In Sight: Balancing Skin's Microflora with Probiotics

By: Katie Schaefer, Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: September 28, 2007, from the October 2007 issue of Cosmetics & Toiletries.

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Additionally, an in vitro test showed an increase in cellular function.

The fourth, in vivo test examined the ingredient’s potential to cause irritation and redness. “Because [the material] strengthens the skin, irritation and redness are reduced. This [benefit] is attributed to the ingredient’s ability to balance the good microflora in the skin,” said Marc, who added that balancing microflora on the skin is similar to balancing it in the gut.

Misconceptions
Probiotics were initially linked to skin care because of their help with acne . According to Marc, this effect is misunderstood.

“[Probiotics] are not really an acne treatment. They can help keep the good bacteria on the skin, thereby helping skin to heal and the acne to clear. Therefore, they are not as much a help in clearing the acne as they are in balancing the skin,” explained Marc.

Who Uses Probiotics
Although the company labels its probiotic serum as antiaging, it recommends that young women in their 20s and 30s use the product.