Prebiotics for Skincare- Why/How It Works!

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What are Prebiotics? 

In the previous blog post, probiotics and their benefits were extensively discussed. But what exactly are probiotics composed of? The precursors of probiotics are prebiotics. Prebiotics are types of dietary fibers that sustain the beneficial microorganisms in the gut. During the process of digestion, prebiotics cannot be broken down because they are non-living, fermented carbohydrates. However, this fiber helps the gut bacteria produce nutrients for the colon cells, which ultimately leads to a healthier digestive system. 

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Prebiotics fuel Probiotics to grow and multiply, enabling them to fight off bad bacteria and restore gut flora. Combining Prebiotics and Probiotics increases the number of beneficial bacteria in your body, resulting in naturally restored, healthier skin.

How are Prebiotics helpful?

Prebiotics absorb calcium and metabolize foods faster—avoiding excess time spent in the digestive tract—ultimately keeping cells lining the gut healthy.

Where to find Prebiotics? 

Prebiotics are mainly found in high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, bananas, dandelion greens, onions, garlic, soybeans, artichokes, apples, leeks, asparagus, oatmeal, and chicory root. However, it is important to note that a diverse diet best ensures nutrient adequacy. Different foods provide different types and amounts of key nutrients, so it is important to include a variety of foods from each food group for a well-balanced diet.

Prebiotic Skin Benefits

Prebiotics help offset factors that lead to redness, dryness, and aging. By applying Prebiotics to the skin, Probiotics thrive, keeping the surface of the skin balanced, youthful, and strong.

Prebiotics and Acne 

It is clear that the bacteria on our skin’s microbiome affects our complexions. The  inflammation of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles occurs often in puberty and as follicles mature, they create more of the P. acnes bacteria. P. Acnes bacteria clogs pores, resulting in an acne outbreak. This is where prebiotics come in. Prebiotics promote the growth of bacteria that kill P. acnes bacteria. By using prebiotics in topical skincare, it can significantly reduce the inflammation of the bacteria, without eliminating necessary bacteria. This allows for the skin to return to its natural, healthy equilibrium. 

What Prebiotic Skincare Ingredients to Look For

Glucomannan is a prebiotic that works with probiotics to help control acne. Other ingredients to look for include prebiotic plant sugars such as xylitol, rhamnose, and fructooligosaccharides. Plant extracts or derivatives of foods known to have prebiotics such as garlic, onions, oats, barley, wheat bran, asparagus, bananas, and flaxseed are frequently used in skin care products as well.