
What you eat and apply to your skin can make a big difference to its appearance. Beauty Expert and Burt’s Bees Senior Brand Manager Nicola Quinn explains why prebiotics are so important
We’ve all heard about the importance of eating and taking probiotics and prebiotics for good gut – and overall – health. We’re now discovering they may be helpful when applied to the skin.
It makes perfect sense. Around 70 per cent of your immune system lies in your gut; by keeping the bacteria healthy through a good balance of pre- and probiotics, your digestive system, skin and overall health will reflect this.
Prebiotics are found in the foods we eat – artichoke, asparagus, garlic, onions, oats, barley, wheat brain, bananas, dandelion, and chicory, although you can also take supplements to help improve the good bacteria in your gut. They work to support the probiotics – the good bacteria – which helps to keep our insides balanced. Probiotic foods include yogurt, kimchi, and kefir.
Bacteria isn’t just found inside our bodies: microbes live in our hair follicles and skin surfaces. When the bacteria are out of balance you may find that your skin is red, dry and prone to showing signs of ageing.[1]
Saving face
Our skin requires just as much care and attention as our diet. Research from the National Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAID) says that there is a direct correlation between the state of our digestive health and that of our skin.[2] By applying pro and prebiotics to our skin we’ll not only help our largest elimination organ achieve good health, encourage friendly bacteria growth on the surface of our skin, but also support our immune system at the same time.[3]
Use a skin care product which contains prebiotics, such as the new Burt’s Bees Hydrating Overnight Mask. It’s dermatologist tested formula provides ultra-nourishing ingredients, including avocado which contains large amounts of fatty acids to help hydrate your skin, and beetroot – known for its prebiotic benefits – to help feed the skin’s healthy bacteria overnight.
[1] https://doi.org/10.3920/BM2013.0040
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190423133803.htm
[3] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317182476_The_Role_of_Microbiota_and_Probiotics_and_Prebiotics_in_Skin_Health