What Is An Essence? The Skin Care Step You Didn’t Know You Needed
By admin
What Is An Essence? The Skin Care Step You Didn’t Know You Needed

Written By:
Alisha Whitley
If you’re a skin care aficionado, facial essences are probably already on your radar. A K-beauty staple, these lightweight elixirs are the backbone of every multi-step skin care routine - and for good reason. They’re a game-changer for any and every complexion. Read on to learn about the skin care step you didn’t know you needed.

What Is An Essence & What Does It Do?

As Eminence Organics International Trainer Brian Goodwin says, “The easiest way to think of an essence is as a primer that helps all of your other leave-on treatments work better.” Essences are often described as a cross between a toner and serum. These fast-absorbing liquids are slightly more viscous than a toner and contain a high concentration of actives like a serum.

The easiest way to think of an essence is as a primer that helps all of your other leave-on treatments work better.

In a skin care routine, essences help maximize hydration and improve absorption of subsequent skin care products. Plus, they’re chock-full of beneficial ingredients that plump the skin and protect it against the drying effects of environmental stressors. Here is a closer look at the benefits of facial essences for the skin.

Add Hydration & Moisture

The key to a healthy complexion is a strong skin barrier. When the skin’s moisture barrier is protected and functioning optimally, it works to keep in beneficial hydration and keep out harmful environmental irritants that cause dryness and premature aging. Essences support healthy barrier function by replenishing the skin’s moisture levels and providing long-lasting hydration.

K-beauty expert Alicia Yoon likens the skin to a sponge. When wet, it becomes more absorbent; when dry, it becomes cracked and brittle. She says: “When your skin is well-hydrated, it is healthier, stronger and functions better. Essences help your sponge-like skin fill up with necessary moisture for better skin health.”

Plump Skin

With age, the skin begins to lose volume and fullness. As stores of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decline (by up to 50% by age 40), once-plump skin can appear to deflate and sag. When the skin is hydrated and moisturized, it is stronger, more supple and — as Alicia says — has “happier, bouncier cells.” Essences contain humectants and emollients that draw in water, replenish moisture and in turn, give skin a plump and youthful appearance.

Protect Skin

Essences also contain antioxidant-rich ingredients that fight free radicals and protect skin from the harmful effects of the environment. Exposure to pollution, blue light and UV rays can cause damage to skin cells that presents as dryness, inflammation and the visible signs of aging.

Prep Skin

By enhancing skin health and hydration, essences prime the skin to better absorb subsequent skin care products. When your skin is hydrated, it can more easily soak up the active ingredients in your serums, oils and concentrates. As The Zoe Report describes, “The water basically chauffeurs substances like glycerin and hyaluronic acid (humectants) or shea butter and squalane oil (emollients) down to the inner layer of the dermis. Then it evaporates, leaving the good stuff behind to do its job.”

Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of using a facial essence:

Does A Facial Essence Replace A Toner?

You may wonder if an essence can simply replace your favorite toner. Really, it is a separate step and your skin will benefit from both a toner and essence in your routine. Toning provides a base layer of hydration that refreshes and balances your skin, while applying an essence delivers additional moisture and preps your complexion for the skin care steps that follow. A facial essence typically feels more robust than a toner and contains active ingredients that protect the skin and minimize the visible signs of aging.

Do I Still Need A Serum?

So, if an essence is more viscous and contains a higher concentration of actives than a toner, can it replace a serum? Again, the answer is: not quite. An essence is a delivery mechanism for even more concentrated serums, oils and concentrates. With its lightweight texture, an essence can deeply penetrate the skin and deliver beneficial ingredients where they are needed most. Additionally, serums, oils and concentrates are typically developed to target specific concerns and conditions and therefore deserve their own special place in a skin care routine.

When And How To Use An Essence

Now that you know that an essence is an additional step in your skin care routine, where does it fit? In general, we advise applying your skin care products in order of weight, starting with the lightest (your toner) and ending with the richest (your serum, oil or concentrate). Essences fit directly in the middle: They should be applied after toner and before your facial serums, moisturizer and SPF.

