Probiotics for the skin offer a range of benefits. Aside from improving gut health and maintaining the diversity of your body's gut microbiome, probiotics can also help you deal with acne-prone skin and other skin issues. Here's how probiotics and skin health are connected.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria (often called 'good bacteria') that carry various benefits. They provide good bacteria for your gut microbiome, which can support immunity, help reduce inflammation, and promote healthier digestion.
What do probiotics do for skin?
In addition to their gut benefits, probiotics can support skin health in several ways. Evidence suggests they may help with conditions such as acne, eczema, and dry skin, and some reviews indicate they can help balance the skin's pH. Studies have found that, by producing antibacterial proteins, probiotics can inhibit the bacteria associated with acne, and their anti-inflammatory properties may help moderate excess oil production. Acne is often linked to excess oil (sebum), bacteria, and inflammation. Research also points to a gut-skin connection, the 'gut-skin axis': a healthy gut metabolises hormones and processes waste, and when it isn't working well it can show on your skin. Keeping your gut healthy can, in turn, help support healthier-looking skin.
The best probiotics for acne
Supporting your skin can start with more probiotic-rich foods. Items like yoghurt, kombucha, pickles and kimchi are great additions if you want to increase your probiotic intake. Pair that with plenty of water and a consistent skincare routine.
If you'd like an easy daily top-up, our Probiotic Gummies use a hardy, spore-forming Bacillus coagulans strain and are sugar-free. To understand why the strain matters more than the CFU number on the jar, see our guide on whether probiotic gummies work.