Without a doubt, prebiotics have recently become quite trendy: New products on supermarket shelves, complex nutritional supplements in pharmacies, and even segments of TV programming dedicated to them. Talk of prebiotics, probiotics, “good” bacteria, and microorganisms is all over the place, and they’ve even started to feature in skincare products. What are they, though, and how do we use them?

It all began a few years ago, when preliminary research demonstrated that prebiotics contribute positively to gut health. Since then, their consumption has increased. They have been added or enhanced in various foods, and have quickly become part of many people’s daily diet. Is there some use for them with regard to skincare, though, or is all simply a well-planned marketing ploy?

Prebiotics, are, essentially, “food” for probiotics. Probiotics are “good” bacteria that exist in our bodies. They help us maintain our health and balance, both internally and externally. Therefore, when we support these innate probiotics by giving them the “food” they need, we help them thrive and, in turn, they reward us for this. In what ways do they reward us?

• First of all, they maintain the balance, strength, and youthful look of the skin’s surface.
• They reduce factors that lead to redness, dry skin, and various other skin problems.
• They restore balance, for a healthy microbiome. 

Is it really necessary, however, to take such care of the skin barrier?

Is it a fact that, through extensive use of certain products, particularly as of recent due to the pandemic, we tend to upset the skin’s balance. The continuous use of harsh cleaning products, external pollutants, stress, and anxiety are some examples of factors that can spoil this symbiosis between pre- and probiotics. 

Are all prebiotic products good?

Sadly, no. Prebiotics require special conditions to reach their full potential. They require packaging that is protected from light and air. At the same time, it is always preferable to not use chemicals (such as fragrances), since they reduce their action and make them less effective.