Acne can be a stubborn annoyance, and unlike popular belief, it doesn’t always clear up after your teenage years. If you have struggled with persistent acne, you have probably tried what seems like hundreds of different cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to try to get it under control. But, have you tried using probiotics for acne?
Probiotics are not just for your gut. Research has shown probiotics provides benefits for your entire body including your oral health and your skin. It all starts with bacteria. This may be surprising because you have probably tried over and over to wash away all of the bacteria from your pores.
But, that may be a part of the problem. There are actually healthy strains of bacteria that naturally live on your skin. This good bacteria is essential to help your skin look and feel its best.
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What Causes Acne?
Knowing what acne is and why it shows up can help you better understand how you can fight it off and prevent it from coming back.
Acne can affect anyone at any age and depending on the severity it can scar the skin or cause emotional distress. Acne occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Many different factors can cause acne. Excess oil production and the imbalance of bacteria on the skin are two main causes.
Hormonal changes don’t just happen in your teenage years. They occur throughout your life. When your hormones shift, it can cause breakouts. Certain medications, your diet, genetics, and stress levels can all cause acne problems or make acne worse.
However, poor hygiene is not necessarily a cause of acne. In fact, scrubbing your face too hard or using soaps and cleansers with harsh chemicals can cause irritation which can make acne worse.
With the many factors that come into play, it can seem like acne is simply inevitable. But, there are solutions. While everyone is different and it may take time to figure out what will work best for you, probiotics for acne is definitely worth trying.
How Can Probiotics Fight Acne?
Probiotics have shown to be a promising solution for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions like rosacea. But, how does it work?
Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms. These microorganisms live and colonize in the gut, in saliva, in the urogenital tract, and on the skin. The little communities of bacteria they form are called the microbiome. The microbiome is made up of both harmful bacteria and healthy or friendly bacteria.
When the good and bad bacteria are in balance, there is peace among the community which keeps things in the body going smoothly. However, this little ecosystem is sensitive and can be easily disrupted. Things like sugar, antibiotics, and alcohol can throw this delicate balance out of whack. When the harmful bacteria begin to take over and kill off the good bacteria, the imbalance causes problems for the entire body.
Probiotics are live microorganisms—they are friendly bacteria. They replenish the good bacteria in the microbiome restoring and maintaining the balance. You can ingest probiotics by eating probiotic foods like sauerkraut or yogurt. But, it can be difficult to include these types of fermented foods in your daily diet or consume the amount you need. Probiotic supplements are an easy way to get the beneficial probiotics that are essential to a healthy body.
When you take probiotics, they begin to calm and reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. This can result in preventing and healing skin conditions like acne and rosacea.
Some skincare products can ironically also cause problems with your healthy complexion. Harsh cleansers, abrasive skin care products, or antibacterial skincare products can destroy all of the bacteria on the skin including the good bacteria. This will cause an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome which will make matters worse when it comes to acne and rosacea.
What Are the Benefits of Probiotics for Acne?
Taking the best probiotics for acne should be considered as a part of your daily skincare regimen. Here are a few of the incredible benefits probiotics offer when it comes to skin care.
Skin Protection
Probiotics for acne treatment work with the body’s immune system to provoke an appropriate response to skin conditions like acne. They also prevent inflammation as well as unwelcome toxins. When probiotics are used topically, they can form a protective shield to keep away bad bacteria and toxins.
Antimicrobial Action
Probiotic pills for acne fight off and kill the bad bacteria that try to take over and wreak havoc on the skin. This can prevent the bad bacteria from creating skin inflammation that can lead to acne. Probiotics have this same response whether taken orally or when using topical probiotics for acne.
Calming the Gut/Brain/Skin Connection
Research has shown that there is a link between what goes on in the gut, in the brain, and in the skin. Some skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea are believed to start with inflammation that occurs in the gut. Taking probiotics for acne can help fight and relieve this inflammation which can reduce the incidence of acne.
Additional Benefits and Side Effects
Probiotics supplements for acne that are taken orally are not only incredible for skin care, but they are also essential for maintaining your overall health. Also, unlike some skin care products or medications, probiotics for skin acne are natural and have rare and mild side effects.
The two most common side effects that accompany probiotic supplements that are taken orally are gas and bloating. However, these are likely to go away on their own after your body adjusts to the new bacteria. If these symptoms are severe or painful, you should consult your physician. Probiotics may also be dangerous for those with a compromised immune system or other serious illness. In these cases, you should consult with your physician before use.
Additional probiotics benefits:
- Helps aid weight loss
- Boosts the immune system
- Improves digestive health
- Promotes a healthy heart
- Prevents infections
- Promotes mental health
At MindZymes, we strive to provide the highest quality supplements for you and your family. That includes some of the best oral probiotics for acne. If you struggle with acne breakouts, try probiotics for acne and see how they can benefit your entire well being.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.