ComScore
beauty

What Exactly Is Probiotic Skincare? Here's Everything You Need to Know (and the Products to Try, Stat)

beekman 1802 milk drops probiotic skincare
Beekman 1802

When you think of the word “probiotic” what comes to mind? Gut health? Yeah, us too. And no surprise there, as many of us know that probiotics can greatly benefit our digestive systems. But did you know that these live microorganisms can also improve areas outside the body? Yup, we’re talking about probiotic skincare. To learn more and to understand the benefits it has on our skin, we spoke to Dr. Brent Ridge, physician and co-founder of Beekman 1802, a new skincare company that’s on a mission to change the way we think about bacteria and skin health.

Why do I need probiotics in my skincare?

Just as the “good” bacteria improve our gut health, probiotics help the microbiome of the skin in the same way. Dr. Ridge explains that the skin’s unique ecosystem (aka the microbiome) must remain healthy as it’s essential for controlling nearly every function of the skin. He says, “If your skin is too oily or too dry, this is a sign that your microbiome may not be healthy. If you are breaking out or having a flare-up, this, too, is indicative that your microbiome is not functioning optimally.”

That’s where Beekman 1802 probiotic skincare comes in. “We approach the health of the skin microbiome from two distinct pathways involved in our Triple Milk Complex: First, we nourish the microbiome with our blend of goat milk and colostrum. Second, our patented probiotic lysate (a skincare stable healthy bacteria strain that doesn’t disrupt the formula) provides a super boost to your existing microbiome to build up immunity, making the skin more resilient over time.”

Interesting. Did you say…goat milk?

Yup, we did. The reason goat milk is a key ingredient to these skincare products (which are Leaping Bunny certified, btw) is because it has the same pH as human skin (around 5.5), so when it's used as the “delivery vehicle” for Beekman 1802’s active botanicals, the skin’s first response is to drink it in rather than to repel it. Dr. Ridge explains, “A lot of the base formulas used in skincare products are perceived by the body to be a foreign substance and can therefore lead to ‘micro-inflammation’ on the skin.” But with goat milk, the body doesn’t mistake it as something “bad” and the active ingredients can be thoroughly distributed.

So, how should I use these products?

“What is unique about our products is that while you might choose a different treatment or moisturizer as you age, the need to feed your microbiome never changes,” says Dr. Ridge. You want your skin’s microbiome to be well-nourished so that it functions properly and helps protect the skin from all the insults that are hurled at it throughout the day, like potential chemicals in cosmetics and environmental stressors. We suggest adding the Milk Drops Probiotic Ceramide Serum or Bloom Cream Probiotic Moisturizer into your current routine, as they were specifically designed to keep your skin nourished no matter what other products (or ingredients) you might be using. And since you’re probably wondering: Yes, goat milk is great for people who have sensitive skin.

What else do I need to know?

In terms of benefits, these probiotic products will boost skin health and fight dullness, taking your skin beyond a natural glow and allowing your skin to truly bloom. And because your skin will be more balanced, it will be less oily and more hydrated for a more youthful appearance. Oh, and in addition to being compatible with the other products you’re already using, Beekman 1802’s probiotic skincare line is clinically-proven and free of mineral oil.


1658280496053

Operations Director, Branded Content

Rachel joined PureWow in 2016 and is the Operations Director of Branded Content where she oversees the editorial production of sponsored content campaigns. In addition to...