The Amazing Skincare Benefits of Fermented Ingredients!

What started as a Korean skincare trend, is now popular around the world. What am I talking about? Fermented skincare of course! Have you ever eaten kimchi or drunk kombucha? They're both made with fermented ingredients! These fermented foods have been shown to improve gut health and the overall appearance of skin, so it makes perfect sense that natural skincare brands have jumped on the bandwagon! Whether you're applying it to your body or face, fermented ingredients can work wonders for your skin!

What is fermented skincare?

Fermentation is a cultural custom that has been practiced for thousands of years. At a basic level, it involves biologically enhancing ingredients to increase their nutritional value. Before fermentation was introduced to beauty however, it was traditionally used for foods like vegetables and fruits. This process involves soaking food in salt water which allows good bacteria to grow. These natural bacteria feed on the starch to generate lactic acid.¹ The result? Food is preserved and vitamin b, probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids and enzymes are created!¹

When it comes to skincare, active ingredients are broken down so that their nutrients and minerals can be more rapidly absorbed into the skin.¹ These ingredients become much richer in antioxidants and amino acids, which have an incredibly beneficial effect on skin.

What are the skincare benefits of fermented ingredients?

Fermented ingredients have so many possible benefits for the overall health of our skin. As the fermentation process increases the level of antioxidants in each ingredient, this may help slow down the ageing process of the skin. Eating fermented foods has also shown to have the ability to clarify and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out.² When used in topical skincare, this fermentation process increases the bioavailability of ingredients, which means that they can be absorbed at a deeper level. This is perfect for anyone with particularly dry skin!

Which skincare brands use fermented ingredients?

The Beauty Chef
The Beauty Chef is known for their unique bio-fermentation process called Flora Culture. This process is backed by twenty years of research and involves the fermentation of multiple skin loving ingredients. This is used in many of their amazing products including the Beauty Chef Beauty Fix Balm which contains amino acids from bio-fermented grains including quinoa, brown rice and chickpeas.² These ingredients, when transformed into smaller peptides, hydrate skin, synthesise collagen and increase the absorption of nutrients.² Also containing fermented young coconut extract, this Beauty Fix Balm can be applied all over the face, lips and body to help nourish and protect skin.

Another fantastic product from The Beauty Chef is their Probiotic Skin Refiner. This liquid exfoliator & hydrator may help balance skin, remove dead skin cells and boost collagen production. It's formulated using lacto-fermented ingredients including grasses, greens, algaes and fruits! During the fermentation process, lactic acid producing bacteria are mixed in alongside purified water, which is then left to ferment for 6 weeks.² To use, apply a small amount to a cotton wool pad and wipe over the face, after cleansing. For more on this amazing skin product, I have written an entire blog post on The Beauty Chef Skin Refiner here

If you're after glowing, beautiful skin then you need to try the The Beauty Chef's Glow Powder. Made with billions of good probiotic bacteria and fermented ingredients, this powder is the key to clear skin. It nourishes your body from the inside so that you can glow on the outside! To use, stir a teaspoon each day into a glass of water. Did I mention it tastes amazing?

For more on the difference between pre and probiotics, I cover that topic here

Andalou Naturals
Andalou is another company that utilises the incredible skincare benefits of fermented ingredients. They offer two particular products that benefit from a prebiotic-probiotic complex. The first is the Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk which works to gently loosen makeup, help remove impurities and restore moisture. The second is the Andalou Naturals Probiotic + C Cream that may help promote circulation in the skin. The result? A balanced, hydrated complexion!

Both of these products, contain prebiotics which stimulate the growth of beneficial eco flora and probiotics that stimulate the production of antimicrobial peptides.³

Acure
Acure's Facial Cleansing Creme is a great foaming cleanser for anyone who struggles with large pores. Using the benefits of fermented sugar and fermented resveratrol extract, this product provides a deep clean! It's best suited for normal to dry skin as it keeps skin hydrated and supple.

If you have pigmentation, acne scarring or blotchiness, try a serum that can be applied under moisturiser to reduce help smooth and even out your skin tone.

Weleda
Weleda's range of body washes utilise the benefits of fermented coconut and sugar to lather and clean the skin without drying it out. They're also formulated with natural oils such as sesame seed to help nourish the skin and offer a boost of essential fatty acids. Some of my favourite scents from their range include the Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash and the Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash. Both are extremely soothing for the skin and leave it feeling baby soft!

Amazonia
For a boost of protein, probiotics and amino acids, try out this Amazonia Raw Fermented Paleo Protein. Perfect for an after workout drink, this protein powder may help support muscle development and body function. It is packed full of minerals and nutrients to ensure you're performing at your optimal best. To use, mix 30g in 200ml of water, milk or smoothie. Make sure to keep hydrated when taking protein supplements!

(sources:¹getthegloss.com, ²The Beauty Chef, ³Andalou)