Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about probiotics and the Probiotic Action™ skincare line. If you do not see the answer to your question below, please contact us via e-mail or our Facebook page.
PROBIOTICS AND PROBIOTIC ACTION
Q: What are probiotics?
A: Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for you and naturally found on a healthy human body. The microbiome is the term for the ecosystem microorganisms (including probiotics) that live and cohabitate on the human body. These microbes reside on the skin, in the gut, and in other bodily regions.
Q: How do probiotics work for the human body?
A: Probiotic bacteria on the skin and inside the human body have numerous functions. On the skin, they work synergistically with human cells to boost the immune system and keep pathogens at bay. They also aid the immune system in the intestinal tract, controlling systemic inflammation and coordinating immune responses. Although a healthy microbiome will look different in each individual, it is expected that overgrowth, or dysbiosis, of certain types of bacteria and other microbes can lead to inflammation, redness, pain, and breakouts.
Q: How do topical probiotic treatments work for skin care?
A: Applying a topical probiotic to the skin reintroduces healthy bacteria to an area where the microbiome has awry. More formally, probiotics help treat dysbiosis in the microbiome. The healthy and anti-inflammatory bacteria in topical probiotic products compete against overgrown and harmful bacteria for food and resources. Over time, these probiotics restore the skin flora’s optimal bacterial balance.
Q: What is the main probiotic in Probiotic Action’s products?
A: The main ingredient in Probiotic Action® products is Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), which is a beneficial bacteria found on healthy human skin, as well as in the gut, on vegetation and in the soil.
Q: How does Probiotic Action® work?
A: Probiotic Action® products work by coating the skin with a layer of Bacillus subtilis that compete with harmful bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) for food and resources. By eating the excess skin and toxins that bad bacteria need to survive, the beneficial bacteria in Probiotic Action® products literally starve their competition on the surface of the skin and deep in pores. With regular use, the skin flora’s optimal balance is restored and natural immunity is improved. This immune boost is vital for protection against environmental damage and maintains the glow, softness, and tightness of a healthy skin.
Q: Do Probiotic Action® products need refrigeration?
A: No, they do not need refrigeration. Keep Probiotic Action® at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight.
Q: Are there any negative side effects to Probiotic Action® products?
A: When used properly, following the application dosage recommended on each bottle and here on our site, there should be no adverse reactions.
Q: How long does it take to see results with Probiotic Action®?
A: Everyone’s skin is different. This means that everyone’s reaction to Probiotic Action’s products is going to be different. How quickly and effectively your skin responds to Probiotic Action® depends on the severity of the skin issue and other mitigating or aggravating circumstances. Some of our customers who suffered from skin inflammation reported positive results in 2-3 weeks of regular use. If you are having a serious outbreak of acne, rosacea, or eczema, or, if you are using prescription medications for any of these conditions, please consult with your physician.
ACNE AND OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS
Q: What is acne?
A: Acne is the most common skin condition, affecting an estimated 80% of people around the globe. The condition produces plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), inflamed pustules (pimples) and deeper nodules (lumps). According to standard dermatology wisdom, acne is caused by bacteria and inflammation. The bacterium responsible for inflamed acne breakouts is called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). While it is a naturally occurring and a generally harmless species of bacteria, P. acnes begin to feed off this material and take over when skin pores become clogged with excess oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This take-over disrupts the balance of the skin microbiome and triggers inflammation and cysts. Additionally, when several types of bacteria are trapped underneath the skin, they can react with the sebum and break down into free fatty acids, resulting in damage and inflammation in deeper parts of the skin.
Q: What is hormonal acne?
A: Hormonal acne is acne that is triggered by changes in hormone levels. Specifically, hormonal acne is triggered by spikes in the group of hormones called androgens. With high levels of androgens, oil glands in the skin become hyperactive. They begin to secrete too much oil, called sebum, which clogs pores and traps bacteria in the skin. This includes Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), which feeds off this material and becomes overgrown. This overgrowth disrupts the balance of the skin microbiome and causing inflammation and cysts – commonly known as pimples.
Q: What is rosacea?
A: Rosacea, often called acne rosacea, is a skin condition that causes redness and small pimple-like bumps on the face. While the exact causes of rosacea remain unknown, a large number of factors–both genetic and lifestyle related–are thought to contribute to the condition. Emerging evidence suggests that a disrupted and an unbalanced microbiome may be one of these factors.
Q: I have rosacea. What can Probiotic Action® do for me?
A: Although there is no cure for rosacea, Probiotic Action® may help you to take better care of your skin and maintain its optimal bacterial balance overall, which is an important part in diminishing some signs of rosacea. Unlike some typically recommended over-the-counter products that contain antimicrobial ingredients, Probiotic Action® doesn’t cause redness, dry skin, or general irritation.
Q: I have eczema. What can Probiotic Action® do for me?
A: Eczema can be a painful and often embarrassing condition. When skin becomes overly dry or overly wet, the bacterial balance that is needed for healthy skin disappears. Probiotic Action® may help by restoring the natural, optimal balance of the skin flora.
Q: Can Probiotic Action® help with rashes and itchy skin?
A: Rashes and itchy skin can be caused by a wide variety of different factors: a simple change of laundry detergent or fabric softener, heat and humidity, the chafing that occurs from wearing tight clothes, among others. Applying Probiotic Action® in some of these situations may help to calm your skin. The all natural, chemical free formulas in the Probiotic Action® line restore the proper balance of healthy bacteria to the skin, replacing what was lost due to skin irritation, excessive moisture or dryness.
BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS OVER CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS
Q: What are the benefits of using Probiotic Action® over other skin care products?
A: Probiotic-based products make for a better skin care regimen. Not only are these products natural, but do not contain harsh chemicals, are environment-friendly, and are made with a water-based solution that is safe to use in the long-term. The Probiotic Action® skin care line is a safer option because it does not dry your skin or cause allergic reactions, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid have been known to do. Instead, it continues working long after the solution has been applied to the skin, requiring only 2 to 4 applications a day. Like a bacterial shield, it creates a protective layer of probiotics on the skin. This helps to maintain the proper and healthy level of good bacteria.
Q: Why shouldn’t I just use antibiotics or benzoyl peroxide to address these issues?
A: While antibiotics are great for curing some ailments, they are not always the best for dealing with skin issues. Antibiotics kill any bacteria with which they come into contact, including beneficial bacteria that your skin needs to maintain a healthy balance.
This imbalance has a negative effect and could possibly exacerbate the original condition. In contrast, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid—another common chemical found in skin care products—are harsh chemicals that can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin. This is especially true among those who already experience outbreaks of acne, eczema, or rosacea. Furthermore, even if a chemical or antibiotic prescription works initially, over time, the body may stop reacting to the treatment, worsening the problem in the long-term.
Q: I use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and I’ve noticed my skin drying out, cracking and bleeding. Can Probiotic Action® help?
A: Yes. Alcohol dries out the skin, which may cause it to crack and bleed. In addition, alcohol-based hand sanitizers say that they kill 99.5% of bacteria, which unfortunately includes good bacteria needed to keep skin healthy. Killing beneficial microbes is why this type of hand sanitizer can be problematic for people who have eczema and/or rosacea. Applying a safe topical probiotic may help repair the skin after sanitization.