Probiotics: How They Can Help Your Skin

Written By Jennifer Raskin / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Thanks to scientific developments, most people know how beneficial probiotics are for gut health. The good bacteria that thrives there is said to benefit what’s been referred to as our second brain. It’s even excellent for your immune system.

That being said, it should come as little surprise that those friendly bacteria we’ve got living inside of us are also helpful when it comes to our largest organ, the skin. Does that mean you should take your morning cup of yogurt and smear it on your face? Not quite.

Microbiome Bacteria

When it comes to your skin, there are well over 1,000 different species of bacteria living there. And you thought you were all alone during the pandemic!

Known as a microbiome, the bacteria on your skin help keep infections away, stop environmental damage, balance skin pH, and keep it healthy and hydrated. But just like the bacteria in your gut, there are things that can disrupt the balance.

When you use certain soaps or face scrubs, or even take antibiotics, you can disrupt your skin’s microbiome which allows bad bacteria to take over.

Topical Skin Products

Not everyone’s microbiome is out of whack. But if yours is, chances are you have acne, dryness, or flaky skin.

Those of you with skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea are also in need of helping out your microbiome. That’s where probiotic skincare products should come into play.

It can be overwhelming with the variety of face mists, serums, cleansers, and moisturizers out there with probiotics. Just as the right probiotics in your gut make the difference in your health, so too will the ones you use topically on your skin.

Generally, you’ll want to look for Vitreoscilla, Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, though your dermatologist can help recommend the right one based on your skin type.

In addition to using probiotic skincare products to get your skin microbiome back in good health, you should take other precautions. For example, certain cleansers that are soap based can be undoing all the benefits of your new probiotic cream.

The same goes for any antibacterial or anti-acne formulas. These will wipe out all bacteria on your skin, including the good guys. You’ll want to find cleansers that are non-soap-based, particularly for sensitive skin.

Until skin recovers, you may simply want to wash with plain water. This will help let the good bacteria do what it does best and get back to a healthy state.

By watching out for how you handle your skin and incorporating these new probiotic skincare products, you’ll start to notice your skin’s health improve. And of course, it doesn’t hurt to make a habit out of eating probiotic-rich foods to get your whole body on the same healthy page.

Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources make sure to check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Jennifer Raskin is a freelance writer, wife and mom that loves cold weather despite her location in Florida, cooking, reading, watching ‘80s movies, weight-lifting, and wine tasting.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Daily Nouri on Unsplash