Here is how to apply one properly:
1. Use after cleansing and toning your skin.
2. Shake a few drops of essence into your palm.
3. Warm the product between your hands.
4. Gently press the essence into your skin (this minimizes friction and aids absorption).
5. Follow the remaining steps in your skin care routine
Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence

You can easily add an essence to your routine with the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence. This essence gently primes your skin and restores its natural balance. A blend of pre, pro* and postbiotics work in tandem to enhance luminosity, while key ingredients like white tea and jasmine flower improve the look of dry, dull skin for a healthy-looking glow.

Birch Water Purifying Essence

Our Birch Water Purifying Essence is a lightweight essence that contains purifying birch water, snow mushroom and reishi mushroom. These ingredients restore moisture levels, increase elasticity and improve barrier function. Skin is left replenished, rejuvenated and prepped to absorb the benefits of skin care treatments that follow.

Ready to add this step to your skin care routine? Experience our facial essences at an Eminence Organics Spa Partner near you.

*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.

This article was originally written in September 2019.
Tags: skin care routine, dry skin care, skin care tips, essence

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What Are The Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks?
By admin
What Are The Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks?

Written By:
Jen Wynn
Not only does pumpkin pack a delicious and nutritious punch in your favorite recipes, it’s also a beauty-boosting superstar. Once you discover the benefits of pumpkin skin care products, they may quickly become your next favorite treatment. Read on to learn why a pumpkin face mask or peel is exactly what your skin needs, as well as which Eminence Organic Skin Care pumpkin products complement your skin care routines.

Benefits Of Pumpkin Skin Care | Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks | Top Pumpkin Picks | Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas

Benefits Of Pumpkin In Skin Care

Often evoking memories of a tasty coffee, cake or pie, a luscious layer of pumpkin on the face not only smells heavenly, it also leaves your skin baby soft and silky smooth. Benefits range from adding nutrition and hydration to the skin and brightening the appearance of the skin. Pumpkin pulp and seed oil contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). These acids are key to a glowing and radiant complexion, helping with exfoliation, moisture retention and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Adding to this glowy goodness, pumpkin is also rich in antioxidants, specifically Vitamins A and C. As our Product Support Team explains, “Vitamins A and C help to defend against oxidative damage. Vitamin C is especially fabulous for treating and reducing the look of dark spots.”

5 Benefits Of Pumpkin Face Masks According To An Expert

You’re probably wondering why pumpkin is a sought-after ingredient and why estheticians might choose a pumpkin face mask in the treatment room. This humble orange squash has five key benefits:
- Infuses the skin with bioflavonoids that aid in the absorption of skin-friendly vitamins
- Deeply hydrates and plumps the skin
- Stimulates collagen production to reduce appearance of fine lines
- Provides antioxidant benefits, including protection from environmental stressors
- Delivers beta carotene, amino acids and fruit enzymes to the skin
The benefits of pumpkin leave you with the complexion of your dreams year round, but this fall-favorite ingredient is especially helpful as the seasons change. Using this ingredient helps alleviate skin care woes such as dehydration and redness caused by dryness.

Our Product Support Team sums this up perfectly, saying: "As the seasons change, our skin tends to suffer moisture loss and can use a boost in exfoliation. Whether it’s fine lines and wrinkles, post summer UV exposure, or the change in environment from central heating or air conditioning, the skin can usually use a little TLC, and pumpkin is here to help.”

With so many benefits, this multitasking ingredient is the perfect choice to incorporate into your daily routine for fall or any season.

Top Pumpkin Picks

Adding the pumpkin ingredient into your skin care ritual is easy. Our options that feature this delightful ingredient range from at-home to in-spa treatments, ensuring your skin stays smooth and supple regardless of the treatment you choose.

Our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque is one favorite that leaves the skin looking smooth and vibrant. This pumpkin-infused face mask helps restore natural moisture balance at home, with Vitamin E and omega 9 fatty acids. Additionally, this dreamy pumpkin puree reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For a real seasonal treat, we recommend blending a mixology of the Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque followed by the Stone Crop Masque. This combination is easy for you to mix at home.

