Understanding Pre, Pro, and Postbiotics in AMPERNA Skincare: Nourishing Your Skin from the Outside In

By Kiri Yanchenko July 31, 2025

Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics in Skincare 101

Prebiotics

Nourish the Skin’s Microflora - Prebiotics are non-living, plant-derived compounds such as inulin, beta-glucans, and oligosaccharides. They act as a food source for beneficial microorganisms on the skin, helping to support a healthy and balanced microbiome. Prebiotics can enhance hydration, reduce irritation, and support skin resilience, making them ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Probiotic Derivatives

Microbiome-Supportive Ingredients - Live microorganisms, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, included in skincare products to directly benefit the skin. Due to stability, many skincare products utilise probiotic lysates or ferments (now referred to as Postbiotics) - concentrated extracts containing the beneficial components of probiotics. These ingredients help support the skin's microbiome, and clinical trials have show them to reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin's defence mechanisms, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.

Postbiotics

Beneficial By-products of Fermentation - Postbiotics are non-living metabolites produced during the fermentation process. They include peptides, enzymes, and organic acids that help calm irritation, and support the skin’s barrier. Postbiotics are particularly valuable for those with reactive or inflamed skin.

Together, these three categories of ingredients create an optimal environment for a healthy, resilient skin microbiome.

AMPERNA^®'s Signature Postbiotic Skincare Ingredient

One of AMPERNA^®’s hero ingredients is Lactococcus ferment lysate, a non-living, fermented skincare ingredient created from Lactococcus lactic bacteria. It is used in several of our products for its skin-soothing and barrier-supporting benefits.

Helps support the skin’s natural barrier – Assists in maintaining hydration and promoting a resilient-looking complexion
Promotes the appearance of smoother, more even skin – Encourages a refreshed and revitalised look
Visibly calms the look of redness-prone skin – Suitable for those with easily irritated or reactive skin
Supports a balanced-looking microbiome – Helps maintain the appearance of healthy, harmonious skin

Found In These AMPERNA^® Products:

What is Ecoskin®?

Ecoskin® is a patented pre- and postbiotic complex formulated to help nourish beneficial skin bacteria and support the skin’s natural defence mechanisms. It includes:

Alpha-glucan oligosaccharides – Derived from vegetables; act as a nutrient source for skin-supportive microbes
Polymnia sonchifolia root juice – A natural source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), known for microbiome support
Maltodextrin – A carrier for consistent delivery of active components
Lactobacillus ferment derivatives – Inactivated strains that support skin comfort and balance

Found In:

These products are formulated to hydrate, soothe, and support sensitive skin while fostering a healthy, balanced skin ecosystem.

Nourishing Your Skin from Within: The Gut–Skin Connection

The health of your skin is deeply connected to your gut microbiome. A healthy gut supports immune function, reduces systemic inflammation, and plays a role in conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.

How Pre-, Pro-, and Postbiotics in Your Diet Support Skin Health

Prebiotics – Found in bananas, oats, garlic, and onions; they feed beneficial gut bacteria
Probiotic Foods – Such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi; they introduce beneficial microbes to the digestive system
Postbiotics – Bioactive compounds formed during fermentation (like short-chain fatty acids) that strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation

Incorporating a variety of both pre- and probiotic-rich foods into your meals helps your body naturally produce postbiotics for gut and skin health.

Fermented Foods That Benefit Your Gut and Skin

Kimchi

Gut Health: Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented vegetables and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It is rich in probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus species, which can enhance gut flora diversity, improve digestion, and bolster the immune system.

Skin Health: The probiotics in kimchi may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially alleviating skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Sauerkraut

Gut Health: Sauerkraut is finely cut raw cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria. It is a source of Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species, which can promote a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Skin Health: The anti-inflammatory properties of sauerkraut's probiotics may help reduce skin inflammation and support overall skin health.

Kefir

Gut Health: Kefir is a fermented milk drink containing a diverse range of probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. It can aid in digestion, improve gut health, and enhance the immune system.

Skin Health: Consuming kefir may help reduce acne and other skin conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Miso

Gut Health: Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and a fungus called Aspergillus oryzae. It is rich in probiotics and can support a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Skin Health: Miso contains vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, copper, and zinc, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Koji

Gut Health: Koji is a mold (Aspergillus oryzae) used to ferment soybeans and grains in the production of miso, soy sauce, and sake. While not consumed directly, it plays a crucial role in breaking down complex carbohydrates and proteins, making nutrients more bioavailable.

Skin Health: The fermentation process involving koji produces bioactive peptides and antioxidants that may support skin health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Tempeh

Gut Health: Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that contains probiotics and prebiotics, which can promote a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.

Skin Health: The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in tempeh may help reduce skin inflammation and support overall skin health.

Kombucha

Gut Health: Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that contains probiotics and organic acids, which can support a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance the immune system.

Skin Health: The antioxidants in kombucha may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially benefiting skin health.

The Inside-Out Philosophy

Using AMPERNA^®'s microbiome-focused skincare is more than a topical solution - it reflects a holistic lifestyle philosophy. Just as nourishing your gut with the right foods can improve digestion, immunity, and skin health, supporting your skin's microbiome externally supports a calmer, more resilient complexion.

At AMPERNA^®, we empower you to take a balanced approach to skincare - one that connects your internal health with your external glow. Because your skin, just like your gut, thrives on harmony and care.

Written By Kiri Yanchenko

Kiri Yanchenko is the founder and CEO of AMPERNA^®. Having had severe pustular acne and perioral dermatitis herself, she has a deep personal understanding of the challenges faced by having problem skin. She has over 10 years of experience in skincare and holistic skin coaching and is passionate about helping everyone feel comfortable in their own skin.