Bacteria spray may sound like a bogus new beauty trend, but it is actually showing scientifically sound skin-saving benefits. Let’s first cozy up to the world of bacteria – because not all microbes are malevolent!
Bacteria 101
Bacteria are teeny-weeny single-cell microorganisms that are found pretty much everywhere that hasn’t been scrubbed and sanitized to death by humans. We tend to lump all bacteria together, label them bad, and do everything we can to rid our environments of these contagions. But bacteria have been around since the beginning of time, and we wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for these organisms.
Yes, there are bad bacteria. There are some seriously wicked streptococci and legionella that can cause life-threatening infections and pneumonia. But, there are also very friendly bacteria that we depend on for optimal health, and ultimate survival.
To make it less creepy, let’s start with the bacteria that live in your gut. Your gastrointestinal tract is made up of trillions of these microorganisms. Bacteria in your digestive system help break down nutrients, like sugars, that your body can then use for fuel. The more beneficial bacteria you have in your gut, the less disease-causing bacteria you have in your body. Some friendly bacteria actually attack pathogens to keep you disease free. The bacteria in your G.I tract impact your immune system, your mental health, your digestive system, and your brain function — virtually every component of your body!
Another word for these helpful bacteria is probiotics. To keep your digestive system healthy, it’s important to feed your gut probiotics and prebiotics on the regular. That’s why health experts suggest eating fermented foods rich in probiotics, as well as supplementing with a probiotic.
Okay… moving on from gut health, to skin health. Did you know that your skin, the largest organ in your body, also has a microbiome full of bacteria? I know it sounds beyond gross, but your skin is crawling with billions of little bacteria, maybe even trillions. They primarily live on the epidermis (or outer layer of your skin) and among your hair follicles. And we need these little guys! They regulate your immune response, speed up wound healing, control inflammation, and defend against allergies. Without them, your skin and overall health suffers.
Where Have All the Good Bacteria Gone?
It’s been bug sprayed into complete annihilation. We use antibacterial soaps and cleaning products to the detriment of our health. We rarely play in the dirt anymore, and we loofah our skin until it’s stripped clear of natural oils and needed bacteria. We just aren’t exposed to as much bacterial diversity as we should be. And we’re suffering because of it. Bacteria sprays and lotions may be an easy and effective way to restore bacterial equilibrium to your skin. Proponents say that these bacteria-rich balms can help alleviate skin disorders, skin sensitivity, redness, and even acne, while restoring the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Give Me Proof
Bacteria sprays and lotions are a relatively new concept sparked by three prominent studies:
Study #1: Ceramides are lipid molecules that help bind skin cells together and provide a protective layer that keeps skin hydrated and looking youthful. As we age, we start to lose ceramides. Our skin becomes drier and more vulnerable to wrinkles and sagging. A 2008 study published in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology revealed that a cream containing the friendly bacteria Streptococcus thermophilus helped to boost ceramides and restore hydration to skin.
Researchers tested the cream on the forearms of healthy elderly woman for two weeks. They concluded that the probiotic cream led to a “significant and relevant increase in ceramide levels” and “hydration values of the treated forearm of each subject was significantly higher than control sites.”
Study #2: A 2009 study published in the Journal of Microbiology revealed that a lotion containing the beneficial bacteria Enterococcus faecalis SL-5 helped clear up acne lesions and neutralize damage from acne-promoting bacteria on the skin.
Study #3: A 2014 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that people who took a supplement of probiotics and carotenoids had a reduction in early UV-induced skin damage caused by natural or simulated sun exposure, suggesting that probiotics may help decrease photoaging caused by sun damage.
How Bacterial Sprays and Lotions Work
The theory is that probiotic lotions and bacteria sprays feed your skin the bacteria it needs to stay healthy, radiant, and hydrated. Proponents say that bacteria sprays help support a healthy inflammation response, and in doing so help to eliminate redness, blotchiness, and other signs of irritation. They keep your skin clean and restore natural oils to your skin. Here are a few of the most popular probiotic skin treatments, in case you’re interested in giving one a try:
AO+ Mist: Live Probiotic Spray for the Skin: AO+ Mist is a patented, natural, live probiotic spray for the skin containing cultivated Nitrosomonas eutropha, which is an Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB). They recommend misting twice daily or as needed, especially after showers or before sweaty activities because the AOB consumes the ammonia and urea in sweat.
The claim: “Within two weeks of use, the AO+ Mist improves the appearance of skin issues including sensitivity, blotchiness, roughness, oiliness, dryness, and odor by replacing essential bacteria lost by modern hygiene and lifestyles.”Aurelia Probiotic Skincare:The company uses “probiotic technology” to manage inflammation and “ethically sourced BioOrganic botanical formulations” to help prevent premature aging.
The claim: “Aurelia’s Probiotic Technology helps to balance and stabilise the skin by supporting its natural defence system while protecting our skin from environmental stresses. It also offers on-going support against cellular inflammation… This improves cellular resilience and leaves skin less prone to stress to counteract the signs of premature ageing.”Leejiham Probiotic Sleeping Cream:This nighttime treatment is made with 50% probiotic extracts that help protect the skin against oxidative damage — those pesky free radicals that make us age faster than we’d like — and help balance moisture.
The claim: “A lightweight cream that doubles as a sleeping mask pack — formulated with probiotics that neutralize free radical activity on the skin to help create a glowing and healthy-looking complexion.”
Whaddaya say?
Dare to get down and dirty with some bacteria with me? I’m going for the AO+ Mist. I’ll check back and let you know what I think!
Amy Lucas
LA based actress and writer, Amy Lucas, is our resident beauty blogger. With a penchant for living life to full, you'll find her here sharing her musings on health & wellness and of course beauty. We're sure you'll love her positive, open and honest approach to life. It's a much needed breath of fresh air and we are thrilled to have her as a contributing author on the Glad Lash Blog! You can read more from Amy at her personal blog www.musingsofaminx.com.
Bacteria spray may sound like a bogus new beauty trend, but it is actually showing scientifically sound skin-saving benefits. Let’s first cozy up to the world of bacteria – because not all microbes are malevolent!
The claim: “Within two weeks of use, the AO+ Mist improves the appearance of skin issues including sensitivity, blotchiness, roughness, oiliness, dryness, and odor by replacing essential bacteria lost by modern hygiene and lifestyles.”
