In the world of health and skincare, there’s always a new, buzzy ingredient popping up on the scene. And since I’m constantly hearing about new ingredients that are worth a try, I must admit, I have high expectations of new ingredient trends. But when worlds collide and the same ingredient is great for your body and your skin, I perk up and listen. Enter, kombucha. You probably associate kombucha as one of those fizzy, probiotic drinks that everyone stocks up on at Whole Foods, but what is it actually?
According to board-certified dermatologist, Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, kombucha is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast. “It’s rich in B vitamins, specifically B1, B6, B12 and vitamin C, which help support cellular function and reduce oxidative stress.” And while that’s definitely beneficial for the gut, it also has great benefits when applied topically to the skin, as well.
It balances the skin’s microbiome
“As a probiotic, kombucha is excellent for balancing the skin’s microbiome by promoting a healthy ratio of good bacteria,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. This means it helps the skin’s microbiome to stay healthy, clearer and better able to defend against environmental aggressors like pollution.
It helps reduce inflammation
Its probiotic properties also help reduce inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, rosacea and even acne. You may be able to bid adieu to those inflamed, red, painful-to-touch zits once and for all.
It’s a great exfoliator
“Since kombucha contains lactic acid bacteria, it helps remove dead skin cells and reduce hyperpigmentation over time,” Dr. Engelman says. And since lactic acid is a gentle exfoliant, you likely won’t have to worry about peeling, redness or irritation.
It’s chock-full of antioxidants
Dr. Engelman says kombucha also contains a high concentration of antioxidants which work for busting those fine lines and wrinkles. “With time, it helps to reduce signs of aging, hyperpigmentation and defends against free radical damage,” she says.
Need we say more?
But even though kombucha is a powerhouse when it comes to healthy skin, Dr. Libby says you shouldn’t apply the drinkable form to the skin since it’s more acidic than …….
