There is a new word in Beauty Town, and it sounds awfully familiar. Probiotics. Isn’t that something we find in our yoghurt? It seems they are one and the same, and scientists have discovered they can do wonderful things for the human skin. Before this buzzword becomes an outright fad, we thought we would get the hard truth from an expert. Cosmetic Chemist and Managing Director of Realize Beauty, Amanda Foxon-Hill, answers our questions.
RESCU: What are Probiotics?
Amanda Foxon-Hill: Probiotics are live microorganisms that are essential for good health. The ones that we most often hear about are the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria bacteria. These are well known for their ability to help balance intestinal flora, which may be depleted in our busy and over-sanitised lifestyles.
RESCU: Why are they being used in skincare?
Amanda Foxon-Hill: Probiotics were tipped by trend monitor Mintel to be the ‘next big thing in skincare’ back in 2008 off the back of the broader whole foods, beauty foods and skin-nutrition trend that has been growing since the mid 1990s. The first probiotic brands to enter the market were Clinique and Allergen who’s marketing focused on the fact that these products would ‘restore the skins natural flora’ and work with the skin rather than strip it bare.
In skin care, probiotics have been shown to have a number of functions based around maintaining a balanced immune response and barrier function (moisturisation).
RESCU: Where do Probiotics come from? Are they natural?
Amanda Foxon-Hill: These live bacteria strains are made by taking a natural starting material (usually milk) and growing the bacteria under laboratory conditions.
RESCU: Who would benefit from using skincare containing Probiotics? What can they do for the skin?
Amanda Foxon-Hill: This is mainly a ‘trend’ driven innovation (over science) that would work well with people looking to balance their skin naturally. These actives are gentle and the milk-based starting point makes them suitable for sensitive skin and for skin suffering from environmental stress (over-dry or irritated).
The Products:
Do you like the sound of Probiotics in your skincare? Here are some of the new products that include the magical Probiotics.
Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15 with Probiotic Technology by Clinique
Staying true to their original findings, Clinique still use Probiotics in their products. The newest is their Redness Solutions Makeup. Formulated as a liquid makeup with treatment benefits, Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15 with Probiotic Technology is perfect for all skin types, especially those who suffer from facial redness. The formula contains probiotic technology to strengthen the skin and improve skin health.
RRP $50 from David Jones, Myer, Terry White and selected pharmacies.
Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum by Nude Skincare
Nude Skincare are a brand dedicated to utilizing the benefits of Probiotics, however, this serum is the most potent of the entire Nude range. From first use, skins texture and radiance is dramatically improved. With continued use, the serum restructures the cellular matrix, activates collagen and hyaluronic acid production and corrects damage at a cellular level. Fine lines are visibly diminished, while wrinkles are drastically reduced promoting younger, porcelain smooth skin. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Celebrity Fans: Kim Cattrall, Uma Thurman and Helena Christensen
RRP $190 exclusively from Mecca Cosmetica stores or online
Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk by Andalou Naturals
A cleanser perfect for those with sensitive skin, Age-Defying Andalou Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk contains an advanced fruit stem cell science that renews skin at the cellular level for visible age-defying results. The probiotic complex boosts immunity, and nourishing apricot and borage oils gently loosen and remove make-up and impurities restoring moisture. Skin is left clean, nourished and restored. An extra bonus is that it is made from 74 per cent certified organic ingredients.
RRP $24.99 from selected health food stores and pharmacies. Phone 1300 762 025.
