Even though it sounds super scientific, you don’t need a lab coat and a microscope to support your skin microbiome — an esthetician can give you all the insights you need! I’m Christine Byer, an award-winning master esthetician since 2001 and a life-long skincare enthusiast. When I’m not in the studio with clients, I’m crafting custom-formulated skincare products inspired by over 24 years of working with high-end formulas from around the globe.
My latest passion? The skin microbiome — a key player in your skin barrier and a major factor in achieving a healthy complexion. In today’s post, we’ll explore how this unsung hero impacts your skin health and share tips on how to support it like a pro… a probiotic, that is!
What is the Skin Microbiome?
You may already be familiar with the gut microbiome, an ecosystem of microorganisms that live in your gastrointestinal tract and aid in digestion, immunity, and brain health. But did you know your skin has one, too? The skin microbiome, also known as the microbiota or microflora, is a similar ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses that live on and in the skin barrier, the outermost layer of the face.
It helps to think of your skin microbiome as a garden. Just like a garden needs the perfect balance of sunlight and water to thrive, your skin microbiome needs a healthy mix of friendly microorganisms to stay healthy, hydrated, and glowing. Most organisms in the skin microbiome are beneficial, helping to regulate inflammation and break down sebum and other skin lipids that can impact skin health over time.
However, there’s always a bit of "bad" bacteria in the mix — like Propionibacterium acnes (AKA P. acnes). Though beneficial in normal quantities, too much of P. acnes can directly lead to breakouts and acne flare-ups. When bacteria like P. acnes outnumber other microorganisms, skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, dermatitis, dandruff, and other skin irritations can begin to take over.
Can Probiotics Improve Skin?
As scientists and estheticians learn more about the bounty of microorganisms that call our skin home, there have been a spike in skincare products designed to support a balanced microbiome. With bacteria like P. acnes found on the skin and in the GI tract, it’s no surprise that topical formulas are similar to products created for the gut microbiome. Most include probiotics, a type of live bacteria that support healthy microflora in the body.
So, can probiotics improve skin health the way they benefit gut health? All signs point to yes! The topical application of probiotics has been shown to reduce the number of "bad" bacteria that cause irritation and discomfort on the skin’s surface. Probiotic skin cream has also been proven to accelerate skin healing and have beneficial effects in the treatment of some inflammatory skin diseases, including acne, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Support Healthy Skin with Microbiome Balancing-Skin Perfecting Cream
Amazing things can happen when science and skincare meet — like the new CBE Botanicals Microbiome Balancing-Skin Perfecting Cream with Probiotics! The CBE Botanicals™ line is the culmination of more than two decades of experience and countless skincare consultations I’ve shared with women from all walks of life. With CBE Botanicals, I’m making it easy for anyone to access innovative ingredients for a healthier complexion.
My latest product, the CBE Botanicals Microbiome Balancing-Skin Perfecting Cream with Probiotics, is a transformative treatment formulated to not only stabilize the skin microbiome, but also nourish the skin for a more radiant complexion. It combines the power of balancing probiotics with skin-loving ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, making it one of the best probiotic skin care products to work into your routine. These ingredients include:
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Lactobacillus ferment lysate is a powerhouse fermented probiotic ingredient made from broken-down bacterial cells that delivers nutrients to help fortify and strengthen the microbiome. Packed with amino acids and peptides, it’s a gentle yet effective way to support your skin barrier, helping it stay balanced, resilient, and ready to glow.
Ceramides
The Microbiome Balancing-Skin Perfecting Cream has three super ceramides — Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, and Ceramide NP — that work wonders for your skin. In microbiome skin care, ceramides help lock in moisture and block out irritants at the skin barrier. As we age, our natural ceramide levels drop, so this cream gives your skin the boost it needs to stay healthy and hydrated.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil
Avena sativa (oat) kernel oil is a great addition to support your skin microbiome. Rich in moisture-locking ceramides, this non-comedogenic oil helps reduce papules, blackheads, and lesions, making it ideal for acne-prone skin. Plus, it delivers calming antioxidant benefits, giving your skin the balance and soothing care it needs without clogging your pores.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate is a derivative of hyaluronic acid, and it's a hydration hero for
the skin microbiome. The Microbiome Balancing-Skin Perfecting Cream contains three molecular weights of sodium hyaluronate to hydrate on every level, boosting moisture, calming irritation, and tightening the skin:
Reishi and Shiitake Mushrooms
Reishi and shiitake mushrooms are natural skincare remedies native to East Asia. Traditionally used to tackle inflammatory conditions, they target multiple signs of unhealthy skin and work to restore a natural glow from the inside out. Rich in polysaccharides, they deeply hydrate, help retain moisture, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Squalane
Squalene is an ingredient you don’t want to miss in your skin microbiome care. Derived from olives, this star substance is known to be the closest comparable ingredient to human sebum, providing softness while replenishing necessary oils. It’s packed with natural antioxidant properties that help to maintain hydration and promote collagen synthesis.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a gentle, go-to ingredient that works for most skin types — even
sensitive ones! It supports your skin’s natural ceramide barrier, helping to maintain moisture while balancing oil production. Plus, niacinamide tackles redness and hyperpigmentation, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a calm, balanced complexion.
Learn How to Restore Your Skin Microbiome with Confidence
It’s time to pencil "support my skin microbiome" into your skincare steps. That’s where I come in! Join the Christine Byer Beauty Club, the premier destination for personalized support directly from me, a licensed master esthetician. Take advantage of my expertise, access exclusive savings, and score the opportunity to win a FREE consultation. If it’s not the right fit for you, cancel within 14 days at no charge.
What can you do about dry skin? All I can say is moisture, moisture, moisture. And a great way to do that is this amazing recent trend: skin flooding!
