Kombucha Skincare Benefits

Kombucha, ‘the elixir of life’ is increasingly becoming a staple in many people’s diets due to its restorative antioxidant, immune boosting properties. But what about its beauty benefits?

Journalists and beauty bloggers can’t get enough of the stuff, with skin gurus like the legendary Liz Earle naming our very own booch as one of her favourite Kombuchas on the market! So, what are the skin benefits of Kombucha?

Let’s talk all things Kombucha, digestion, skincare and acne…

• Kombucha and acne
• Kombucha skincare
• Leaky gut, leaky skin: what’s the connection?
• Is Kombucha face wash really a thing?
• Do SCOBY masks really work?

Kombucha and acne 

In recent years, the relationship between our gut and other parts of the body have been widely explored, with links identified between good gut health and a healthy heart, a robust immune system and maintaining a good metabolism. According to a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kombucha can also help to reduce skin inflammation, which is great news for eczema and acne sufferers. So, maybe there is a link between gut health and acne after all. Kombucha contains organic acids and natural probiotics, which ‘have been shown to improve the skin barrier and affect skin hydration’, and maintain the natural balance of the skin, so less breakouts!

Kombucha skincare 

You can reap the skin benefits of Kombucha by drinking it, but you can also use it on your skin! In an interview with Bare Minerals, expert skin care therapist Inna Knyazenvch explains that: “Fermented ingredients containing probiotics can help to improve inflammatory skin conditions and reduce premature signs of ageing” and that adding probiotics to our skincare  “will help to [create] a healthier skin microbiome and boost its immunity to fight environmental toxins and bacteria.” – what’s not to love?!

Over the years, many skincare brands have released their own fermented skincare products but they can be on the expensive side. We’ve created a recipe for a luxurious Kombucha face cream, which is quick and easy to make at home. It contains silky shea butter, coconut oil, essential oils and our hero ingredient – Equinox Original Kombucha! Along with our antioxidant and vitamin-rich Kombucha, our recipe also contains frankincense essential oil, which has fantastic antiseptic properties. All of our Kombuchas are fully organic, vegan and gluten free.

Check out our Wellness Wednesday IGTV on Kombucha and skin for tips on how to make it.

Leaky gut, leaky skin: what’s the connection?

The term leaky gut refers to when your gut lining becomes compromised and allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, causing an immune response and possibly leading to health conditions, including uncomfortable skin conditions. There are a variety of causes for a leaky gut, including high stress levels and eating food that does not agree with you. 

Similarly, leaky skin refers to when your skin is not acting like the barrier between your insides and the outside world, as it should. This can lead to toxins and environmental allergens entering your bloodstream and causing internal issues. 

According to Peter A. Lio, MD “increased intestinal permeability is causing or contributing to certain maladies, including potentially ataopic dermatitis”. Simply put, it’s your leaky gut behind your common inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema and rosacea.. So, before healing your skin, you need to heal your gut and address any digestive problems you are having. 

If you’re looking for some ways to improve your digestive health, read our blog on the health benefits of Kombucha. Or, if you’re looking to get started improving your digestive health right away, why not get involved in our 14 day Kombucha challenge? 

Is Kombucha face wash really a thing?

All skin is different. Whether that’s natural or chemical, many of us have tried a number of different face washes and are still yet to find something that works for our skin. If you’re still experimenting, why not give a Kombucha face wash a go? This home remedy is as simple as it sounds, and involves using a bottle of Kombucha to wash your face. Remember to only try this with raw, unflavoured Kombucha as other varieties could contain harmful sugars and additives which could cause a reaction in your skin. 

As with any changes to your skincare routine, you may experience a little bit of irritation to begin with, however if this persists, stop using this method immediately. And it goes without saying, keep it away from your eyes!

Do SCOBY masks really work?

SCOBY is the jelly-looking, living culture of bacteria and yeast used to make Kombucha. And, although SCOBY may not sound and look the most appealing, a SCOBY mask could be just what you need for softer, more supple skin. How do you make a SCOBY mask you may ask. Well, you’ll need to source some SCOBY (either homemade or shop-bought) and blend it up into a paste. It’s completely normal if it has a bit of a chunky texture! Next, apply it to your skin  like you would any other face mask, let it work for around 10 minutes while you watch TV or soak in the bath, and then wash it off. You can get creative with this mask and add in other nourishing ingredients, like Aloe Vera or essential oils for additional benefits.

Alternatively, you can use a thin disc of SCOBY as a sheet mask with cut-out eyes, nose and mouth. Using a whole Kombucha should bring circulation to your skin’s surface and regenerate skin cells, and the low pH will act as a dead skin peel. Try it for yourself and let us know what you think! 

Glow on the inside and out with Equinox Kombucha!

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