Bacteria Be Gone!

by Cecilia on January 31, 2012

Many creams and other skin treatments sold today provide quick but temporary relief to skin conditions. Some may actually deteriorate your skin’s factors by drying and damaging it. By not addressing the underlying conditions causing your skin’s irritation, it will begin showing signs of premature aging and no longer exude its natural youthful glow and luster.

Probiotic actives don’t just cover up problems, they work to reverse the conditions causing your skin’s irritation, returning skin to a soft, healthy state.

The term Probiotic, meaning “for life,” is used to describe beneficial bacterias. Until today, the benefits of Probiotics have only been received internally. That all changes now.
Probiotics, in skin care products, allows our skin to benefit from the same balancing characteristics. Collectively, it stimulates cellular energy by improving the cells metabolism and cellular oxygenation, limiting the production of free radicals, improving collagen and enhancing the conditions for youthful, firm and vitalized skin. In addition, probiotics create a barrier against a variety of different types of harmful substances, inducing bad bacteria, pollutants, free radicals, and allergens.

To understand how probiotics and skin problems are related, it is important to understand what exactly probiotics do.

A probiotic is a living microorganism which, when administered in sufficient amounts, confers a health benefit to its host. Two of the most common probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and the group known as bifidobacteria, are commonly found in the stomach and assist the body with a number of functions.

It is perhaps the barrier against allergens that gives probiotics its power with skin problems. Probiotics can also help with acne. Eczema is believed to be caused by a skin imbalance that causes barrier dysfunction. Some dermatologists have found that probiotics improve eczema by aiding good bacteria and allowing them to continue releasing oxygen so skin breathes better, blood flows, and balance is restored.

Probiotics may even help fight the external aggressors that speed up aging. Destruction of skin’s barrier due to factors like the sun, smoke and pollution leads to greater dispersion of harmful bacteria, which can cause inflammation, loss of elasticity, and ultimately, wrinkles. Probiotics can help improve hydration, stimulate cell functions, and regenerate mature skin so it becomes softer and smoother.

One of the ingredients that I incorporated in my rejuvenating toner mist is Radish root ferment, which is a natural, plant-based preservative and probiotic. Radish root ferment is a peptide that has been shown to have antimicrobial benefits and contain large amounts of lactic acids, ascorbic acid, carotene and dietary fiber, which have anti-carcinogenic effects.

Beauty editor of Time Out NY Cristina Velocci is obsessed with this toner. Here’s what she had to say

“Facialist Cecilia Wong’s holistic approach to skin care extends to the all-natural product line she launched in August 2011, formulated with pure oils, organically grown herbs and aromatic botanicals. A standout is this soothing chamomile toner, which we carry around in our purse to mist our mugs with whenever we need to hydrate and refresh our pores.”

You can check out this month’s Time Out NY issue for more info.

As always, I am here to assist you with any questions you may have. Call us at 917-596-5206 to book an appointment now! I look forward to seeing you soon.

xo,
Cecilia