According to research, about 95% of people, at some point in their lives, have experienced acne; a skin condition that causes pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. While there are various treatments available, including topical creams and oral medications, scientists have now turned to probiotics as a possible solution to this skincare issue.
The Gut-Skin Connection
Did you know that the health of your gut can impact the health of your skin? There is a strong gut-skin connection, and it’s all down to the microbiome. The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the skin, gut, and other areas of the body.
An imbalance in the microbiome can lead to various health problems, including acne. Studies have shown that people with acne have higher levels of harmful bacteria and lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut microbiome.
Probiotics and Acne
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. The use of probiotics in skincare products has been gaining popularity due to their skin-boosting benefits.
Probiotics work to balance the microbiome, increase the number of beneficial bacteria, and reduce the number of harmful bacteria. This balance leads to fewer breakouts and clearer skin. A study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology in 2017 found that taking a daily probiotic supplement for 12 weeks led to significant improvement in acne severity and skin complexion.
The Best Probiotics for Clear Skin
While there are many different strains of probiotics, not all of them are beneficial for acne-prone skin. Here are some of the best probiotics to look for:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: A probiotic strain that can help reduce inflammation and prevent acne breakouts.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: A probiotic strain that can help reduce skin sensitivity and inflammation.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: A probiotic strain that can help improve skin hydration and reduce skin sensitivity.
- Lactobacillus fermentum: A probiotic strain that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
How to Incorporate Probiotics into Your Skincare Routine
There are many ways to incorporate probiotics into your skincare routine, including:
- Probiotic supplements: Taking a daily probiotic supplement can benefit your gut microbiome, which can lead to clearer skin.
- Probiotic skincare products: Look for skincare products that contain probiotics, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.
- Fermented foods: Eating fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut can help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut microbiome.
Keep in mind that while probiotics can be beneficial for acne-prone skin, they are not a replacement for other acne treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Speak to your dermatologist to see how you can incorporate probiotics into your skincare routine.
Conclusion
Probiotics can be an effective way to treat acne and achieve clearer skin. By maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, you can balance the skin’s microbiome and reduce the appearance of breakouts. Incorporating probiotics into your skincare routine can help improve the overall health of your skin, reducing inflammation, and increasing hydration and radiance.