Our award-winning Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% is an at-home exfoliating peel containing lactic and glycolic acids. This treatment refines and evens skin tone, including the look of dark spots, and provides gentle exfoliation without any irritation. This peel needs to be rinsed thoroughly after applying and neutralized with our Soothing Chamomile Tonique.

For those seeking a deeper exfoliation, you can visit your nearest Eminence Organic Spa where an esthetician can apply our concentrated Yam & Pumpkin Pro Enzyme Peel 20%. This peel accelerates the exfoliation process and removes dead skin cells to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Tags: skin care routine, lip care, skin care tips, facial mask

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Holiday Skin Care Ritual Ideas

Now that you're familiar with some of the most effective and divine-smelling pumpkin products on offer, we’ve gathered some routine ideas.

1. Cleansing

Start off with the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser, a versatile product suitable for all skin types. This milky gel lightly lathers to slough off dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping moisture from the skin. The Lactic Acid Complex and mangosteen in this cleanser work together to restore a smooth, radiant complexion.

If your skin type is normal to dry skin, the Firm Skin Acai Cleanser is another great option. This cream cleanser blends hyaluronic acid and seabuckthorn oil to restore the appearance of elasticity to the skin and present a more youthful look.

2. Toning

For all skin types including dry and dehydrated, a spritz of the Stone Crop Hydrating Mist refreshes the skin. Once you cleanse the skin, apply one to two sprays onto the face and neck or apply with a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area.

For combination to normal skin types, the Mangosteen Revitalizing Mist is designed to balance the skin. It contains a refreshing combination of antioxidant-packed mangosteen, energizing ribose and pore-refining red clover.

3. Exfoliation

For at home, you can apply the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with a few drops of water. Apply this to the face using gentle circular movements covering the face and neck, while avoiding the eye area. Then remove with a warm, wet towel. The dermafoliant will help to restore a smooth, radiant complexion. Please avoid this product if you have sensitive skin.

You can also apply the Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel 5% for a fall treat. This peel is ideal for those looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten the complexion by removing dead skin cells.

Another at-home exfoliating option is the Arctic Berry Peel & Peptide Illuminating System. This three-step peel and peptide system contains the Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant, the Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 and the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream. You'll notice your skin appearing more refined and smoothed over time.

4. Facial Masks

Embrace the changing seasons with two masks inspired by fall ingredients. For all skin types, replenish the skin’s moisture and fight the visible signs of aging with Vitamin E, omega 9 nutrients and antioxidant-rich pumpkin in our Pumpkin Latte Hydration Masque. Another popular option is the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque which combines citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

After the mask step, you can peform some additional add-on neck, hand, foot and eye treatments. For example:

5. Body Care

Apply the Stone Crop Body Lotion. Massage it in and leave on.

6. Eye Care

Use the Snow Mushroom Moisture Cloud Eye Cream. Snow Mushroom is an ultra-hydrating super-humectant that pulls moisture into the skin so that it appears supple and plump. Apply to the entire eye area twice daily, patting gently with fingertips until it is fully absorbed. Leave on.

7. Essence

Gently press a few drops of the Birch Water Purifying Essence into the skin until fully absorbed. This is a beautiful, lightweight essence that helps restore moisture levels.

8. Serum And Facial Oil

Treat your skin with the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum (for all skin types) to target the visible signs of aging. Follow with the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil to deeply hydrate the skin and deliver a firm, plump and lifted appearance. This oil is suited for normal to dry skin types.

9. Moisturizer

For combination to normal skin types, finish with our Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer as a moisturizing step. The deeply hydrating botanical hyaluronic acid and acai berry juice in this antioxidant-rich moisturizer give your skin the plumping it needs to look younger and wrinkle-free. Another great option for all skin types is the Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream.

