Those In Menopause Should Try Probiotic Skin Care Products, Says This Derm

Several years ago, one major trend erupted in the beauty space: topical probiotic skin care. At this point in the world of wellness, we were well into the research of probiotics for gut and overall health (if you need a refresher, check out our guide). But topically? That was new and fresh. Then, a bit later, prebiotics hit the skin care scene, and it was clear: Microbiome-focused skin care was here to stay—and, dare we say, be the way of the future. 

And while tending to your microbiome is important no matter who you are—everyone from an acne-prone teen to a 30-something who just developed rosacea can benefit—those going through menopause may have an increased need for microbiome-forward skin care. 

Your microbiome is the collection of over a trillion bugs that live on your skin (yes, really; if you are curious to learn more, we have a full explainer). With a more diverse microflora—meaning: more types of microbes—comes a healthier skin barrier function, reduced inflammation, clearer complexion, and diminished dryness. Essentially your skin appearance thrives when the microbiome does.  

Now, what topical probiotics do is help skin repopulate strains of good-for-you bacteria that we may lose due to lifestyle changes, beauty products, and naturally with age. There are several strains you may see, but some of the more common ones are Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium longum, if you need help reading the ingredient label. Prebiotics, on the other hand, provide skin with nutrients that probiotics naturally feed on. You'll most likely see these in the form of plant sugars like xylitol or rhamnose.

When we go through menopause, our bodies experience a steady drop in sex hormones, like estrogen, progesterone, and the like. These affect our bodies in a myriad of ways—and, notably, in the skin it means a drop in collagen production, weakened skin barrier, less sebum production, and (most notably for our microbiome) changes in our pH.