Probiotics are live, active microorganisms like bacteria and yeast that are naturally occurring in the body. When dysbiosis or infection occurs, harmful microbes propagate and flourish while our “friendly microbes” that keep us healthy die off. This can cause an array of problems ranging from gas and bloating, reduced immune function, and even skin concerns. Yes, the skin! This can include acne, eczema and psoriasis or plain old itchy skin and bumpy rashes.

Although probiotics have been historically used to support gastrointestinal health, recent studies have shown that introducing probiotic rich foods and supplementation may also benefit the skin. Incorporating probiotics as part of a whole-person, professional-led plan may positively impact the gut-skin axis and provide relief for stubborn dermatological disorders.

The Microbiome-Skin Connection

Similar to the digestive system, the skin harbours a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which each serve a very important purpose. As humans, we constantly exchange microbes within our environment and within ourselves as our hormones fluctuate and as we age. This “skin microbiome” has been known to impact our gut microbiome in many ways through what researchers call the gut-skin axis. For instance, disruptions in the gut microbiome can trigger an immune response and the release of inflammatory mediators that then disrupt skin physiology. What does that look like? Irritated, angry skin!

Probiotics and Skin Conditions

Different probiotic strains confer different effects on the skin so knowing what strains to pick can be crucial when shopping for your probiotic. For instance, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium can help mediate skin inflammation and are great for conditions like atopic or allergic contact dermatitis. If you want to be even more specific, Lactobacillus acidophilus is great for rosacea since it has a calming effect and can soothe irritation or redness of the skin.

When in doubt, opting for a broad-spectrum probiotic with a variety of strains is a great option to ensure you are covering your bases. If you have any of the following concerns listed below, probiotics may be a helpful option for you to consider!

• Acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Hives
• Dermatitis
• Wound healing
• Wrinkles
• Scleroderma
• + More!

Probiotics and Acne

Acne can be caused by dietary triggers, stress, sleep disruptions, androgens, and more. It’s easy to say that probiotics will cure all acne but not all acne is rooted in the digestive system. Furthermore, probiotics as a stand-alone treatment might not be enough to treat severe, cystic, treatment-resistant acne. It’s important to set expectations with patients and know that probiotics can be a great adjunctive treatment when choosing the right dose, the right strains, and the right delivery. So what does that mean? What does the research say? Well, probiotics have been studied in patients with mild-moderate acne and have been shown to successfully improve the skins clarity and reduce breakouts.

We know that the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes lives on the skin and can unfortunately cause acne (along with other bacteria). The wonderful thing about probiotics is that it can help control the growth of these acne-causing bacteria through the gut-skin axis. These helpful microbes have antibacterial proteins and substances that kill off bad bacteria and reduce inflammation on the skin. A win-win!

Recent trials show that oral probiotics AND topical probiotics may both have a positive effect on the skin. One of the advantages to taking an oral probiotic is that it can help work on the intestinal microbiota more directly and it can also work on metabolic pathways involving insulin. The vast majority of the research on probiotics and acne have also been using oral formulations rather than the topical preparations. For this reason, one might be more inclined to use an oral supplement or probiotic rich foods rather than applying probiotics in a cream-form.

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Probiotic-rich foods that you may want to consider for clear skin include:

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Kombucha
• + More!

Naturopathic Care and Skin Health

Addressing skin health can be complex and probiotics may or may not be that silver bullet for you. It’s important to consider all of the factors that contribute to our digestive, hormonal, immune, and skin health before jumping blindly towards treatments that may or may not work.

Part of my work as a naturopathic doctor involves an in-depth intake and comprehensive testing, where appropriate, to narrow down the root cause of your skin concern. Through this process I can help develop a targeted treatment plan that supports the gut-skin axis through herbs, supplements, and food.

Do you currently use probiotics? Do you have both digestive and skin concerns? Book in to learn more and get started on your journey towards healthy, clear skin!

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