What is the microbiome?
The “microbiome” is the universe of different, living microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. Each part of the body has its own microbiome with unique living bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Most of these living organisms are beneficial to us, while others can cause issues if not properly balanced out by the “good side”.
The “skin microbiome” is an especially important system in our body, acting as a barrier against harmful pathogens. Maintaining a healthy balance in the skin microbiome — including enough healthy bacteria to fend off harmful foreign substances — is critical.
Microbiome, beauty and probiotics
Diet, stress and external stressors like pollution and UV exposure can cause an imbalance in the microbiome — and inflammation is often the result. This inflammation can drive or worsen a variety of issues like redness, acne, eczema, rosacea, dry skin — and even wrinkles and fine lines. This relationship between our microbiomes, skin and ultimately our outer appearance is sometimes called the “gut-skin axis”.
This is where probiotics come in. As Richard Gallo MD PhD explains, probiotics are live bacteria that support the healthy bacteria in our bodies. Probiotics (along with “prebiotics” and “postbiotics”) help get our microbiomes back into balance through a variety of functions.
Probiotics can drive real results
And the results of this inflammation-fighting action are real:
- Treating acne: In a 2012 study, taking probiotics was found to enhance the impact of other acne treatments through its synergistic antiinflammatory effect
- Hydration: In another 2012 study, probiotic supplementation was found to increase skin hydration
- Anti-aging: In a 2015 study, test subjects aged 41–59 confirmed the effect of probiotics on increasing skin moisture decreasing depth of existing wrinkles and improving overall skin gloss and elasticity
Super Balance by THE APRILAB is a potent beauty probiotic and prebiotic, chock full of healthy microorganisms to maintain systemic balance and fight inflammation.
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