Probiotics have been gaining more and more attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits. While many people associate them with digestive health, probiotics may also offer a range of benefits for your skin.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, particularly for your digestive system. These microbes are often referred to as “good bacteria” and play an important role in maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
The Connection Between Probiotics and Skin Health
The gut-skin axis is a term used to describe the connection between your digestive system and your skin. The idea is that an imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to inflammation or other issues that can manifest on your skin.
Studies have shown that consuming probiotics can help to rebalance the bacteria in your gut and may help to reduce skin inflammation, acne, and other skin conditions.
The Benefits of Probiotics for Your Skin
Reducing Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of acne, studies have shown that probiotics may help to reduce the severity of acne.
A study published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology found that consuming probiotics for 12 weeks reduced acne lesions and improved skin hydration.
Improving Skin Barrier Function
Your skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin and is responsible for protecting your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays, and bacteria.
Research has shown that probiotics may help to improve skin barrier function by increasing the production of ceramides, which are lipids that help to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Reducing Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it is thought to be related to an imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
Studies have shown that consuming probiotics may help to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.
How to Incorporate Probiotics Into Your Skincare Routine
While consuming probiotics through foods like yogurt and supplements can be effective for improving gut health and potentially benefiting your skin, there are also topical skincare products that contain probiotics.
Probiotic skincare products are designed to deliver live cultures directly to your skin, helping to improve the balance of bacteria on your skin’s surface. These products may help to reduce inflammation, improve hydration, and promote a healthy skin barrier.
Conclusion
Probiotics may offer a range of benefits for your skin, including reducing acne, improving skin barrier function, and reducing the severity of atopic dermatitis. While consuming probiotics through foods and supplements can be beneficial for your gut health and potentially your skin, using topical skincare products that contain probiotics may be a more direct way to improve the health of your skin.
