The use of probiotics in other areas than as an edible is a relatively new concept that has gained popularity in recent years. There are two reasons that we use probiotics in our products, and they are quite different from each other, but in the bigger picture, it all makes sense.
First some information about the probiotics that we use; our probiotics are made through a symbiosis of several different positive microbes that have lived and grown together as a family their whole lives. This makes them stronger than probiotics where only one bacterial strain is used, or when several probiotic strains are mixed directly into the product without being familiar with each other from before. This strengthens the probiotic microbes as a whole and makes them resilient to for example temperature changes and the soap-making process.
What is it to be clean?
Let's get back to "why" we use probiotics in our soap bars. The first reason has to do with our health and what we expose ourselves to every day. The skin is our body's biggest organ and the skin microbiome refers to the diverse group of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live on the surface of our skin. Our skin and bodies contain and carry more microbes than cells and the microbiome is a crucial part of our immune systems. The microbiome works to maintain a healthy balance and protect us against harmful pathogens such as pathological bacteria and viruses. Take the positive microbes away from our skin and our bodies will lose a crucial defense mechanism. In addition, when our microbiomes' balance is disrupted, it can lead to a range of skin issues.
We need bacteria in, on, and around us. It's a misconception that "clean" in the form of "99.9% bacteria killed" is healthy. Hand sanitizers and other sanitizers are revolutionary in killing pathological and dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and antibiotics save thousands every year. When used in the right situations they are essential for societal health. However, the goal should not be to remove all bacteria from our bodies, homes, and society.
One might say that we live in an "age of pollution". Maybe more than ever before we need positive microbes to help keep us clean from pollutants, and prevent us from becoming addicted to bacteria-killing substances. We need positive microbes in our lives!
Still not convinced, here are a few of the benefits of incorporating microbiome skincare into your lifestyle:
Balances the Skin's Natural Microbiome
The skin microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining the skin's natural pH balance, which helps to keep harmful bacteria at bay. However, factors such as harsh cleansers, antibiotics, and other skincare products can disrupt this balance, leading to skin irritation, inflammation, and breakouts.
Microbiome-friendly skincare products are formulated to work with the skin's natural microbiome, rather than against it. They contain ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as prebiotics, while avoiding harsh ingredients that can disrupt the microbiome.
Reduces Inflammation and Irritation
One of the most significant benefits of microbiome skincare is its ability to reduce inflammation and irritation. Many common skin issues, such as acne, rosacea, and eczema, are caused by inflammation in the skin. Studies have shown that microbiome-friendly skincare can help to reduce inflammation and irritation by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and minimizing the growth of harmful bacteria. This can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Improves Skin Hydration and Elasticity
A healthy microbiome is essential for maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and supple. When the microbiome is disrupted, the skin can become dry, dull, and prone to fine lines and wrinkles. Microbiome-friendly skincare products can help to improve skin hydration and elasticity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthening the skin's natural moisture barrier. This can lead to a more radiant, youthful-looking complexion.
Supports Skin Health and Immunity
Finally, microbiome skincare can help to support overall skin health and immunity. The skin is our body's first line of defense against harmful pathogens, and a healthy microbiome is essential for maintaining a strong, resilient skin barrier. Microbiome-friendly skincare products can help to support skin health and immunity by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and strengthening the skin's natural defenses. This can help to protect against harmful pathogens and keep the skin healthy and vibrant.
See all the sources below.
How can probiotics clean waters?
It's not often a consumer product has function after we are done using it, but our probiotic products do. One of the main goals of our probiotic production partner is to help clean wastewater. Situated in the international township, Auroville, in rural South India, our production partner has been researching probiotics for years.
The small, yet innovative organization has been a part of introducing probiotics used in water treatment as a natural way to break down pollutants and contribute to a healthy microbial balance in aquatic ecosystems. The positive microbes work by breaking down harmful substances and transforming them into harmless compounds that can be used by other organisms in the ecosystem. These substances include organic pollutants, such as oils and chemicals, and inorganic pollutants, such as heavy metals.
According to a study conducted by Hu et al. (2021), probiotics have the potential to effectively remove pollutants from water. The study found that probiotics can reduce the concentration of pollutants in water, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, and improve water quality.
A study by Li et al. (2019) found that the addition of probiotics to wastewater can significantly improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process by reducing the concentration of pollutants and improving the overall water quality.
In addition to improving water quality, probiotics can also help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems. This is important because a healthy microbial balance is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Probiotics can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
The use of probiotics in cleaning waterways and water bodies has several advantages over traditional water treatment methods. Probiotics are a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical treatments, which can have negative effects on the environment.
By indirectly adding probiotics to wastewater systems while using our probiotic soap bars you help clean the waterways from pollutants and contribute towards healthy ecosystems.
Everyday life is for most of us quite busy, and finding time for ourselves and taking care of the environment can be difficult. That's why we could not be happier about giving you shower experiences where you can enjoy the aromatic scent and benefits of natural oils while feeding your body with positive microbes and contributing to clean waterways, all in one little, plastic-free, soap bar!
Sources - microbiome skincare benefits:
Baldwin, H. E. (2017). The role of the skin microbiome in acne pathophysiology. Journal of drugs in dermatology: JDD, 16(5), 441-444.
Dreno, B., Araviiskaia, E., Berardesca, E., Gontijo, G., Sanchez Viera, M., Xiang, L. F., & Martin, R. (2016). Microbiome in healthy skin, update for dermatologists.
Sources - probiotics in cleaning waters:
Hu, X., Wu, Q., Chen, Y., Zhang, J., Li, S., Li, H., & Li, J. (2021). The role of probiotics in water treatment: Current status, challenges and prospects. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 411, 125058. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.125058
Li, Y., Liu, B., & Dong, S. (2019). Enhanced efficiency of wastewater treatment by using probiotics. Journal of Environmental Management, 231, 1041-1048. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.107
