My body hates the fact that I’m approaching my mid-20s with a burning passion. I have more back pain and head aches and my gut health as well as hormonal acne has never been worse. I’ve been following a hit-and-trial method and testing out a lot of different things that should work, but most gut supplements are about marketing and unfortunately, do absolutely nothing. So instead I had to figure out the root of the problem.
Probiotics and microbiomes are the buzzy new words around gut health and before delving into them, I wanted to know what they actually are.
So, What Is The Skin Microbiome?
Our skin is the largest organ in our body that also interacts with the outside environment. So it’s only natural that it comes in close contact with harmless microorganisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses as well as mites. This skin flora or microbiota, also called the skin microbiome, play a crucial role in protecting the skin and maintaining its health, and preventing harmful pathogens from colonizing.
I recently had the pleasure to speak to the founder of the skincare brand Sage & Ylang – (a skincare brand introduced to India by the Singapore Tourism Board) – Irene Chong, about the regulation and properties of said microbiome. According to her research, the skin microbiome has healthy bacteria that need to be stringently maintained for clear skin. How do you do that? Well, she says probiotics!
“What you eat is what your skin will reflect,” says Chong. “You have to look at fermented food. Think in terms of yoghurt (which is also a probiotic), fermented kombucha kaffir, and probiotic supplements are good as well. Gut microbiome is linked to skin microbiome health,” she adds. And this has been proven by various studies over time: a healthy gut = happy skin.
Now What Are Pro-Biotics?
Probiotics, also known as ‘good bacteria’, are live microorganisms that have a multitude of health benefits when consumed or applied to the body. They are usually found in fermented foods or supplements and help in restoring the natural balance of your gut bacteria. They help the body maintain a healthy community of microorganisms, and also help this community of organisms to return to a healthy condition after being disturbed by medication or a dietary shift.
As far as properties go, probiotics help with your immunity, reduce inflammation and keep your gut health intact. Some of the most widely researched probiotics include the Lactobacillus genus as well as the Bifidobacterium genus.
Where Do We Get Pro-Biotics From?
The first source is obviously, fermented foods. Ingredients sauerkraut, kimchi or pickles and pickle juice are a great source for your daily dose of probiotics. You can also consume a healthy amount by including kombucha, cottage cheese and yogurt in your diet.
Apart from these, you can also take probiotics in the form of supplements. Here are a few recommendations!
You can also add probiotics to your skincare routine with products that have non-living ingredients derived from probiotics. Species include Lactobacillus, Bifidabacterium, Vitreoscilla, and various ferments.
Probiotics, both in diet and skincare products, can play a key role in maintaining your gut balance. Incorporating fermented foods and supplements can potentially improve issues like hormonal acne and sensitive skin. However, remember that individual results can vary, so always consult a doctor before taking anything!
Featured Images: Unsplashed
