If you’re dealing with dry, irritated, dull or red skin, then choosing probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic-based skin care is a great way to support the skin barrier and the health of your skin microbiome. These symptoms may be a result of an unbalanced skin microbiome and a compromised skin barrier. Read on to learn about the difference between pre, pro and postbiotics and why these ingredients may improve your skin’s health and luminosity.
 

The Difference Between Prebiotics, Probiotics And Postbiotics

Before we dive into the lengthy definition, you can sum up the differences in one sentence: Prebiotics feed probiotics which, in turn, produce postbiotics. Confusing? Let’s unpack that concept a little bit more. 

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are substances (dietary fibers) that fuel the good bacteria on your skin’s surface. These dietary fibers are naturally found in high-fiber foods like yams, asparagus, bananas and apples. For the digestive system, you may be aware that prebiotics are sometimes referred to as “intestinal fertilizers” for probiotics, which promote good bacteria in your gut. 

Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that support the skin’s moisture barrier function and work to overthrow any unfriendly bacteria. Probiotics can be found in supplements or from certain fermented foods. But probiotics can also be found in skin care products to balance the skin’s microbiome. Usually, when looking at the benefits of probiotics, experts are referring to the gut flora that ensure your metabolic activities are healthy. However, probiotics can also help with skin symptoms such as dull, dry, itchy or red skin. 

When applied topically, probiotics work together with prebiotics to support the function of the skin barrier and to visibly renew the skin. Probiotics support skin barrier health and provide a defense against environmental stressors such as UV rays and pollution or lifestyle factors such as smoking and diet. 

Postbiotics

Probiotic bacteria produce postbiotics after they consume prebiotics (fiber). Postbiotics are the compounds or metabolites that are left behind, according to Harvard Health.

You can read a detailed account about the different sources of probiotics in food in this guide, but some foods that can boost the concentration of postbiotics in your gut include:

• Sourdough bread
• Miso soup
• Soft cheeses
• Kefir
• Yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Pickles
• Tempeh
• Sauerkraut

And when applied to the skin, postbiotics reveal a smooth, radiant glow. Let’s explore pre, pro* and postbiotic skin care next.