Over 1000 species of micro-organisms live on our skin and research has shown that many of them promote skin health by reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier against harmful bacteria and by balancing the skin’s pH levels; some suggest that they might also help to prevent skin cancer.
The use of facial cleansers and antibacterial soaps, however, destroys these healthy bacteria and can damage the skin’s natural bacterial balance. This causes skin to feel dry and can cause issues such as exczma, psoriasis and rosacea among others. To solve this problem there are now probiotics for skin that you can use to restore the natural balance.
Probiotics are micro-organisms that are similar to naturally occurring bacteria in the stomach. They help with many bodily functions, from producing serotonin and helping digestion to increasing resistance to illness and infection.
Using probiotics, according to some dermatologists, provides benefits that include providing protection against bad skin bacteria, reducing inflammation, preventing premature skin aging, among others.
For those suffering from periodic acne, using probiotics topically can create a beneficial environment for the good bacteria thus displacing acne-causing bacteria; this is most effective against the Propionibacterium acnes.
Dermatologists advise that when buying a beauty product that is said to contain probiotics you should look for ingredients such as Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Vitreoscilla and sugars such as xylitol.
Probiotics for skin products are also quite delicate with most of them having only a six month shelf-life. Users should carefully note the expiration date after opening and keep the products stored in a cool, dark environment and in some cases refrigerate them and always read the packaging instructions carefully.
There are also other ways to fortify your skin’s microflora without having to buy any products. Too many people, for example, have been taught to make sure they get rid of all germs by using antibacterial soaps and gels. Healthy skin, however, does not require such a harsh approach and healing and maintaining your skin’s micro-organism population is much more important to the overall health of the skin.
Here are a few simple ways to protect your skin’s micro-organisms:
• Avoid harsh scrubbing.
• Use a pH balanced cleanser and do not exfoliate more than twice a week.
• Eat more fiber. Foods like oats, barley, asparagus and leeks are an excellent source of substances that improve immune function and boost the growth of good bacteria in your stomach.
• Take care of your stomach. The stomach, brain, and skin are directly connected and what you eat can have a direct effect on the health and radiance of your skin.
• Limit the use of antibiotics wherever possible since they can destroy the good bacteria living in your body.
