In this article:
Benefits of prebiotics for skin
How do prebiotics work on skin?
Prebiotics to look for in skin care
Are prebiotics good for skin?
Important considerations for prebiotic skin care
Prebiotics are an intriguing group of ingredients making skin care headlines because of the important role they can play in addressing a variety of skin concerns. Their gut-health benefits when consumed orally are well-established through research and now, emerging studies are shedding fascinating light on how topical prebiotics can help when applied to skin.
Prebiotics are essentially foods consumed by probiotics. Probiotics are the good bacteria in and on the body that keep our bodies balanced and healthy inside and out (1).
Skin care and medical experts consider probiotics fundamental to being healthy and youthful, and since prebiotics are the natural partner to probiotics, having both gives you the best of both worlds.
Benefits of prebiotics for skin
Applying prebiotics to skin helps probiotics thrive so they can:
- Keep the surface of skin—its first line of defense—balanced, younger-looking, and strong (3).
- Offset factors that lead to redness, dryness, and a weakened surface (4).
- Ward off signs of aging skin (4).
- Restore a healthy microbiome balance (good bacteria) (2).
How do prebiotics work on skin?
The skin and the gut have something in common- microbiomes! As it turns out, the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics in our gut are also apparent when these ingredients are applied to skin (2).
Microbiomes, delicate, natural and ever-shifting collections of microorganisms, work to promote both balance and health. As mentioned, probiotics are a group of “good” bacteria, or microorganisms, that feed off prebiotics. When prebiotics keep the populations of probiotics healthy, skin’s microbiome remains uncompromised, with “good,” “neutral” and “bad” microorganisms existing at healthy levels. This helps preserve and maintain skin’s moisture barrier, among other benefits.
Topical application of prebiotics impacts the skin differently than oral delivery through supplements or food. When we apply creams, serums or treatments with these ingredients, we can directly control the area where they get to work. This direct contact with skin is proven to enhance skin’s natural defenses by promoting the growth of beneficial and neutral microorganisms on the surface (2).
When skin’s microbiome is thriving, it can focus on creating more of the substances it needs.
Prebiotics to look for in skin care
There are many prebiotics that are beneficial in skin care including:
- Xylitol, which also functions as a humectant to provide further moisture to the skin.
- Rhamnose, a prebiotic that has also displayed possible anti-aging benefits (8).
- A large group of ingredients known as fructooligosaccharides (including those found in berries) (4, 6, 7).
- Glucomannan is a particularly interesting prebiotic due to the way it works with a wide range of probiotics that help control acne (5).
- Sugarcane- or chicory root-derived inulin. Also offers water-binding properties(1).
- Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is both a prebiotic and an antioxidant.
- Fructose and glucose, which deliver hydration-boosting qualities in addition to their prebiotic benefits.
- Plant extracts from garlic, onions, oats, barley, wheat bran, asparagus, bananas, flaxseed, and their derivatives may also deliver prebiotics to skin.
Serums or moisturizers with prebiotics such as these may already be in your routine (check your ingredient labels to make sure). We’ve formulated our CALM collection with prebiotics like inulin, fructose, glucose and alpha-glucan oligosaccharide to help promote a healthy skin barrier and microbiome, the latter sometimes referred to as skin’s “invisible barrier”.
Are prebiotics good for skin?
Prebiotics are good for all skin types because a stable, balanced microbiome is a basic need of everybody’s skin. If your skin isn’t looking and feeling as healthy and fresh as it used to, there’s a good chance your microbiome could be unbalanced. People of all ages can benefit from the valuable support prebiotics provide, especially those with a compromised skin barrier or sensitivity. Prebiotics are also suitable for acne-prone skin, and many of them offer dual purpose as naturally hydrating ingredients.
In short, prebiotic skin care can help provide optimal skin health for everyone.
Important considerations for prebiotic skin care
It’s important that your prebiotic skin care comes in stable packaging—no jars where light and air exposure can spoil the effectiveness of the overall formula (opt for opaque, air-restrictive bottles). You should also look for prebiotics in a fragrance-free formula to ensure optimal soothing effects since fragrance is a known skin irritant.
Research has clearly shown that prebiotics play a helpful role in getting and keeping healthy, smoother skin. Consider them alongside other beneficial ingredients such as antioxidants and skin-replenishing substances for remarkably improved barrier strength and reduces signs of sensitivity (9).
References for this information:
- Foods, March 2019, ePublication
- Beneficial Microbes, June 2014, pages 99-107
- Nature Reviews Microbiology, March 2018, pages 144-155
- Fermentation, May 2019, pages 1-17
- Journal of Zhejiang University Science B, July 2018, pages 505-514
- Microorganisms, December 2020, pages 1–14
- Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, August 2021, ePublication
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2019, pages 213-220
- Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, April 2021, pages 384–392
Sylara prebiotic products:
Bioactive Prebiotics Serum - Nourishing Jelly Formula for Healthy Skin
Microbiome Face Mist - Rejuvenating Prebiotic Spray for Balanced Skin