Why Fermented Skincare Is The Latest Beauty Trend?

Year after year, the brains behind the beauty world come up with revolutionary skincare trends that are all set to take your skin to the next level. One in particular that has stuck around for a while now is fermented skincare. Although this one has been used since ages, we just never had a word for it, like – Cleopatra bathing in fermented milk, or Japanese women using fermented rice water for skin and hair. But, how does fermentation and fermented skincare exactly work? Let’s find out. 

Why fermentation? 

Fermentation is when you introduce a bacteria, microbe, or yeast to an ingredient, which changes its chemical structure and thus adds a ton of benefits to it. One common example in the Indian household is the process of setting curd. Milk + good bacteria = curd. Similarly you’ll find foods and beverages like kimchi and kombucha that are known for the bulk of health benefits that they offer. 

In skincare, fermenting an ingredient means taking it to its very best, potent self. This way you’re getting a better bang for your buck. The natural process of fermenting an ingredient adds essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants to it, which were absent or lesser otherwise. 

Plus, fermentation breaks down the ingredient into smaller molecular sizes, which means that now it can penetrate your skin better, which means it yields better results. Consider them as concentrated, yet small sized counterparts of their non-fermented versions. 

Benefits of fermented skincare 

They do deliver a laundry list of potent nutrients, which benefit that skin, in more ways than one. But, the most notable amongst all is how fermented skincare benefits the skin microbiome and skin barrier. It is during the fermentation process that something called postbiotics is generated, which is basically the byproduct of the chemical changes that occur during fermentation. This one component is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties that strengthen and calm the skin’s barrier. The stronger your barrier is, the better your skin is. 

The fermentation process also leads to one more by-product – probiotics, which is believed to balance the microbiome. Skin microbiome is basically a huddle of good organisms and bacteria that reside on our skin. Probiotics support the health of these microorganisms that make up the microbiome, which boosts their efficiency as well as make your microbiome a better host for good bacteria. 

In addition to this, fermented ingredients keep unhealthy bacteria and fungi at bay. It also helps reduce skin-inflammation, which helps control skin issues like acne, rosacea and eczema. 

Fermented ingredients also increase the skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. So, if you have dry or dehydrated skin, fermented skincare particularly can pull your skin out of the abyss. 

Plus, if your skin tends to become easily irritated or inflamed, then you’re in luck. The added nutrients in fermented skincare help to re-balance the skin’s pH levels. This will prevent your face from turning red or blotchy. 

Based on your skin concerns, you can pick and choose a fermented ingredient that will hit the right spot. 

Best fermented skincare ingredients you should try 

Alpha-hydroxy acids are derived from fruit acids. So, unknowingly, if you’re using any product that contains glycolic acid, mandelic acid, or lactic acid, then you now know that it is derived from plant fermentation. These sugar acids weaken the bonds between dead skin cells and promote surfacing of fresh and new cells, thus brighter skin! 

DIY Tip: Swiping sour milk (lactic acid) on your face using a cotton ball is the best way to gently exfoliate your face. After you’ve applied it on your face and neck, allow it to dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with cool water. 

If you are showing premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, then all your skin needs is protein. Amino acids are building blocks of protein that help in building collagen, while also boosting hydration. Both of which are a must-have for plumper and younger-looking skin. Plus, it is safe to say that most amino acids in skincare are produced through fermentation. So, if you read a product label that reads ‘contains amino acids’ you know you’re indulging in a fermented ingredient. 

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Antioxidants do so much more than brighten the skin – they offer added sun protection, protect the skin from free radicals, defend skin against environmental aggressors, and protect the skin against oxidative damage. After this long list of benefits, not using them in your routine would be a rookie mistake. Sake (fermented rice water) is a high-nutrient fermented ingredient that is full of antioxidant properties. 

Quench Recommends:

Bravocado Skin Repair Sleeping Mask - MRP: ₹599 

Bravocado SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Gel - MRP: ₹649 

Once you ‘ferment’ your way into skincare, there is no going back!