Probiotic Benefits for Your Skin
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What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microorganisms that are similar to the naturally occurring bacteria in your gut. Probiotics regulate the immune system by acting as a protective shield against bad bacteria, preventing inflammation and preventing premature aging of the skin. It is critical to support the equilibrium of bacteria within the microbiome because when our bodies have the right balance of good microorganisms, our digestion and skin can function at optimal levels.
Difference between good and bad bacteria on the skin:
The skin hosts diverse bacteria ecosystems. “Good” bacteria or beneficial bacteria are defined as any bacteria that are beneficial to the body. These microbes promote skin health, reinforce the skin’s natural barrier against bad bacteria, balance the skin’s PH levels, and even protect against skin cancer.
The frequent use of harsh facial cleansers and antibacterial soaps can cause the healthy bacteria on the skin to be stripped, ultimately damaging the skin’s natural bacterial ecosystem. Disturbing the skin’s equilibrium causes the skin to become stressed and dry, resulting in breakouts, eczema, rosacea flares, and psoriasis.
To prevent irritation of the skin, probiotics should be used both topically and orally.
What can Probiotics help with?
- Probiotics can help deal with a variety of skin conditions
Gut health affects acne, rashes, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis. Oral and topical probiotics can leave your skin looking healthier and can help reverse the effects of these skin conditions.
- Probiotics can reduce visible signs of aging
Probiotics help stimulate collagen growth, improving skin structure and texture. Probiotics can also make the skin more resistant to the negative effects of sun exposure by reducing the frequency of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Improve the level of hydration of your skin
Certain strains of probiotics strengthen the skin barrier. By reducing skin water loss, the skin stays hydrated for longer periods of time.
- Help prevent breakouts and clarify skin
Certain types of foods increase the skin’s oil production, which results in clogged pores and acne. Acne prone skin often have elevated inflammatory responses, but probiotics can help keep inflammation at bay.
- Repair skin and reduce sensitivity
Probiotics help to diminish scarring and improve the texture of the skin. Persistent application of topical probiotics will give optimal results.
The types of Probiotics that are Good for the Skin:
Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NFM, are both strands of probiotics that help to improve the health of the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation and alleviate constipation. Other beneficial strands of bacteria include Saccharomyces, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, and Bacillus. These strands help with vitamin synthesis, gut barrier reinforcement, bile salt metabolism, enzymatic activity, and toxin neutralization.
Tips for a healthy gut with Probiotics:
The best way to reap the benefits of probiotics is to include probiotic rich food in your diet. In general, fermented foods are great. You want to start incorporating foods like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha, along with sourdough bread, miso, saltwater brine olives, cottage cheese, pickles, and kefir. A diet that is rich in plant-based foods, supplemented with active live culture foods is ideal.
The more probiotic strains we incorporate into our diets, the better. Taking probiotic pills are beneficial because the colon will be encouraged to populate better bacteria, which in turn will benefit the skin. Probiotic pills can be found at local markets, such as Trader Joes or the Vitamin Shoppe.
A clean diet is also super beneficial for the colon and the skin. Limiting the amount of heavy fats and red meat will reduce the bacteria that lives in the colon. The reduction of colon bacteria will improve metabolism, weight loss, and one’s overall health.
Tips for healthy skin with Probiotics:
Using a topical probiotic on the skin not only provides a protective shield and helps prevent harmful bugs in the environment from taking hold and causing infection, but also triggers the production of natural moisturizers in the skin. Homemade probiotic face masks are also an excellent way to treat the skin. Making a mask with full fat yogurt and olive oil is a great way to treat the skin.
Proven probiotic skin care ingredients include the species Lactobacillus, Bifidabacterium, Vitreoscilla, and various ferments. Products that include the Nitrosomonas eutropha strain of bacteria converts the ammonia of skin sweat into molecules that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This results in fewer breakouts and less irritation. Streptococcus thermophilus has been found to increase the skin’s own output of ceramides to counter moisture loss. Being on the lookout for probiotic skincare is another great way to naturally enhance your skin.
Improving your gut health with probiotics will benefit your skin, resulting in brighter, firmer, and healthier looking skin!
