From being one of the most essential ingredients in bakery delights such as focaccia, bagels, breads, yeasts are now making its way in the world of skincare. Be it high-end facial masks, essences or creams, yeast extracts are now explored for their skin-healing properties.
“Thanks to its revitalising properties, the baker’s go-to ingredient has been in use cosmeceuticals for some time now.
In fact, we prescribe and recommend yeast-based skincare products for hydration and reducing inflammation as well as for tackling pigmentation,” says integrative skin health expert Dr Pooja Shah Talera.
Adding to that, cosmetic dermatologist Dr Chytra V Anand says, “One of the primary reasons yeast is used in skincare products is that it protects the skin from radical damage, while it also helps the skin repair and remain moisturised. Several natural skincare brands use yeast in the formulation of hair masks, shampoos and moisturisers.”
Bangalore Times
speaks to experts to further decode the benefits of yeast…
The antioxidants in yeast help to retain skin integrity
“Yeast is rich in Vitamin B, which helps in promoting skin integrity – something that often gets disrupted due to pollution. It aids in re-balancing the skin, which, in turn, helps the skin to combat acne, seborrhea and other such conditions. As a source of beta-glucan that fights free radicals, yeast has excellent anti-oxidant properties. It also promotes cell turnover through phagocytosis. Thus, facilitating a detoxifying action. Both these functions aid in improving skin radiance. The fermented form works well for skin brightening as well,” explains Dr Pooja.
“Yeast is used as a fermentation agent that makes the ingredients in a topical skin product more absorbable, and also increases the shelf life of the cosmetic. It produces amino acids and peptides that help in skin cell turnover, which also improves collagen synthesis,” adds dermatologist Dr Shoba Sudeep.
Ensures that the skin remains hydrated
“Yeast contains lipids that act as biosurfactants, which help in moisturising and nourishing the skin, and thus increasing the skin hydration levels. Hydration is the first step to achieve a healthy skin,” says Dr Pooja.
Be careful while using yeast for skincare remedies at home
Even though the benefits of using yeast in skincare are slowly being recognised, experts advise caution while making a yeast facial mask at home. “First, one needs to understand that the baking yeast is activated yeast, whereas the form used for skincare products is the deactivated one. Also, can it be active when used as a standalone product? No, it works only when added with a mix of compounds,” says Dr Chytra.
