Beauty Tips

Want Clear Skin? Here's Why You Should Try Probiotic Supplements

Before you hop on the gut bacteria bandwagon, read this probiotic primer

by Jenn Sinrich | COMMENT

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What Research Says About Probiotics and Skin Health So how do our guts influence what's happening on our skin? Recent studies have examined probiotics' impact on specific skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema. "This is a game-changer, as it can appear that your gut flora can moderate what is going on in your skin," says Angela Lamb, M.D., New York City-based dermatologist.

When it comes to the biggest skin offender, acne, studies indicate that taking probiotics in addition to following standard acne treatments can lead to clearer skin. Other research has linked probiotic supplements to a reduction in eczema outbreaks in both adult women and young babies, and a 2008 study showed that patients with rosacea had a greater incidence of having altered gut bacteria flora compared to healthy control patients. "Additionally, there have been some small studies examining oral, and even topical, probiotics showing improvement in mild rosacea," says Dr. Garden.

We may even have probiotics to thank for reducing the appearance of tricky-to-treat sun spots, as probiotic-infused gels are being studied as a way to help chronic ulcers and skin burns. "The theory is that probiotics help normalize the disruptions in the microbiome of the wound, as unhealthy bacteria colonize wounds and inhibit the formation of healthy new skin," Garden explains.

While he admits that these studies are small, they are promising. "As long as patients run it by their doctors first, probiotics, whether as a supplement or increasing it through their diet, can potentially be a beneficial addition to one's skin routine."

SEE NEXT PAGE: Choosing the Right Probiotic Supplement for You

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