10. Sun Defense

For all skin types, you can apply an SPF sunscreen to finish and protect your skin. After the application of a peel treatment, skin will be more sensitive to the sun. A high SPF product is mandatory after treatment to help the skin heal. Wear protective clothing, stay indoors and limit sun exposure after each treatment and for a week afterwards.

11. Lip Care

Use the Lip Comfort Plumping Masque. This antioxidant, vitamin-rich and age-defying mask deeply hydrates and replenishes. Make sure to extend the application to the fine vertical lines around the mouth area as well as the marionette expression lines.

12. Massage

For all skin types, apply the Linden Calendula Treatment (for the face) or apply a body lotion or body oil for body massage options.

13. Finishing Eye Care

Apply a thin layer of the Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum to the eye area with light blending movements until absorbed. Leave on.

14. The Final Lip Care/Add-On Lip Treatment

Use our Citrus Lip Balm or the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm SPF 15 to protect and finish your lips. The Citrus Lip Balm is a petroleum-free citrus treat for the lips with shea butter and sunflower seed oil, and the Rosehip & Lemongrass Lip Balm moisturizes and protects dry lips with an SPF factor of 15.

Which product is your Fall favorite? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!

This article was originally written in October 2021.

Updated By
Thea Christie
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Microdermabrasion Guide For Spas
By admin
Microdermabrasion Guide For Spas

Written By:
Thea Christie
If Clients are asking for treatments that rejuvenate their skin, it may be time to add microdermabrasion to your list of skin care treatments. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive manual skin exfoliation treatment that is far lower risk than laser resurfacing or chemical peels. Recovery is much faster too. Read on to learn about the benefits of microdermabrasion and why you might consider including it into your spa menu.

What Is Microdermabrasion?

Our skin is made up of the dermis (inner layer) and the epidermis (outer layer). The outer layer of the skin contains our concerns, like wrinkles, dark spots or dull texture. Microdermabrasion exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to reduce these skin issues and give us a brighter-looking complexion.

The two types of microdermabrasion include crystal microdermabrasion and diamond microdermabrasion. As Verywellhealth.com explains, crystal microdermabrasion is when microcrystals are used to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. Crystals are shot from a small tube onto the skin and then vacuumed back up. In comparison, diamond microdermabrasion uses a device with a diamond-coated wand to exfoliate before suctioning away dead cells from the surface of the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates that the procedure takes 20 minutes for the neck and 30–40 minutes for the face. Some even offer this treatment for the body, so the treatment times can vary. Microdermabrasion is usually performed in a series of six treatments, two to three weeks apart.

Either method of microdermabrasion should improve a Client’s skin so that it is smoother, with fewer acne scars and reduced wrinkles. Let’s dive deeper into the benefits.

Benefits Of Microdermabrasion

This quick and painless resurfacing treatment exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates blood flow and collagen growth. The increased blood flow carries more oxygen to the skin, creating a youthful-looking complexion. This treatment also helps to fade spots, fine lines and acne scars, with the effects lasting for a month. However, the results depend on the age of the Client and how well their skin reacts to the treatment.

Because microdermabrasion is a non-invasive treatment, there is no down-time needed for recovery. It’s considered very safe for the skin, face and body.

You can offer microdermabrasion to Clients that are concerned with:
- Dark spots
- Melasma
- Scars
- Uneven skin texture
- Dull complexion
- Fine lines
- Stretch marks
Who Should Not Get This Treatment?

Avoid microdermabrasion if the Client has irritated skin, acne or active breakouts. If the Client has had recent invasive procedures or cosmetic injectable treatments, it’s best to avoid this treatment.

How Much Should You Charge For Microdermabrasion?

How much should you charge from microdermabrasion? According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of microdermabrasion is $167 per treatment. Prices should be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment and the type of microdermabrasion procedure performed.

What Is The Process Of A Microdermabrasion Treatment?

Step 1: Consultation

The first step in the process is to have a consultation with your Client to discuss their skin issues, previous skin treatments and the products they are using.

Step 2: Cleaning

The treatment must be performed on clean skin. Even if the Client has said they have cleansed, you can perform a cleanse when they arrive on their face to ensure all the dirt, grime and makeup have been removed properly.

