Summer Skintuition: How to integrate pro- and postbiotics into a warm weather routine
As the sun shines brighter and the temperature rises, it may be time to switch up your skincare routine and have a check in with your ‘skintuition’. If you’re not using sun-screen for the rest of the year, then spring and summer is the time to step up your game. Adding sunscreen may require an adjustment to your morning skincare routine or leave you dealing with adverse reactions as your skin gets used to new products.
Beyond the increased exposure to harmful UV rays, the sun also brings sweat-induced breakouts, which can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and acne. That's where probiotic and postbiotic skincare steps in to save the day, nurturing your skin's microbiome and helping you maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Let's dive into the world of microbiome-friendly skincare and discover how to adjust your routine for the summer season.
The Sun and your Microbiome:
Before we delve into the benefits of probiotic and postbiotic skincare, it's important to recognize how the sun and sweat can affect your skin. Increased sun exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. Meanwhile, sweat can mix with sebum and clog pores, resulting in acne breakouts and irritation. For individuals with eczema, the combination of heat and sweat can trigger flare-ups and intensify discomfort.
Prolonged UV exposure, like when you’re sunbathing, as well as pool chemicals can be tough on your microbiome, and disrupt the delicate balance.
Harnessing the Power of Probiotic and Postbiotic Skincare:
Probiotic skincare refers to products that contain live beneficial bacteria, while postbiotic skincare incorporates the by-products produced by these bacteria and the intact, dead cells. These skincare heroes work harmoniously with your skin's natural microbiome, the community of microorganisms that reside on the surface of your skin, to restore balance, strengthen the skin barrier, and promote overall skin health. Here's how you can incorporate them into your summer skincare routine:
- Cleanse Gently: Start your summer skincare routine by cleansing your face with a prebiotic cleanser at night to remove dirt, sunscreen and sweat. In the morning, just rinse your skin with water to not strip the skin of its natural oils or disrupt its microbiome.
- Hydrate and Nourish: In the morning, opt for a lightweight probiotic oil or postbiotic to replenish your skin's moisture levels without weighing it down. These formulations deliver essential nutrients and antioxidants while supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria on your skin.
Probiotics are ideal to apply at night, as they will help your skin recover from sun damage and help your microbiome bounce back from the UV exposure.
- Protect with Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any summer skincare routine. However, not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to supporting your skin's microbiome. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that are labeled as microbiome-friendly or non-comedogenic. These sunscreens provide effective UV protection without disrupting the delicate balance of your skin's ecosystem.
Why doesn’t BAK offer a sunscreen? We have a lot of products in our innovation pipeline, and we felt there are enough good sunscreens in the market already, so we’re focusing our efforts on other problems, that are really lacking good solutions. Stay tuned…
- Layering Sunscreen and Probiotic/Postbiotic Products: When it comes to layering sunscreen with probiotic or postbiotic products, the order is crucial. Apply your probiotic or postbiotic products first, allowing them to absorb into your skin. Then, generously apply sunscreen as the final step. This layering technique ensures that your skin receives the full benefits of the probiotic or postbiotic products while remaining protected from harmful UV rays.
- Skincare Freedom: Try to let your skin breathe in summer by reducing the amount of make-up you use. Sun exposure, frequent bathing and sweating is already quite taxing on the skin, so the more “freedom” you can give your skin to mind its own business, the better.
Beyond skincare products, adopting certain lifestyle practices can contribute to maintaining a healthy skin microbiome during summer. Stay hydrated, as proper hydration helps support the skin barrier and overall skin health. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing to minimize sweat accumulation and choose fabrics that are gentle on sensitive skin. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face from the sun. We know it's common advice--but it's still good!