Main content

The Benefits of Prebiotic & Probiotic Skin Care

Various forms of prebiotic and probiotic skincare ingredients displayed in petri dishes, showcasing their textures and benefits for skin health


When you hear the word 'probiotics,' you probably think of the health foods section in your local supermarket, filled with supplements to enhance your gut health. The trend towards probiotics has grown in recent years, introducing us to the benefits of 'good bacteria' in our microbiome. Research now indicates that topical prebiotic and probiotic skincare can balance the natural bacterial ecosystem on our face, much like how supplements benefit our gut health.

In this guide, Lancôme's beauty experts explain the benefits of prebiotic and probiotic ingredients for your skin and the differences between them. We'll also show you how to incorporate the Génifique range into an effective skincare regime.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS

The human body hosts a delicate balance of bacteria and tiny micro-organisms known as a microbiome. Our natural microbiome can be disrupted by the hyper-cleanliness of modern life, including the use of antibacterial soaps and harsh facial cleansers. These practices can limit our exposure to beneficial microbes. Similarly, antibiotics, while effective at eliminating harmful bacteria, can also destroy beneficial bacteria.

To maintain a healthy skin microbiome, it’s essential to understand the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and their roles in skincare. Probiotics are live 'good bacteria' found in supplements, pills, or capsules, and they enhance gut health by improving digestive health and strengthening the immune system. Microbials like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium offer unexpected benefits, increasing the population of good bacteria and providing various health advantages. In contrast, prebiotics are the essential nutrients that these probiotics need to flourish, acting as the 'food' for the good bacteria. Integrating prebiotic and probiotic ingredients into your skincare routine can help restore and maintain a balanced, healthy skin microbiome.

Why Add Prebiotic and Probiotic Ingredients to Your Skincare Routine?

Prebiotic and probiotic-enriched skincare products are rapidly gaining popularity in Malaysia due to their extensive benefits, making them suitable for a variety of skin types and concerns. Here’s why incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine is a wise choice:

Balance Skin Microbiome: Restore the natural balance of good bacteria on your skin.
Enhance Skin Barrier: Strengthen your skin’s natural defense against pollutants and toxins.
Improve Hydration: Boost and maintain optimal moisture levels.
Reduce Inflammation: Soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Anti-Aging Benefits: Minimize fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful complexion.
Suitable for All Skin Types: Ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Incorporating prebiotic and probiotic ingredients can lead to healthier, more radiant skin.

Lancome Advanced Genifique serum bottle next to a close-up of a woman's face with clear, radiant skin, highlighting the product's effectiveness

Integrating Pre and Probiotic Fractions Into Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating prebiotic and probiotic fractions into your skincare routine can significantly enhance the health and balance of your skin's microbiome. Over-cleansing and excessive use of active skincare products can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to imbalance and irritation. Pre and probiotic fractions help restore this balance by replenishing the ‘good bacteria’ necessary for optimal skin health. Lancôme’s Génifique range, backed by 20 years of advanced research, effectively utilizes these fractions to promote a radiant and balanced complexion. By including these products in your skincare regime, you can achieve healthy, glowing skin that radiates from within.

Here’s how to create a daily regime incorporating pre and probiotic fractions for skin, based on in depth expertise from our experts.

PRE AND PROBIOTIC FACE SERUM

After cleansing your face and gently drying it with a clean towel, restore the skin barrier by applying a serum enriched with pre- and probiotic fractions such as Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate.

This iconic anti-aging serum features an updated formula with 7 pre- and probiotic fractions, including yeast extracts and Bifidus extracts. Apply a dropper morning and evening to clean, dry skin and press gently.

For those suffering from dryness, redness or roughness, Advanced Génifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate is an excellent choice. Contains dual antioxidants to soothe sensitive skin and is freshly blended with probiotic fractions. Use this concentrate at night as a month-long treatment when your skin is most sensitive and irritated. This regime is particularly suited to Malaysia's humid climate, helping to keep skin balanced and hydrated.

Woman applying a prebiotic and probiotic-enriched skincare product from Lancome

PRE AND PROBIOTIC EYE SERUM

For a light yet effective serum that delivers the benefits of pre and probiotic fractions to your delicate eye area, use the Advanced Génifique Light Pearl Youth Activating Eye & Lash Concentrate. This serum is enriched with 7 pre and probiotic fractions, carefully selected to nourish the eye contour area and strengthen the skin barrier. Additionally, it contains caffeine to help reduce puffiness and arginine, an amino acid that supports the structural integrity of the skin.
To apply, use the flexible massage applicator and circle it around the eye area every morning and night. With regular use, this serum improves dark circles and reduces under-eye bags, leaving your eyes looking refreshed and youthful.
For an eye contour that feels reinforced, we recommend the Advanced Génifique Eye Cream, an innovative formula that combines concentrated probiotic fractions in a creamy gel texture. Gently smooth over the upper and lower eye contour morning and night.

PRE AND PROBIOTIC MASK

For an intensive hydration boost and enhanced skin renewal, incorporate the Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask into your routine. Concentrated with the award-winning Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Serum, this luxurious mask combines hyaluronic acid with probiotic extracts to boost moisture, improve texture, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. The mask includes lactobacilli, bifidobacterium, and yeast to restore the skin's immune system and support a healthy microbiome. Its innovative hydrogel formula melts at skin temperature, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeply. Use this mask for quick hydration and repair, perfect for a balanced and radiant complexion.

Incorporate these products to reduce signs of aging, achieve a velvety smooth touch, and enjoy a radiant, youthful glow at any age.

Shop the selection

Frequently Asked Questions


Orientation message
For the best experience, please turn your device