Step 3: Eye Covering

Provide the Client with sunglasses to protect their eyes from bright lights during the process.

Step 4: Perform The Treatment

The microdermabrasion hand-held device will remove the top layer of the skin and get rid of dead skin cells. Work in sections of the entire face, neck or other area being treated. This should help establish a health-looking complexion.

Step 5: Moisturizer

After treatment, the skin can appear red and irradiated. Apply a moisturizer to the Client’s skin to calm and protect the area. You can tailor this to their individual skin type too.

Aftercare Instructions For Clients
- Avoid waxing 48 hours before or seven days following a treatment.
- No laser hair removal/IPL treatments can be performed on the face or treated area.
- After the treatment, do not use sun beds or swim in heavily chlorinated water for at least two weeks.
- After the procedure, refrain from using irritating facial products like alpha hydroxy acids, retinoid products or fragranced creams and lotions.
- Avoid chemical peel treatments a few weeks before and after treatment.
- Common side effects include slight swelling, redness or sunburn-like symptoms that may last a few days.
Are you adding microdermabrasion to your list of spa treatments? Let us know in the comments below or on social media.
Tags: spa business, spa treatment, professional skin care, collagen, dark spots

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How Does Salicylic Acid Clear Acne?
By admin

How Does Salicylic Acid Clear Acne?

Written By:
Alisha Whitley

When you think of acne treatments, odds are salicylic acid comes to mind. This beta-hydroxy acid has a long history of treating acne effectively, efficiently — and gently. By exfoliating skin, deep cleaning pores and preventing future breakouts, this superstar skin care ingredient does wonders for those suffering from acne. Salicylic acid helps clear acne and prevent future breakouts without irritation. Read on to discover how.

BHA

Unlike AHAs which are water soluble and work primarily on the skin’s surface, BHAs like salicylic acid are oil soluble. This characteristic allows them to penetrate below the skin’s surface and dive deep into your pores. According to ELLE, “not only do they exfoliate the top layer of skin, but they can penetrate blocked pores by making their way into the oil glands, dissolving the paste-like mixture of sebum and dead skin that can lead to spots.” By penetrating pores more deeply, BHAs are able to clear blockages as well as destroy acne-causing bacteria lingering within the pore.

Exfoliates Skin

One feature of acne-prone skin is that it doesn’t self-exfoliate efficiently. Women’s Health says that as a result, “dead skin clumps together instead of sloughing off — leading to more pimples and blackheads.” Salicylic acid counteracts this by dissolving the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. By removing and loosening the bonds between skin cells, salicylic acid helps skin shed its outer layer, clearing it of pore-clogging debris.

Deep Cleans Pores

In addition to exfoliating the skin’s surface, salicylic acid permeates the pore lining, working to clear the dead skin cells that have built up and caused congestion. According to Marie Claire, “The reason salicylic acid is able to give such a deep clean is because it can penetrate deep into the pore lining … It’s therefore able to exfoliate inside the pore as well as the surface of the skin, helping to clear congested skin.”

The reason salicylic acid is able to give such a deep clean is because it can penetrate deep into the pore lining.

Anti-Irritant

Whitney Bowe, MD tells Teen Vogue about salicylic acid: “This ingredient is unique because it's very effective at fighting acne, but it has a soothing, calming effect on skin. The anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient are not surprising, given its close chemical relationship to one of the most well-known anti-inflammatory drugs available, acetylsalicylic acid (also known as aspirin!).” As an anti-irritant, salicylic acid is able to exfoliate and deep clean pores while also reducing redness and calming angry skin — two common acne-related issues.

If you are prone to irritation, look for salicylic acid with a time-release encapsulated delivery system. The encapsulation helps the salicylic acid evenly deposit and slowly exfoliate skin over time, keeping the look of the complexion calm. The result: Skin is cleared quickly and effectively, without the look of irritation associated with other acne-fighting ingredients.

