PROBIOTICS FOR SKIN

Why Do We Need Probiotics for Skin?

by Raychel Agramon, RN, MPM, February 19, 2020

why do we need probiotics

Why do we need probiotics? Do you have dry, sensitive, or wrinkly skin?  Do you have wounds that heal slowly or acne that you just can't seem to shake? 

why do we need probiotics

While moisturizers and creams might help deal with them, you can actually control these problems from ever happening. And no, you don't need expensive Botox or other dermatological treatments. You can achieve clearer, younger-looking skin simply by learning and consuming probiotics or fermented foods. 

In case you don't know, probiotics have already taken the world by storm because of its capacity to improve the skin. From preventing premature skin aging to controlling acne – here are several reasons why your skin may benefit from probiotics

  • Probiotics may help hydrate your skin. 
  • Dry skin is a minor problem, though it can become severe in some cases. It usually results from temperature extremes (too hot or too cold,) low air moisture, and exposure to hot water. Symptoms include skin tightness, roughness, and flaking or scaling. Redness and itchiness often occur too. In severe situations, itchiness can disrupt sleep – and episodes might lead to bleeding as well. 

    Apart from moisturizing your skin religiously, consuming probiotics or fermented foods may be another way to achieve well-hydrated skin. Intake of fermented food or supplements has been linked with better skin hydration. This is because probiotics may control the water loss from the epidermal layer. When more water is retained, the skin's optimal hydration status is maintained.

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    why do we need probiotics

  • Probiotics may help reduce skin sensitivity. 
  • Sensitive skin is characterized by skin flushing, very dry skin, bumps, pustules, and other symptoms. They are brought about by changes in temperature and skin disorders, though age, genetics, gender, and race play major roles as well. 

    Finding the right cleanser or moisturizer is a huge problem in people with sensitive skin since these products should contain as little allergens as possible. Good thing there are probiotics such as Lactobacillus paracasei, which can be obtained via food, supplements, or specialized skincare. A study conducted by French and Swiss experts has shown that this strain is particularly effective in decreasing skin sensitivity by improving the recovery of the skin barrier. 

  • Probiotics may help reverse the signs of skin aging. 
  • Why do we need probiotics? Aging is a part of life – but the skin can age a whole lot faster when it is exposed to trauma, cigarette smoking, pollution, trauma, and ultraviolet light. These factors can lead to the development of free radicals – substances that can damage skin cells and other important structures. Unfortunately, the result is unsightly, prematurely-aged skin. 

    More than just avoiding the factors that accelerate skin aging, the best thing you can do for your skin is to take probiotics. Species such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium coagulans help reverse skin aging by producing substances that combat harmful free radicals. 

  • Probiotics may help accelerate wound healing. 
  • When you get wounded, the broken skin serves as an entryway for millions of microbes. Such can bring about slowed wound repair and local infection. 

    One of the known strains that adversely affects wound healing is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When this enters the circulation, a severe blood infection can take place. It is one of the most common hospital afflictions, affecting as much as 4% of patients every year. 

    Fortunately, probiotics has been shown to control bacteria such as P. aeruginosa from infecting the wound and the bloodstream. A study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine has shown that probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus plantarum, are effective in decimating the P. aeruginosa species. 

  • Probiotics may help with several skin conditions. 
  • With its many benefits on the skin, it is not surprising that probiotics can be beneficial for skin conditions. 

    One of the disorders that may be helped with probiotics is acne, a skin condition that affects almost 700 million worldwide. In this case, the good bacteria (probiotics) may help with breakouts by performing the following feats: supporting the natural defense against systemic inflammation, improving the anti-microbial properties of the skin, and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes

    why do we need probiotics

    Probiotics may also help with eczema, otherwise known as atopic dermatitis. In this condition, the bad bacteria outnumber the good – thereby resulting in the symptoms of itching, scaling, swelling, and crusting, to name a few. Probiotics are generally recommended for skin health because they help balance the skin microbiome. As a result, symptoms are decreased and re-occurrence is controlled. 

    Rosacea is another inflammatory skin condition that may be managed with probiotic intake. With studies linking rosacea to gastrointestinal disorders, much emphasis has been placed on using probiotics and prebiotics. They help the skin by reestablishing the normal balance in the gut. 

    Probiotics could be one of nature's answers to the most pervasive of skin abnormalities. Not only can they modify dry or sensitive skin, but they can also help control accelerated skin aging as well. With its ability to accelerate wound healing and several skin conditions, probiotics indeed do wonders for your skin. It's plain to see – your skin does NEED probiotics. What are you waiting for? Get started on a regimen today!