I don’t know about you, but my skin hates winter – especially harsh & cold Berlin winters. When you have sensitized skin, weather conditions can really trigger all sorts of inflammation. So you try new things as an attempt to make things better… but sometimes you just need to ask for a little help from your friends – and by “friends”, I mean prebiotics & probiotics.

As a little reminder: probiotics are live bacteria and prebiotics are their food source, helping them function more efficiently. And the same way you need good bacteria in your gut, you also need it in your skin. When applied topically, pre- and probiotics have been clinically proven to soothe irritated skin, so it’s perfect for those who often experience inflammation: those with sensitive or sensitized skin, or any kind of redness, acne, etc. Together they will help you fight off anything that comes at your skin.

Lately, those two ingredients have become buzzwords in the beauty industry. As my skin was highly sensitized, I was really interested in trying the Rose Quartz Supreme Probiotic Rich Cream from M Picaut as soon as it arrived at our office. I can now say that it never leaves my bathroom shelf.

This cream contains prebiotics (inulin & fructose) that help nourish good bacteria & soothe your skin, as well as probiotics (lactobacillus ferment lysate) – which are good bacteria that will strengthen your skin’s microflora as well as its natural defenses. Other key ingredients in this product are squalane & hyaluronic acid, which will help maintain hydration levels and improve your skin’s elasticity.

Related article: A Love Letter to Squalane

I love to use the Rose Quartz Supreme Probiotic Rich Cream as a night cream all year long. Most of the time, I mix it with a couple of drops of Rosehip Oil, and if my skin feels extra dry I finish my routine by applying another nourishing oil on top. I love it as a day cream, as well – but mainly in winter, as it adds a nice protective layer to my skin.

One thing to keep in mind: if you know you are more on the sensitive side, prone to acne, or live in a very polluted city, make sure to use a couple of products with prebiotics & probiotics. Don’t only use them when your skin “gets bad” – try instead to be preventative about it. Using these products on a daily basis will help you keep a strong & defensive skin barrier.

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