Inside Out: The Surprising Ways Probiotics Can Improve Your Skin
Probiotics are not just for gut health anymore, researchers are discovering that the bacteria found in certain foods and supplements, known as probiotics, can also have a positive impact on skin health. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against the environment, making it important to keep it healthy and functioning properly.
The Link Between Gut Health and Skin Health
The gastrointestinal tract and skin are both part of the body’s barrier system and are in constant communication. This means that imbalances in gut health can lead to skin problems and vice versa. For example, studies have shown a connection between an imbalance of gut bacteria and inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Probiotics help to balance gut bacteria and restore the body’s natural equilibrium. By improving gut health, probiotics can indirectly improve skin health. The following are some of the surprising ways in which probiotics can positively impact your skin.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural immune response that helps the body to fight off infections and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can lead to skin damage and premature aging.
Probiotics can help to reduce inflammation by improving gut health. A study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research found that supplementing with probiotics helped to reduce the severity of acne in participants. Another study found that probiotics helped to reduce skin inflammation in people with atopic dermatitis.
Improving Skin Barrier Function
The skin barrier is responsible for keeping moisture in and keeping harmful bacteria out. When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and acne.
Probiotics can help to strengthen the skin barrier by increasing the production of ceramides, a type of lipid that helps to maintain the skin’s moisture. A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine found that probiotics helped to improve skin barrier function in elderly participants.
Preventing Photoaging
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main causes of premature aging and skin damage. UV radiation can cause inflammation, DNA damage, and a breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Probiotics can help to protect the skin from UV radiation by reducing inflammation and increasing antioxidant activity. A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology found that a probiotic supplement helped to reduce inflammation and DNA damage in participants exposed to UV radiation. Another study found that probiotics helped to increase antioxidant activity in the skin, which helps to neutralize free radicals that can damage the skin.
Treating Dry Skin
Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, aging, and environmental factors. It can lead to itching, flaking, and cracking.
Probiotics can help to improve dry skin by increasing the production of ceramides and other lipids that help to keep the skin moisturized. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that a probiotic lotion helped to improve skin hydration and reduce dryness in participants.
Conclusion
Probiotics can have a number of surprising benefits for skin health. By balancing gut bacteria and improving the body’s natural equilibrium, probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, improve skin barrier function, prevent photoaging, and treat dry skin.
If you are interested in incorporating probiotics into your skincare routine, there are a number of probiotic skincare products available on the market. Additionally, you can also consume probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
