Admittedly, when I found out about LaFlore Live Probiotic Skincare—a locally based and manufactured company—I was a little skeptical. I'm a believer in probiotic supplements—but skincare? Really? Still, I was game.

Well, the line, generously gifted by the company, landed on my bathroom vanity just before an eight-day vacation. Even though I’m a sample-size-product traveler, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to take it with me—and I’m glad, because I was truly able to appreciate the easy-to-lock pumps and have dedicated and uninterrupted time to experience the products.

Not only is the clean and lovely packaging perfectly French—like it could be found in a chic Parisian boutique—but the scents are all natural. In other words, nothing too perfume-y, which, frankly, drives my senses bonkers.

The first night I tried a combination of Probiotic Cleanser, Longevity Oil (which is earthy in color and scent), and the Daily Defense moisturizer. The next morning, my skin was noticeably smooth, velvety in texture and fresh-looking. Could it have possibly evened my skin tone in just one application? I asked myself. The next morning, I applied the cleanser, concentrated serum, and the moisturizer; it’s been a few weeks now since my initial use and I can see an overall difference in my skin texture and tone that I’m loving.

So, why does a probiotic skincare make such a difference? I caught up LaFlore’s formulator and chief scientific officer, Maya Ivanjesku, to learn more about the brand. 

Tell us about your connection to Sarasota.

"My husband and I moved our family from Long Island to Sarasota in 2004. The first time we experienced the tranquility of Sarasota, we fell in love and knew this was the perfect place for us—small enough to be part of the community, large enough to have everything we enjoy, from theater and performing arts, museums, universities, tennis, beaches, cafés, boutiques, and countless other activities. We have also made many wonderful friendships over the years and love the various people we meet daily.

"Doing business in Sarasota is a dream come true. There are resources, support and information offered through Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. We love to work, live, and play here. I always say that it’s the perfect vacation spot to call home and to work—but never feels like work, and our kids love it. We are so grateful and proud to be able to make our product here locally and to create more jobs and help our beautiful city thrive."

What differentiates LaFlore Skincare from other systems?

"LaFlore is botanically rich, all-natural and contains live probiotics, which help maintain the skin function and immune system."

Tell me more.

"We all know that our inner immune system starts in the digestive tract and contains good bacteria. We support those good bacteria by consuming yogurt, kimchi and other prebiotics and probiotics. Just like your gut, your skin is home to a community of billions of friendly living microorganisms, or bacteria, known as skin flora. This community is called the skin microbiome. Think of it as an invisible shield that defends and nourishes our skin. When you have a healthy skin microbiome, it helps mend and support your skin’s immune system. When the microbiome is disrupted, your skin's immune system becomes compromised, and we see signs of eczema, redness, dry, dull, flaky, itchy skin, and various other skin conditions.

"Ultimately, live probiotics reinforce good bacteria on the skin and the deliver vitamins, nutrients, and antimicrobial peptides your skin needs to defend itself and be healthy."

What kind of results should users expect from LaFlore, and how long does it take to see them?

"Because LaFlore is crafted using all-natural botanical ingredients at therapeutic levels, the results will be visible in two weeks or less. Some of our customers noticed a difference in their skin after just few days. They reported their skin feeling softer and looking plumper, with an even tone, as well as seeming brighter, livelier and overall healthier. In fact, most of our users say they no longer need to use heavy foundation."

Is LaFlore good for people with sensitive skin, such as rosacea or dermatitis?

"When I was developing LaFlore, my goal was to create a gentle product that could be used specifically on sensitive skin, but at the same time provide therapeutically potent formula to help mend, heal and nourish. We have so many anecdotal stories and thank-you notes from customers with these skin conditions, and every time I read them it gives me joy that we are able to help them."

I've been using the three-step kit, which is the cleanser, serum and all-day moisturizer, plus the Longevity oil at night. I’m finding my skin is velvety-soft after using the products. Why is that?

"Aside from building immunity, live probiotics are a delivery system as well. They help boost cell renewal and collagen production, so the skin becomes more youthful and naturally healthy. We often hear that after two weeks, our clients are friends' ask what they are using and say,  'Your skin looks so good!'"

I am charmed by the scents. What's used in the formula?

"The scents come from all-natural, cold-pressed essential oils, which are used for aromatherapeutic purposes. For instance, the Probiotic Cleanser contains an essential oil blend of spearmint and menthol. When you inhale it, this combination helps reduce nasal congestion, promote easier breathing, revitalize the body, and enhance your mood.

"The Daily Defense moisturizer contains another aromatherapeutic essential oil: bergamot. We specifically chose it because of its known ability to lift mood, reduce stress and tame anxiety. And because moisturizer can be used throughout the day, the bergamot's aromatherapeutic effects will help relieve some of the tensions the day can bring.

The scent of the serum comes from the cold-pressed oils and botanicals in the formula; because it is used at night, we wanted to be calming and soothing while you sleep. Every ingredient in our formulas have a specific purpose and were chosen carefully for their specific function."

When do I get a hydrating eye cream?!

"Spring 2022! The new eye cream is specifically formulated to work at night, while you sleep, to reduce the dark circles and puffiness around the eye area."