Whether it’s acne or eczema, dry skin or anti-aging, the goal of maintaining healthy skin and alleviating unwanted and deleterious skin conditions is central to all forms of skin care. Yet each person’s skin is different, so each of us requires an individual routine. Over the past few years, probiotic skin care has become popular. You may have heard the term probiotics used when people have talked about diets. Why have probiotics become a favored choice for skin care?
What Is A Probiotic?
Probiotics, also called microflora, provide health benefits to your body. They are usually “good” bacteria that reside in the gut, and certain types of yeast can act as probiotics. You can get probiotics from supplements or from certain foods. Some of these foods include:
- Yogurt
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
Probiotics are known for their effects on digestive health. Some research was done that suggests some probiotics strains help with weight loss.
Prebiotics
While probiotics improve the good bacteria, prebiotics act as food for the microflora. High-fiber foods usually have prebiotics. Prebiotics are found in whole grains, bananas, and onions. It is safe for adults to add prebiotics to their diet.
Probiotics For Your Skin
Believe it or not, probiotics can benefit your skin. They act as a protective shield against environmental conditions that may cause inflammation. Probiotics help create natural antibiotics, and they aid the skin in handling external damage from the sun and pollution. Probiotic skin care benefits all skin types. Some skin conditions that can be treated are:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Eczema
Similar to how probiotics encourage “good” bacteria to reside in the gut, probiotic skin care supports the growth of “good” bacteria on the skin. For example, Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic that has activity against the acne-inducing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. Others lower the amount of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, a proven strategy for alleviating eczema and inflammation.
It is important to use probiotic products that are the best fit for your skin type and needs. Moisturizers help boost your body’s defensive response resulting in less redness. A probiotic cleanser will keep your skin healthy and more hydrated. Taking probiotics orally has shown to have positive effects on the skin. Oral probiotics limit the release of inflammatory cytokines in the skin.
Probiotic Products
Some brand name products that contain probiotics in their formula are:
- Aveeno
- LaFlore
- Mother Dirt
- La Roche-Posay
Trying to find the right product that fits your skin care needs? Interested in learning more about probiotic skin care? Contact me today.
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