Why do I add Pre + Probiotics into my skin care ?
As I passionately continue along my compounding journey I am curious to include more plant based prebiotics and probiotics in my compounds, and for good reason.
Prebiotics and probiotics are revolutionizing skincare by supporting a balanced and resilient structure and complexion.
But what exactly do they do, and why are they supportive of healthy skin?
A bit of background for you :
Skin accounts for about 15 percent of the total body weight of adults, with an average surface area of up to 2m squared. There are functions of the skin that you may not have even considered .
Did you know that your skin ;
Acts to prevent transcutaneous water loss and maintain a healthy water and electrolyte balance, not just on your outer layer but for your entire body.
Acts to thermoregulate and maintain a healthy body temperature by its protective cover as well as the "shiver" and "goose bump" response.
Provides overall structural support and significantly contributes to self esteem
Manufactures vitamins, in particular fat soluble Vitamin D
Acts as a mechanical barrier to disease-causing microorganisms and harmful substances. We now know that residing bacteria provide the first line of defence against invading pathogens. The bacterium Staphylococcus epidermidis, for example, secrete a protease that inhibits biofilm formation in your nostrils as well as colonization by Staphylococcus aureus .
Is an integral component of your innate and adaptive immune system . By increasing the secretion of several defensive mediators, the skin’s microbiome boosts the skin’s immune function. For example, S. epidermidis. activates the production of the Toll-like receptors (TLR2) to amplify the keratinocytes response to invading pathogens. On the other hand, the same bacteria functions to inhibit TLR3 activated inflammation in wound healing activity and help to speed the process of wound healing, amazing !
As the scientific literature explodes with evidence on the gut microbiome and it’s contribution to your overall health, so is the literature now around many other microbial populations. These include the Gut Brain axis, the Gut Heart axis, the Gut Joint axis, the Gut Vaginal axis, the Gut Endometrial axis and the Gut skin axis.
Your skin biome, although not readily visable to you plays a role in keeping this significant and vital organ and you disease free.
You acquire your skin microbiome at birth, and, like your gut microbiome, it remains dynamic throughout your life. During birth, your flora is less diverse and acquires the composition of the site of delivery whether vaginal birth or by C. section. Skin colonization by the "commensal" friendly microbes continues into breastfeeding and even further to finally achieve a healthy balanced population by adulthood. This population is in flux as the health of it’s host shifts.
The gut skin axis
Studies now show us that intestinal microbiota balance can influence skin health, demonstrating the existence of a Gut–Skin axis. By regulating skin health and gut–skin axis interactions, probiotics can be used as potential management tools to suppress and improve skin diseases in multiple ways, including decreasing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammatory responses, and supporting immune modulation effects.
I have personally treated patients who present with long standing and stubborn skin conditions which overtime balance and clear without me touching the skin or applying any of my cosmeceuticals. These improvements occurred primarily by targeting an improvement in microbial diversity at gut level, removing parasites or dysbiotic bacteria and improving the nutrition and lifestyle habits of the individual.
Some in clinic examples achieved in 2023 /2024 (names and identity withheld)
Probiotics can treat skin diseases
Recent published studies suggest that different probiotics can support different skin diseases ;
Nitrosomonas eutropha and Lactobacillus buchneri can improve skin aging
Streptococcus thermophiles, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus salivarius can improve acne
Vitreoscilla filiformis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus johnsonii can improve atopic dermatitis
Bifidobacteria infantis and Lactobacillus pentosus can improve psoriasias
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum kefir, Lactobacillus fermentum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve wound healing
Lactobacillus paracasei can improve dandruff
Bifidobacterum breve BR03 and Lactobacillus salivarius can improve rosasea.
Radiant skin and hair are universally recognized as indications of good health.
So how do I achieve this ‘glow of health’?
One study demonstrated that feeding of probiotic bacteria to aged mice induced changes mimicking peak health and reproductive fitness characteristic of much younger animals. Eating probiotic yogurt triggered epithelial follicular hair follicle shifts resulting in thick lustrous fur due to a bacteria-triggered cytokine interleukin-10-dependent mechanism. Aged male animals eating probiotics exhibited increased subcuticular follicular growth, when compared with matched controls, yielding luxuriant fur only in probiotic-fed subjects. Female animals displayed probiotic-induced hyperacidity coinciding with shinier hair, a feature that also aligns with fertility in human females. Together this data provides insights into evolution and novel strategies for pre and probiotic rich foods for both skin and hair health.
So what are Prebiotics:
Prebiotics serve as fuel for the beneficial bacteria and nourish your gut and your skin’s microbiome.
These specialized ingredients, often composed of complex carbohydrates, encourage the growth of good bacteria while reinforcing the skin and the gut mucosal barrier. When added to skincare formulations, prebiotics help maintain a diverse balance within your microbiome, promoting skin and overall health
Encapsulated Lactobacillus: A probiotic you will continue to see feature in my skincare range.
Encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus represents a major advancement in probiotic skincare. This beneficial bacteria is known for its ability to calm irritated skin and help manage breakouts. The encapsulation process protects the probiotics, preserving their potency and ensuring they remain effective throughout the product’s lifespan.
By supporting the skin’s natural microbiome, Encapsulated Lactobacillus fosters a thriving environment for beneficial bacteria while minimizing the growth of harmful microorganisms. This balance is essential for maintaining skin health, improving hydration, and strengthening the skin’s defenses against environmental stressors. The result ? A calmer, more radiant complexion.
Please look forward to my new additions to range featuring targeted pre and pre biotics and consider a gut microbiome functional testing and rebalance.
I consider this the gold standard in personalised prevention and health optimisation.
Victoria Pavasovic CFNMP RN MACN
Functional and Nutritional Medicine Practitioner
Certified Co-Biome Microbiome Practitioner
Professional Food and Nutritional Coach
Skin + Hair Health + restoration
Compounded Nutraceuticals