Prevents Future Breakouts

Not only does salicylic acid fight existing breakouts, it also prevents future ones from occurring. According to Vogue: “Because it is oil-soluble, BHA is great at clearing pores of sebum and dirt without manual exfoliation. As well as treating existing blemishes, it also helps to prevent future breakouts by neutralizing bacteria within the pores before it has the chance to develop into spots.” With regular use, adding salicylic acid to your skin care routine helps your skin become clear and remain breakout-free for longer.

The Best Products With Salicylic Acid

1. Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser

Our Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser is crafted with yogurt, cucumber and tea tree oil to manage oily skin and mattify the complexion. It does so without stripping the skin of moisture. This cleanser also contains a Biocomplex2™ which is a booster of antioxidants that improves the appearance of vitality and radiance.

2. Acne Advance Clarifying Hydrator

The Acne Advanced Clarifying Hydrator is an ultra-lightweight mattifying lotion containing salicylic acid to reduce blemishes and breakouts. This hydrator gives you a more even-looking complexion and improves the appearance of acne-related scarring. You can also find this hydrator as part of our Acne Advance 3-Step Treatment System, which treats acne in 28* days.

3. Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel

The Clear Skin Willow Bark Exfoliating Peel helps to treat problem skin with breakouts and blemishes. Gentle salicylic acid removes surface impurities and dirt, helping clear your complexion. This peel also features willow bark which calms the look of skin, and lilac and azelaic acid which reduce the appearance of redness.

4. Clear Skin Probiotic Masque

The Clear Skin Probiotic Masque helps problem skin thanks to cucumber, refining yoghurt and salicylic acid. This rich mask also leaves the skin feeling soft and noticeably smoother while reducing the appearance of pores.

Experience the benefits of salicylic acid with the above products, or in a professional acne facial at your favorite Eminence Organics Spa Partner.

*In vivo clinical study results, based on application of the complete system for 28 days.

This article was originally written in September 2018.

Tags: acne, clogged pores, cleanser, exfoliator

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Probiotic Skin Care: What Is It And Why You Should Use It
By admin
Probiotic Skin Care: What Is It And Why You Should Use It

Written By:
Jen Okhiria

When it comes to health and wellness, probiotics pop up in all sorts of unexpected places. Perhaps most unexpected? As a skin care ingredient. While we may know that probiotics are beneficial for gut health, probiotics are good for the skin too. So, how do they help your skin anyway? Read on to learn everything you need to know about probiotic skin care, sources of best probiotics for the skin, and why you need it in your routine.

What Are Probiotics? | Are Probiotics Good For You? | Three Sources Of Probiotics | An Esthetician’s Advice

What Are Probiotics?

In short, probiotics are “good bacteria” that are crucial to balancing the “bad bacteria” in the body. As stated by WebMD: “Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, especially your digestive system.” Probiotics are considered beneficial as they can help repopulate good bacteria that may be lost due to diet, medication or certain health conditions. The balance of good bacteria to bad can have an impact on the health of your skin.

Common sources of probiotics are fermented foods, with yogurt being one of the most well known, but also including sauerkraut, miso, kombucha and even pickles! Typically, when discussing the benefits of probiotics, we are referring to the gut flora which consists of hundreds of microorganisms that ensure your metabolic activities remain healthy and effective. However, probiotics can also be used to help heal skin conditions.

Are Probiotics Good For You?

To put it simply, probiotics are microorganisms that help promote good health, especially in your digestive system. In addition to improving digestion, they promote healthy blood sugar and hormone levels, assist in regulating your metabolism and give your immunity a boost. Probiotics also pack a punch in skin care. The American Academy of Dermatology states, "[Probiotics] have been shown to help with clearer skin, decreased skin sensitivity, redness and inflammation ... You may also see a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increased elasticity.”

Three Sources Of Probiotics

These friendly bacteria occur naturally in your digestive tract, but can also be found in a variety of foods, supplements and even in skin care products. If you’re thinking of taking advantage of the health and beauty benefits of probiotics, here are three sources:

1. Probiotic Supplements

Due to the rising popularity of probiotics as a health product, supplements are easy to find — and are a convenient way to get your "good bacteria." You can find these supplements in health food stores, drug stores and even grocery stores.

