Pumped by Probiotics

Touted as the latest miracle workers in the skincare world, probiotics are no longer just a prescription for a happy gut. The friendly bacteria are helping you stay pretty, too!

Recently, the American Academy of Dermatology called probiotics one of the new breakthroughs in skincare.

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And why wouldn’t they? This latest wonder ingredient to find its way into our moisturisers, cleansers, peels and lotions has been shown to help with getting clearer skin, reduced sensitivity, redness, and inflammation. So far we’ve only known about the digestive benefits of probiotics—better digestion, healthy stomach, weight loss aid... It’s time to exploit the perks of its topical application as well.

What is it?

Probiotics literally means ‘for life’—they are friendly bacteria and yeast, beneficial to the human body. “Probiotics, as I like to say, are pro antibiotics,” says award-winning New Delhi-based dermatologist and laser surgeon, Dr Deepali Bhardwaj. “They help us in healthy living and avoid infections of many kinds and hence, are anti-antibiotics,” she adds. Probiotics are primarily used to refresh the internal stomach and the entire gut system with good bacteria. “Used topically, they help in tightening pores, rejuvenating dry skin, leaving it smoother and softer, and they are also a potent anti-acne solution.”

Find it in

Active or live cultures found in probiotics are now regularly spotted on the ingredients list of anti-ageing skincare. “They mainly help by killing the free radicals and hence, prevent signs of ageing,” reveals Dr Bhardwaj. Yoghurt is the most basic and easy-to-use form of probiotics as it is effortless to apply it topically as well as ingest it. But it is not the only way to get your probiotic fix. “Aged cheeses, kefir, sour cabbage, some soy beverages, kimchi and of course, probiotic drinks are rich sources,” she says. The good news is, whether you eat it or slather on products containing probiotics, your skin will thank you for it. “It makes the skin supple and smooth, cleanses the liver, gut and internal system, leading to increased energy and a glowing complexion,” she adds.

User’s manual

Long before the skincare hoopla about probiotics began, yoghurt was (and still is) considered a go-to treatment for several skin snags. The probiotic-rich ingredient has long been part of Indian beauty recipes for sensitive skin, sunburn, nasty tans and even dry skin. Ditch the after-sun gels and reach out for a tablespoon of cool curd to treat sensitivity, acne, redness and sunburn; blend it with gram flour for glow; add lemon juice to treat tanning; or pour a few drops of almond oil to it to banish dryness. And if you’re not a DIY dame, try Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15 (₹1,660 approximately) before you step out, Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream (₹2,375 approximately) before you sleep, and Nude Miracle Mask (₹3,000 approximately) on your weekends to reap the rewards. Finally, science supports what grandma has known all along.

From the December 2014 issue of L’Officiel India.