Hello Girls!
We usually associate prebiotics and probiotics with medications, don’t we? But can these substances be also used in cosmetics? It turns out that they can, and the effect they deliver is significant. How do such products work and how to use them? Continue reading my entry to find the answer.
Who pre- and probiotics are for?
Cosmetics with prebiotics and probiotics content are usually recommended for people with sensitive, irritated and damaged skin. Their mission is to rebuild microbiological flora of skin and counteract multiplication of damaging microbes. What is the role these microscopic organism play in our organism?
Human resident microflora (for example, saprobionts, dermatophytes) are exceptionally important for our skin. They protect our body against germs which can lead to development of serious diseases. In return for the protection, they receive food in the form of grease, sweat and dead epidermis cells. Our skin is also a house for transient microflora; it includes organisms which lifespan is very short (a few hours, days, weeks). They can cause diseases only when the composition of the resident microflora changes as a consequence of improper care or the influence of the external environment.
The composition and quantity of microflora depends on many factors. We can include: race, sex, age, health state, hormone level, medication, diet, the clothes we wear, life conditions, hygiene, immunity and many, many more. Also, a very important role is played by low pH of skin which favours maintaining the resident microflora at the right level.
What does damage microbiological flora of skin?
First and foremost, it’s because of the excessive or improper hygiene. After washing the body, the number of healthful microorganisms gets reduced. Luckily, it takes them little time to restore their previous quantity. Nevertheless, frequent bathing and use of strong detergents cause long-term damage of the flora. Harmful is also skin disinfection when both, the good and bad microorganism are killed. Therefore, you should refrain from using alkaline soap, preservatives, cosmetic and medical acids as well as deodorants (sic!). You shouldn’t also overdo with sunbathing, rapid cooling down of the organism and… frequent antibiotics intake.
Prebiotics and probiotics in cosmetics
- Cosmetics with probiotics are recommended for people with atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, acne and problems with private parts. Also, they are useful for fighting against allergic reactions, after finishing antibiotic treatment and after invasive aesthetic medicine procedures. Their mission is to protect against pathogens, reinforce skin immunity, support regeneration and relieve irritations.
- Prebiotics in cosmetics stimulate growth of the microorganisms. They are present in plants and can be obtained from proteins, fats and oligo- or polysaccharides. They are recommended to take care of sensitive skin of kids and adults. Prebiotics are also present in anti-dandruff cosmetics, sunscreens, man skin care products and deodorants. They counteract acne development and infections of private parts.