Interesting fact: A healthy intestinal tract hosts over 100 trillion friendly bacteria. In order to keep these microorganisms topped up, an effective supplemental dose of beneficial bacteria should include at least 5-30 billion viable bacteria a day.

2. Probiotics In Food

If supplements aren’t your thing, you may want to consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods into your diet. Foods like kombucha drinks, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and miso are all packed with healthy bacteria.

Interesting fact: Sauerkraut is not only extremely rich in healthy live cultures, but might also help with reducing allergy symptoms. In addition, this pickled cabbage is rich in Vitamins B, A, E and C.

3. Probiotics In Skin Care

While dietary probiotics have been found to help balance certain gut issues, scientific studies support that they can be beneficial for the skin as well. Specifically, probiotic-rich products are believed to balance the microbiome on the skin.

As International Educator Brian Goodwin explains: “The skin’s surface is home to a delicate balance of microorganisms, like bacteria and other microbes. This mix of living organisms is known as the microbiome," which defends the skin from environmental stressors and harm. But if good organisms are outnumbered by harmful bacteria, the microbiome falls out of balance. This can disrupt skin barrier function, leaving your skin vulnerable to dehydration or irritation.

Topical probiotics can help balance the bacteria associated with conditions such as acne and eczema. Acne has been shown to be one of the most promising conditions to treat with topical probiotics because bacterial imbalance and inflammation contribute to certain types of acne. Applying probiotics for acneic areas can help soothe any flare-ups as well as normalize the skin’s natural bacterial and moisture balance, helping it to “reset.”

While there are many DIY recipes for probiotic face masks, as always, we do not recommend creating your own kitchen concoctions. This is because applying products to your skin that are intended for food consumption often vary wildly in their levels of beneficial ingredients and concentrations. For example, many probiotic foods contain ingredients like lemon and vinegar. While acids can be skin-friendly, the types of acids in foods have the potential to irritate the skin and cause extreme photosensitivity and even serious chemical burns. Especially if you are dealing with a skin condition such as acne or eczema where the skin can already feel raw and sore, please avoid homemade solutions. Instead, look for professional probiotic skin care products that meet industry-wide safety requirements.

Probiotic skin care products are most effective when they can be massaged in or left on to absorb into the skin. This allows the probiotics to positively impact the moisture barrier and balance the skin. Depending on your skin type and concerns, you may not need probiotics for every step of your skin care routine and may prefer to incorporate it only into a few areas. For example, if you have a dry skin type and are dealing with some eczema or the odd blemish, using a probiotic face mask once a week is an excellent option. If you are an oily skin type trying to manage more frequent blemishes, incorporating probiotics in your daily cleansing and moisturizing — as well as a weekly face mask — helps to balance the bad bacteria that may be contributing to breakouts.

In terms of product recommendations, our Kombucha Microbiome Collection is formulated with pre, pro* and postbiotics to maintain your skin’s natural microbiome. This collection is also formulated with kombucha, white tea, ginger and jasmine which comforts the skin and helps you achieve a luminous, healthy-looking glow.

Tags: skin barrier, educational, diet, cleanser, facial mask

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An Esthetician’s Advice

For more recommendations, we asked Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar to share her thoughts on probiotic skin care.

Natalie shared with us some amazing home care recommendations on how to use probiotic skin care. Some of our favorite takeaways:
- Probiotics come from nature and help balance good and bad bacteria in the body.
- Probiotics can come from a supplement or fermented foods but can also be found in skin care products to balance the skin’s microbiome.
- In skin care, this good and bad bacteria balance impacts the moisture barrier of the skin.
- Because 60% of our skin is water, we want to ensure our skin stays healthy with balanced hydration levels.
Do you swear by incorporating probiotics into your diet? We would love to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media.

*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.

This article was originally written in April 2019.
Updated By
Thea Christie
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