Why Your Skin Craves Prebiotics in the Summer (Even If You’ve Never Thought About It Before)

person angelina swanson
calendar_today Jul 22, 2025
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The sun is high, the air is warm, and your skin is... confused. Summer is a season of joy and movement, but it can also be tough on your skin’s delicate balance. Sun exposure, sweat, water, and air conditioning all pull moisture from the skin and disrupt its natural defenses. And that’s where something often overlooked can work wonders: prebiotics.

You’ve probably heard of probiotics—for gut health, for immunity, maybe even in your skincare. But prebiotics are the unsung heroes, quietly nurturing your skin from the inside out by feeding the beneficial bacteria that already live there. These good microbes are part of your skin’s microbiome, and they play a major role in keeping your skin hydrated, calm, and resilient.

So what exactly are prebiotics?

In the simplest terms, prebiotics are plant-based fibers and nutrients that act as food for the good bacteria on your skin. Think of them as compost for your skin’s garden—encouraging healthy, diverse life to flourish.

At aos, we love formulating with naturally prebiotic-rich ingredients like inulin (from burdock root), oat beta-glucans, and fermented plant extracts like lemon peel bioferment and radish root ferment. These not only nourish your skin’s microbiome, but also help strengthen the barrier function of your skin—the thin, precious layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out.

Why does this matter more in summer?

Because your skin is under more stress during the summer months. Whether it’s sunscreen buildup, UV exposure, sweat, or chlorinated pools, the skin’s microbiome can get disrupted, leaving it more prone to breakouts, redness, and that tight, parched feeling we all know too well.

Here’s how prebiotics help summer skin:

They calm inflammation. A nourished microbiome helps reduce flare-ups from sun exposure and heat.
They support hydration. Prebiotics help the skin retain moisture naturally, without feeling heavy or greasy.
They balance oil. A happy skin microbiome helps regulate sebum production—crucial during those hot, sweaty days.
They strengthen your skin barrier. That means fewer irritations, less redness, and a radiant, healthy glow.

Nature’s quiet caretakers

When I walk through our garden in midsummer, I’m reminded that the most powerful transformations often happen beneath the surface. Just as healthy soil depends on unseen microbial life, your skin’s health thrives when its microbiome is fed and supported.

Including prebiotic-rich skincare in your summer routine isn’t just about keeping your skin looking good (though it certainly helps with that). It’s about creating conditions where your skin can thrive—naturally, gently, and in harmony with the world around it.

Want to try it for yourself?
Many of our formulas already include prebiotic botanicals—because we believe in skincare that respects your skin’s innate wisdom. Look for our hydrating mists, barrier-repairing serums, and gentle cleansers with ingredients like oats, burdock root, and fermented plant extracts like lemon peel and radish root. Your skin will thank you.

P.S. Just like our bodies, our skin wants to stay in balance—especially during the long, sun-drenched days of summer. Prebiotics are a beautiful, plant-based way to offer that support.