balance in a positive direction.
Probiotics, which are the most well-known and studied, are good bacteria that are naturally found in our body and help assimilate nutrients, playing an important role in immune function, as well as in maintaining skin health. Prebiotics feed probiotics, and postbiotics produce metabolites, to ensure balance in the skin's microbiome.
Below, you will find out what prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are, what the role of each is, and how they contribute to skin health.
Table of Contents
Probiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Probiotics are living microorganisms that offer numerous health benefits. These beneficial bacteria reside in our gut and help maintain a balanced microbial environment. Probiotics support digestion, improve nutrient absorption, strengthen the immune system, and can alleviate symptoms of certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Given that both good and bad bacteria exist in the human body, the goal is for probiotics to keep the bad ones under control.
The skin hosts a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms. Environmental factors, harsh skincare products, and unbalanced pH levels can disrupt the skin's microbiome, leading to various skin problems. Prebiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, supporting a stronger skin barrier.
Additionally, prebiotics and postbiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin. They can modulate the skin's immune response, reducing redness, itching and discomfort associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea-tipuri-cauze-simptome-tratament">rosacea and eczema.
Last but not least, pre- and probiotics help improve hydration levels.
Examples of probiotics frequently used in dermo-cosmetic products:
Lactobacillus Ferment
Lactobacillus Ferment is a laboratory-created ingredient, obtained by fermenting the microorganism Lactobacillus. Used in cosmetic products, Lactobacillus Ferment has a strong soothing effect and strengthens the skin's ability to defend itself against aggressors.
Lactobacillus Ferment helps to restore and balance the skin's microbiome, which can contribute to improving the skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. It can also help to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
This strain is known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and reduce skin sensitivity. It can also help to alleviate symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.
A study involving 112 pregnant women showed that Bifidobacterium bifidum may play a role in preventing eczema in babies. In the study, researchers gave mothers with a family history of eczema either a placebo or Bifidobacterium bifidum treatment, four to eight weeks before birth. After birth, infants received one Bifidobacterium bifidum tablet per day for six months. Only 18.2% of infants who took the tablet developed eczema. In contrast, approximately 40% of infants in the placebo group developed eczema. The results of this study are promising, but more research is needed.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. While its primary role is to support digestive health, there is some evidence suggesting it may also have benefits for the skin.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can improve the skin's barrier function, which helps retain moisture inside and keep irritants out. A healthy skin barrier is essential for protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Certain strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm skin inflammation. Some studies suggest that Lactobacillus acidophilus can accelerate the wound healing process.
Additionally, Lactobacillus acidophilus produces antimicrobial substances that can help to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria on the skin.
Prebiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the body, allowing the skin to function optimally while inhibiting harmful bacteria. They support the growth and activity of probiotics.
Common sources of prebiotics:
Research has shown that prebiotics can improve mineral absorption and blood sugar regulation, speed up digestion, enhance immune function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Prebiotics in cosmetics:
Prebiotics used in cosmetic products mainly include plant-derived sugar molecules and oils with healthy carbohydrates. These elements serve as food for good bacteria to maintain a healthy skin microbiome.
By providing the necessary nutrients, prebiotics help stimulate the growth of these bacteria, maintaining a balanced and diverse microbiome. This, in turn, supports a stronger skin barrier, improved hydration, and a reduction in inflammation and skin sensitivity.
Prebiotics can enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture. By improving the skin's barrier function and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, prebiotics help keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Last but not least, prebiotics can improve the effectiveness of other skincare products by creating a favorable environment for the absorption and utilization of active ingredients.
Postbiotics: what they are and how they affect skin health
Postbiotics are metabolites of probiotics or other microorganisms. They are bioactive compounds produced by probiotic bacteria during fermentation. These compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes, peptides, and organic acids, offer numerous benefits for the skin.
Postbiotics have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, help strengthen the skin barrier, support collagen synthesis, and brighten the skin.
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Many postbiotics have antioxidant activity, meaning they can help neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.
And, like probiotics and prebiotics, postbiotics have the ability to strengthen the skin barrier by supporting the production of essential lipids and proteins.
A healthy skin microbiome can also be achieved with the help of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. These can strengthen the skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health.
Resources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/bifidobacterium-bifidum#where-to-find-it
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24583611/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/probiotics-prebiotics-postbiotics-the-difference-microbiome-fermentation-yogurt
https://www.byrdie.com/probiotic-vs-prebiotic-skincare-6834767
https://synergieskin.com/blogs/all/the-role-of-prebiotics-probiotics-postbiotics-in-skincare#
https://weheartthis.com/best-probiotic-for-acne/
https://skincarebutik.com/what-are-pre-pro-and-postbiotics/
https://purecultureph.com/blogs/news/postbiotics-the-future-of-skincare
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.