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- Supports a healthy skin microbiome: Postbiotics help maintain a balanced skin
microbiome, which may play a role in supporting overall skin health. - Promotes hydration: Postbiotics can help improve skin moisturization, elasticity, and
the appearance of fine lines and pores. - Helps manage skin irritation: Postbiotics may help soothe irritation and support the
skin’s natural healing processes, which can be beneficial for skin conditions like acne. - Provides antioxidant support: Postbiotics may help protect the skin from
environmental stressors, such as free radicals and UV damage, which can contribute to
the appearance of aging.
Together, postbiotics can help support overall skin health, contributing to a resilient and smooth
skin.
Introduction
Our skin is not only aDected by what we put on it, but also by what’s happening inside our bodies,
particularly in our gut. This connection between gut health and skin appearance is known as the
gut-skin axis1. Emerging research has shown that a healthy gut microbiome can have a positive
impact on our skin. Our microbiome consists of beneficial bacteria, named probiotics. These
probiotics can produce so-called postbiotics: beneficial compounds that are known for their
health eDects. Postbiotics have been found to provide a range of benefits for the skin, making
them an important part of a skincare routine that works from the inside out. YIXIY is a vitality
product which contains both natural post- and probiotics. In this blog, we will explore four
benefits of postbiotics for our skin!
1. Balancing the skin microbiome
Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of our body and that it even has its own
microbiome? Skin microbiota contains over 800 diverse types of microbes2. A single square
centimetre of the human skin can contain up to one billion microorganisms3. Postbiotics can
promote the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting harmful ones, maintaining a balanced
skin microbiome4,5. This balance is crucial for preventing skin infections and maintaining overall
skin health. Disbalance of the skin microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been associated with
several skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis6. By supporting a healthy, balanced
microbiome, postbiotics contribute to a resilient and healthy skin microbiome.
2. Boosting skin hydration
Postbiotics can be a game-changer for skin hydration. Healthy skin hydration is essential for
maintaining a smooth and youthful appearance, as well as protecting against irritation. Studies
have shown that postbiotics from S. Thermophilus, L. casei, and L. Rhamnosus can help increase
skin moisturization 7,8 and promote better elasticity7. These postbiotics have also been linked to
reducing the appearance of wrinkles and minimizing pore size7. Additionally, postbiotics from B.
Longum are known to strengthen the skin barrier, while also decreasing skin sensitivity and
roughness 9. Notably, higher concentrations of propionate, another postbiotic, have been found in
people with well-hydrated skin, suggesting that maintaining propionate levels could support a
moisturized, healthy skin. Overall, postbiotics play a relevant role in supporting skin hydration,
contributing to a healthy appearance.
3. Calming the skin: Reducing inflammation and aiding wound recovery
Skin conditions like eczema, acne, and psoriasis often come with inflammation, which can cause
redness, irritation, and discomfort. Postbiotics can help manage inflammation in the body10-15,
soothing irritated skin. For example, postbiotics from L. rhamnosus have been shown to decrease
redness of the skin8. Additionally, postbiotics like peptidoglycans and exopolysaccharides play a
role in supporting wound healing4, helping the skin recover and stay healthy. In the case of acne,
postbiotics like pyruvic acid, a specific postbiotic, has been shown to reduce skin greasiness
through peelings16. By targeting both inflammation and skin healing, postbiotics provide a natural
solution to boost your skin’s health.
4. Antioxidant protection: Shielding skin from damage and aging
Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental toxins, UV rays, and free radicals that can break
down collagen, a key protein that keeps our skin firm and elastic. Reductions in collagen can lead
to signs of aging like wrinkles and rough skin texture. Luckily, some postbiotics support powerful
antioxidant protection, helping to shield the skin from this damage17. Postbiotics from the
fermentation by lactic acid bacteria in kimchi have been shown to block enzymes that break down
collagen18, helping to keep the skin firm and youthful. Another postbiotic named glycolic acid
boosts collagen production, helping repair skin damaged by the sun19. It also improves skin
texture and reduces signs of hyperpigmentation18 and aging, such as wrinkles and roughness18.
Additionally, glycolic acid has been reported to help with acne21. Moreover, application of butyric
acid, yet another postbiotic, to the skin reduced inflammation caused by UV radiation22. Together,
these postbiotics help protect and rejuvenate the skin.
Summary
Postbiotics oDer several potential benefits for skin health by supporting the skin barrier, reducing
inflammation, and providing antioxidant protection. These postbiotics can help promote a
balanced skin microbiome, which is important for overall skin health. By helping to maintain skin
hydration, soothing irritation, and protecting the skin from environmental stressors, postbiotics
can contribute to a healthier, more resilient skin. Incorporating postbiotics into your skincare
routine may enhance your skin’s natural defenses and overall appearance, nourishing your skin
from within.
The claims made in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease.
Figure 1 Effects of probiotics on the skin either by oral consumption or topical application. Source: Rawal, S., & Ali, S. A. (2023). Probiotics and postbiotics play a role in maintaining dermal health. Food & Function, 14(9), 3966-3981. Note: License permission is pending, please do not copy or distribute this image
References
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