Your skin needs fermented skincare. Period.
If you're looking to get a bigger bang for your buck that you spend on skincare, fermentation is the way to go! We all know that eating fermented foods aids in boosting healthy bacteria and improves absorption of nutrients, but did you know that using fermented skincare can benefit your skin in multiple ways? The term "fermented skincare" refers to cosmetics that have been infused with the health benefits of naturally fermented substances. Fermentation of nutrients in topical skincare makes them more effective and easier to absorb for the skin, similar to how fermented meals and enzyme supplements improve digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body. Fermentation changes the natural chemicals in skincare products, allowing them to be more quickly accepted and absorbed by the skin.
Before we go into detail about how fermented foods improve the skin, it's vital to first define what they are. When a microbe, bacterium, or yeast is introduced into a substance, the process modifies the chemical structure of the component by breaking it down into its fundamental building parts. These beneficial bacteria break down sugars and starch into alcohols and acids during the fermentation process."
Lactic acid (a gentle AHA perfect for sensitive skin) and probiotics, which offer a strong nutrient-rich punch, are few of the major players in the fermented skincare ingredients game.
Fermented ingredients to look for!
Because there are so many different types of fermented components, the one that's right for you depends on the skin concerns you're trying to address.
1. Amino acids for fine lines and wrinkles
If you are struggling with fine lines and wrinkles, look for products that include amino acids to help firm up your skin. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and using them topically can help create collagen under the surface while also increasing hydration and reducing inflammation. The overall outcome is a better, tighter complexion. The fermentation process produces the majority of amino acids in skin care, so if you see the word on the label, you can expect to get all of the skin-supporting advantages of a fermented product.
Dr. Sheth's Shea Butter & Amino Acid Multitasking Cream
Is your skin flaky, itchy, or as parched as a desert? Then you'll need a moisturiser that does double duty and works as hard as you do! Dr. Sheth's Shea Butter and Amino Acid Multitasking Cream is a one-stop shop for treating and protecting Indian skin. Pollutants in the environment, dryness, and extreme weather can all wreak havoc on Indian skin. This is a skincare rockstar that you must include in your routine!
2. Fermented antioxidants for environmental protection
Antioxidants are an essential element of any morning skincare routine since they help protect against free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation. Antioxidants are beneficial in any form but fermented antioxidants can provide even more protection. By breaking down and potentiating the plant material, the fermentation process cultivates and greatly boosts antioxidant chemicals, particularly phenolics and flavonoids. The antioxidants in black tea are especially helpful to skin because of their broad-spectrum antioxidant activity, which helps to protect and ward off numerous types of oxidative damage.
FOR8 Chakhao Black Rice Floral Liquid Castile Soap
This product is made with Coconut, Olive, and Jojoba oils for a rich lather, creamy bathing experience, high skin conditioning effect, and a pleasant post-bath sensation. Infused with antioxidant-rich Black Rice extract and Vitamin E which protects skin from free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties, this floral blend contains Lavender essential oil, which helps alleviate tension and improves consciousness. Geranium essential oil encourages self-development and creativity. Ylang Ylang essential oil boosts intuition and generates good energy. Clarysage essential oil is a calming, clarifying and memory-boosting essential oil.
3. Sugar acids for brightness
Many of the chemical exfoliants you presently use are made from fermented ingredients, Alpha-hydroxy acids are a result of plant fermentation. Glycolic acid is sugar that has been fermented, Lactic acid is derived from milk, and Mandelic acid is derived from almonds. If you want a brightening effect, you can opt for products that include fruit and sugar acids. These acids operate by weakening the bonds that hold dead skin cells to your skin's surface, allowing fresh, new cells to show through.
Neemli Naturals Glycolic Acid & Hydrolyzed Collagen Pit Repair Concentrate
Scars and pits from acne or trauma are among the most lingering of all things. Pits, redness, and uneven skin texture are all targets for our Glycolic Acid & Hydrolyzed Collagen Pit Repair Concentrate. This concentrate exfoliates skin, treats acne and reveals fresh, glowing skin, thanks to collagen-stimulating Glycolic acid, regenerating Hydrolyzed Collagen, and brightening Lactic acid.
Benefits of fermented skincare
The advantages of using fermented-ingredient products vary depending on the exact component in the formula. Regardless, there are multiple benefits that apply, including:
- They improve the skin's barrier function. The vitamins and antioxidants produced during the fermentation process strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resistant to irritating and harmful chemicals, which is especially good for thin, ageing, sensitive, and irritation-prone skin.
- They improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, making them suitable for people with dry skin.
- They keep the pH in check, keeping the skin from looking red and blotchy.
- Because of their smaller molecular size, they're more bioavailable than other skincare components.
- They boost the effectiveness of other skincare compounds, making your skincare products even more effective.
Conclusion
Fermented substances have a plethora of potential benefits for our skin's overall health. Because the fermentation process boosts the amount of antioxidants in each ingredient, it may slow down the skin's ageing process. Consuming fermented foods has also been demonstrated to help clear and revitalise skin from the inside out.
-Ashi Bansal
