Prebiotics and Probiotics reinforce the skin barrier

You’ve probably heard about probiotics and prebiotics, and how they help gut health. But, in addition to helping your intestines, it also helps your skin health. Let’s see a little more. Collagen, retinol, proteoglycans and of course, now probiotics and prebiotics. Although it sounds strange, given that they are not very common, specialists predict a boom in the cosmetics market with these ingredients in their formulas.

For those who need to reinforce the intestinal flora from time to time, it is useful because these ingredients also reinforce the cutaneous flora or the skin microbiome. In one of my previous posts, I mentioned that there are microorganisms that live on the surface of our skin. Well, probiotics and prebiotics also favor these little friends.

The microorganisms on our skin act as modulators of the immune response. They reduce inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier and make it difficult for other pathogenic bacteria to occupy the skin’s territory. Thus protecting us from diseases.

But what are probiotics and prebiotics actually?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when ingested in the right amounts, are beneficial to health. They are bacteria and yeasts that are present in some foods such as yogurt, cheese, and dairy products. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are compounds that the body cannot digest but that have a physiological effect on the intestine by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.

Dermatologist Laura Cubells explains that administered orally, prebiotics and probiotics have been shown to have a very important role in the prevention of diseases where the skin barrier is altered. Like wound healing, or atopic dermatitis. As well as to improve acne or weakened skin. But the important thing is that studies have shown that these benefits are the result of taking prebiotics and probiotics orally and not topically.

Let’s not forget that the skin is the largest organ we have and the one that protects us from the outside. So why not give her that token of appreciation.