Ingredients

Prebiotic skincare: the expert guide to your skin's microbiome

Bacteria is often seen as the bad guy, conjuring up images of dirt, grime and sickness bugs... but did you know there's a tribe of good bacteria, too? This kind lives on our skin – alongside trillions of other tiny microorganisms – acting as a super army to protect, defend and strengthen it.

This incredible ecosystem is known as the skin's microbiome (or skin 'flora') and is one of the essential elements of a healthy complexion. When our skin's microbiome is unbalanced, it can show up as anything from acne, psoriasis and eczema to rosacea, dryness or sensitivity.

That's why our Reviver Hydrating Mist is powered by the best prebiotic science to truly nurture our microbiome with every spritz.

And it's not just at the heart of our latest product. The skin microbiome is such an important part of the entire By Sarah line-up and has been since our journey began.

Our brand was born following co-founder Lauren's treatment for leukaemia as her sister, Sarah, was searching for products to restore and revive her skin. When Lauren left hospital, her skin was repopulating with the microbiome that was previously established in infancy and early childhood. It was delicate, fragile and reacted to many natural ranges. So Sarah took matters into her own hands, literally.

Central to her research and formulations were innovative plant blends that would actively support and promote a healthy biome. Led by recent scientific research into the role of microbial populations that occupy our skin, Sarah continues to formulate the By Sarah collection with the primary aim of supporting the skin's microbiome and overall skin health through intelligent plant-oil blends that deliver vital nutrients, enzymes and lipids.

What is the skin microbiome?

Think of your skin microbiome as a bustling city or a rainforest – like a web of trees, animals and insects – it's comprised of trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses) that all work together. These protect us against harmful pathogens and aggressors, support and strengthen our skin immunity, and boost the skin's natural barrier function.

What are probiotics and prebiotics?

We often hear the terms 'probiotics' and 'prebiotics' used in the context of gut health and the gut microbiome. But the same terms are used to describe the skin microbiome, too.

The good microorganisms are known as 'probiotics' while the food that fuels them is called 'prebiotics.' There are also 'postbiotics' which refers to the 'waste' created when the probiotics feed on prebiotics. Clever stuff, huh?

How can you maintain a healthy skin microbiome?

We know that an imbalanced skin microbiome can contribute to problems like acne, rosacea and eczema as well as affecting our skin's important protective barrier function. So, how can we boost our beloved biome?

Firstly, consider your environment and lifestyle. Stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes or allergies can all cause our skin microbiome to go a little haywire.

Next, take time to simplify your skincare routine. Over-layering with different formulas and actives can compromise our skin's protective barrier and natural equilibrium. Protect it with plant oils rich in antioxidants that allow those good microbes to flourish. And strengthen that all-important skin barrier with plant-based vitamins and minerals that are the building blocks for collagen production and cell turnover. Our Hero Facial Oil is abundant in a variety of regenerative omegas, vitamins and minerals that help to balance the skin microbiome and build resilience to external pathogens.

Excessive cleansing and overly hot water can impact our biome, too. You don't want to strip away the good guys! Swap harsh soaps for our Balancer Cream Cleanser that whips away grime and makeup while nurturing your complexion.

What are the best prebiotic skincare products?

One of the best ways to support your skin microbiome is with prebiotic skincare formulations that nourish all that friendly flora. And thanks to cutting edge prebiotic ingredients, our Reviver Hydrating Mist will care for your biome with every single spritz. Think of it as your good bacteria's BFF.

Mist it over clean skin before applying your favourite facial oil or veil it on top of makeup for a fresher, more luminous complexion while you're out and about.

And that's not all. The innovative formulation also boosts your skin's protective barrier while nourishing with aloe vera, the finest fruit waters, and cranberry to calm, soothe, and revitalise your skin.

Do I also need to look after my gut microbiome?

Like skin, our gut has its own microbiome and the two are closely linked. Looking after your gut health will in turn help skin function properly for a happy, healthy complexion. Make a beeline for probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha and miso; and prebiotic foods such as Jerusalem artichokes, shiitake mushrooms and raw garlic. Happy tum, happy face!

By Sarah