Why probiotics could be secret to great skin – including this £4.99 moisturiser

Bacteria gets a bad rep, but not all bugs are nasty! In fact, a healthy microbiome (the official name for bacteria on the surface of our body) could be the secret to great skin.

We have thousands of types of bacteria on our face, and the more diverse they are, the better our skin is, as they defend against different aggressors and irritants, such as pollution.

Just like probiotics for the gut – which help feed the bacteria to treat and prevent issues like bloating, constipation and yeast infections – the topical equivalent helps to balance your skin from the outside in by helping good bacteria thrive. In turn, this reduces sensitivity, inflammation and just about any skin concern you could imagine. Yes, including premature ageing. 

This Vichy serum worked wonders on my sensitive skin

Vichy Minéral 89 Probiotic Serum, £29, Feelunique – buy here

Still cynical? So was I – until I tried Vichy Minéral 89 Probiotic Serum, £29, earlier this year. It’s still one of my favourite skincare launches of 2021, thanks to its cocktail of active and skin-strengthening ingredients.

3Aurelia London have been championing probiotics for decades[/caption]

Aurelia London Probiotic Blemish Hero, £18, Lookfantastic – buy here

Since then, the market has exploded, and caring for your microbiome is going mainstream, but Aurelia London has been championing probiotics for years. The brand’s latest launch, Aurelia London Balance & Purify Citrus Cleanser, £26, is the perfect non-stripping, foaming cleanser for those who like a lather but don’t want dehydrated skin (who does?). 

Dry limbs will love Garnier’s silky body lotion

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Probiotic Extract + Aloe Vera Body Lotion, £4.99, Lookfantastic – buy here

Dry limbs? Try Garnier Intensive 7 Days Probiotic Extract + Aloe Vera Body Lotion , £4.99. I’m still resisting wearing tights and this is keeping my pins hydrated, despite the Baltic weather, without leaving a sickly scent or stickiness behind. 

3If you hate heavy products, try this multitasking toner from Youth to the People[/caption]

Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner, £33, Cult Beauty – buy here

If you’re a fan of exfoliating toners, you’ll love Youth To The People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner, £33, for all the skin-fortifying benefits of probiotics, without adding any extra weight to your routine. It’s packed with kombucha – a fermented black tea that’s rich in probiotics – and provides the benefits of a Yakult with AHAs to resurface skin and reduce congestion. 

3Get some real beauty sleep with Liz Earle’s pampering probiotic over-night cream[/caption]

Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Night Cream, £32, Boots – buy here

For anyone who’s just started using retinol, applying Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Night Cream, £32, on your off days will help nurture and reinforce your skin, minimising redness, irritation or peeling. Even if you’re not on the vitamin A train, it’s great for dry/dehydrated skin types to help plump skin and reduce fine lines. 

As far as skincare all-rounders go, Cultured Biomecare Biome One Mask,£48, is hard to beat, thanks to the prebiotics that comfort and condition skin, along with spot-fighting succinic acid and brightening lactic acid – I’m obsessed!

Under-eye bags? Here’s how to hide them, including a £5.99 concealer

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month and these are the best charity products to buy now

You’re going to want one of these beauty advent calendars to count down to Christmas