AD - This is a paid blog post however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When it comes to skincare I like to keep it simple and truly believe most skin types can benefit from a paired back routine that works for their skin. This is why I was interested to try out the new Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing range that works on all skin types and consists of only three products, a milk cleanser, day cream and night cream.
Liz Earle has always taken a simple yet effective approach to skincare, which is evident in cult classics such as the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Eyebright Soothing Eye Cleanser. But their step into Probiotic skincare is something new and exciting!
Before getting into the range and my own thoughts on it (spoiler: the collection of three products has been so good for my skin!), it's important to understand the role of probiotics on the skin and why they can help a whole range of skincare issues, along with being suitable for all skin types.
What is Pro-Biotic skincare?
While it may be the first time you have come across probiotics used in skincare I'm sure you will know about the benefits it has on the gut, whether that's in the form of fermented food such as Sauerkraut and Kimchi or in supplement form. Probiotics restore the natural bacteria balance in the gut calming down inflammation to relieve any unwanted symptoms.
The reason probiotics also work topically is much like the gut the skin has its own microbiome. Our skin is in fact home to millions of bacteria that are in charge of keeping the skin healthy and safe. Probiotics have been found to be of benefit to the skin's barrier and microbiome, much like in the gut, keeping inflammation down along with reducing skin sensitivity, regulating oil production and keeping the skin hydrated.
For oily skin types, this may mean you will see less oil production and thus less congestion on the skin. For dry, eczema-prone skin it may mean you start to experience less skin sensitivity to products, less redness and an all-round happier, more comfortable complexion. And for those with acne, external inflammation could be calmed to a level that has a positive effect on future acne along with healing acne scars and reducing redness.
As for all other skin types, along with ageing skin, pro-biotic skincare has the ability to balance out even small skin irregularities such as enhanced fine lines and textural changes due to dehydration from the effects of using central heating during the winter months. So this is actually the ideal time to start with the Liz Earle Pro-Biotic range to balance out the skin, keeping it happier throughout the colder months.
Now we are all up on the amazing benefit of probiotics in skincare I wanted to share with you the four active ingredients in the Liz Earle Pro-Biotic range which are all sustainably sourced and with amazing skin benefits.
Fermented Oats - With post and probiotic properties to soothe the skin.
Jojoba Oil - One of the skin's most naturally compatible oils, promoting a healthy-looking glow.
Lunaria Oil - Nourishes and provides long-lasting hydration.
Chicory - Sustainably grown on an organic farm in France, Chicory has skin-soothing properties.
It's clear to see there are some great botanicals within the three products, but the range also boasts only natural ingredients and no synthetic fragrances which if you have skin sensitivity issues will be music to your ears. Also for anyone that enjoys a more subtle natural scent to their skincare this range has quite an earthy oat scent that's pleasant and calming.
As for the price range, there is currently 30% off all three products meaning the range starts at a very affordable £12.
Onto my own experience with the Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing range now, which I have to say has been a joy to use, especially as the weather has taken a cold dip and my skin has just loved soaking up the hydrating formulas to feel comfortable and soothed.
Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Milk Cleanser
Described as an ultra-gentle milky cleanser that effectively cleanses without stripping skin's goodness this was a product I imagine to be more suited to use in the morning or for removing minimal makeup. So I was impressed to find that although the cleanser has a light consistency it works as good as the more heavy-duty oil-based cleansers I like to use.
Removing especially waterproof eye-makeup with ease I was instantly in love with this cleanser, but soon realised its potential as it left my skin calm and soothed with zero residue.
The consistency of the milky cleanser feels silky over the skin and doesn't soak in as you massage it over the face which means you can spend a few minutes if you wish really cleansing the skin to remove all traces of makeup and grime at the end of the day. This is also especially nice if you enjoy spending time over your skincare, as I do, as a little goes a long way with this cleanser as you're able to massage the product over the face with a good slip that feels very comfortable and soothing.
If you are looking for a cleanser that removes makeup well, restores the skin and leaves it feeling calm and soothed this is the one for you. It's also the most affordable product of the range, especially with the extra 30% off (shop the range) right now.
Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Day Cream
Another ultra-gentle, lightweight product from the range is this lovely probiotic balancing day cream which aims to deeply hydrate to leave even the driest, sensitive and reactive-feeling skin looking balanced, clearer and healthier. Also due to the fermented oats which is a probiotic, the formula strengthens and protects the skin's moisture barrier throughout the day, while rebalancing the appearance of oily and dry areas of the skin for a comfortable feel.
The lightweight formula feels almost identical to the cream cleanser, which is soft and soothing however it soaks into the skin well, without leaving a residue that could clog pores or feel heavy on the skin.
For me, this is the product that has truly stood out, even after only a week of continuous use I have started to notice positive changes in my skin, from my T-zone looking and feeling a lot less oily to my skin texture feeling much more hydrated and plump.
I've also noticed where my skin can flare up and feel hot when using a facial moisturiser after showering and strangely when I've not had enough sleep, this day cream doesn't cause that kind of reaction, in fact, it feels soothing and comfortable to apply. So I can imagine anyone with allergies or a topical skin issue could potentially benefit from using such a calming product with anti-inflammatory properties.
Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing Night Cream
Lastly, there is the night cream which is essentially a more nourishing version of the wonderful day cream. Along with all the benefits of the day cream, the night cream aims to revive stressed-out dehydrated skin as you sleep.
Fun fact: I've never been able to successfully use a daily night cream (up until now!) as the emollients in most night creams are simply too heavy on my oily/combination skin which results in milia forming around my eyes and crops of blemishes appearing.
But no more! I've finally found the perfect ultra-gentle night cream that manages to hydrate and moisturise while letting my skin breathe. It may also be down to the balancing effects of the probiotic ingredients that my skin is managing to stay so clear and happy.
The Pro-Biotic Balancing Night Cream also works to strengthen the moisture barrier to dramatically improve the look of dry, sensitive skin in as little as 7 days, making this the ideal cream to pick up if your skin's issue flare-up as the cold weather sets in.
While I initially set out to trial the Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing collection I truly didn't expect to see such positive results in my skin that would make me want to make the range a part of my everyday skincare routine.
The balancing aspect of the Pro-Biotic Balancing range has had the biggest effect on my skin, it's almost like my skin type is converting from oily/combination to normal, as every day I'm seeing less congestion and oil on my skin without that dryness that can come with using astringent products that are often targeted towards oily skin.
For me, this is skincare at its best. No reactive ingredients or synthetic fragrance, just simple no-nonsense, science-led products that work!
Are you new to pro-biotic skincare? Let me know in the comments!
Fee xo.
