Your Acne Hates Probiotics

You are probably by now familiar with probiotics and their digestive benefits (see my previous post HERE about probiotics). Probiotics are extremely powerful - in fact, their benefits extend far beyond digestion. Probiotics can help to normalize cholesterol, relieve anxiety, and improve immunity. This is great news; however, if you suffer from breakouts there's even better news.  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, probiotics are the "next big thing" in treating acne and rosacea. Emerging research shows that in persons prone to acne and rosacea, daily use of probiotics reduces severity and frequency of breakouts. 

Probiotics - applied topically and taken internally - have antimicrobial properties that provide a protective shield against bacteria that produce breakouts. Probiotics also have a calming effect on skin that is inflamed with redness and cysts.

Researchers find that could influence skin conditions such as acne and rosacea by affecting what is known as the “gut-brain-skin axis.” With this theory, stress alone or in combination with processed comfort foods that lack fiber can slow digestion. This in turn changes the type and number of bacteria that live in the gut to unhealthy bacteria. Eventually the gut lining becomes leaky and toxins are released into the bloodstream causing inflammation throughout the body. People who are predisposed to acne or rosacea can experience flares as a result of this shift in gut bacteria and subsequent inflammation. As with all other conditions, probiotic strain matters to what you are trying to treat - so make sure you get the correct strain for your condition. 

While more research is needed, several peer-reviewed studies are showing a strong correlation between probiotics, and a healthy, sealed barrier that prevents inflammation that can trigger acne or rosacea. The bottom line? If you suffer from acne or rosacea, talk to your holistic healthcare provider about incorporating probiotics into your diet and skincare routine.  To learn more about foods that exacerbate and alleviate acne, check out my free Acne Dietary Guidebook in the Natural Beauty Library