Probiotics for Skin: 6 Benefits and How to Use Them

Probiotics are live microorganisms known for their health benefits, especially for maintaining gut health and strengthening the immune system against infections. These beneficial bacteria are found naturally in foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods, and are increasingly recognized for their positive impact on skin health. When applied topically or taken orally, probiotics can help balance the skin’s microbiome, reducing inflammation and soothing conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. They promote skin hydration, improve barrier function, and even increase skin cell turnover for a smoother, brighter complexion. Want to learn more about the benefits of probiotics for skin? Keep reading!

Benefits of probiotics for skin

Probiotics offer multiple health benefits for your skin. These include protecting the delicate skin barrier to reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. By maintaining a balanced microbiome, probiotics help soothe irritation and regulate the skin’s response to external triggers like UV rays and pollution. They also stimulate skin cell turnover, promoting smoother, brighter skin tone over time. In addition to their anti-aging properties, probiotics can reduce wrinkles and lighten blemishes, giving you youthful skin. Probiotics can also moisturize and nourish your skin, combating dryness.

According to dermatologist Dr. Atula Gupta, oral and topical use of probiotics can help fight these 6 health conditions or diseases:

1. It can help you fight acne

Acne is caused by clogged pores, inflammation, and bacterial overgrowth, often exacerbated by an imbalance in the skin’s microbiome. According to a research paper published in 2020 by Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, probiotics, specifically strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, exhibit antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes. By reducing bacterial load and inflammation, probiotics can help prevent and manage acne breakouts.

2. May reduce the signs of aging

As we age, our skin goes through several changes that can include decreased collagen production, decreased elasticity, and increased visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Probiotics offer anti-aging benefits by stimulating collagen synthesis and improving the skin’s barrier function. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology stated that using probiotics for skin can restore the skin’s pH balance, reduce UV damage, and lower oxidative stress. All of these benefits can help reduce the signs of aging.

3. It can help you manage atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as eczema, is a chronic disease that causes inflammation, itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. In this condition, the number of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is higher. However, according to a 2017 study published in Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology, topical use of probiotics can reduce the number of S. aureus and AD symptoms. Not only that, but another study published in Experimental Dermatology also found that applying skin care products containing probiotics can reduce acne breakouts and help manage dry skin and eczema.

4. It can control psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system becomes overactive and causes the skin cells to shed rapidly, resulting in thick, scaly patches on the surface of the skin. These inflamed patches can be seen primarily on the scalp, elbows, and knees, however, other parts of the body can also be affected. Although there is limited research on the positive effect of probiotics on psoriasis, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that oral probiotics were effective in managing psoriasis.

5. Rosacea

Chronic inflammation, stress, changes in skin pH, and dietary choices, among other factors, can disrupt the microbial balance. This imbalance can lead to infections or skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Rosacea, in particular, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that primarily affects the face and causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pimples or bumps. Unlike acne-related redness around acne spots, rosacea typically causes flushing that most commonly occurs in the center of the face. A recent review published in Frontiers in Microbiology suggests that using probiotics may significantly alleviate rosacea symptoms.

6. Wound healing

Probiotics may also be effective in promoting wound healing by speeding up the repair process and reducing the risk of infection. Older research published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection found that the use of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum may speed up wound healing, preventing infection. However, more research is needed to support this benefit.

Read also: Probiotics and Prebiotics: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?

Which probiotics are best for skin?

When looking for skin care products containing probiotics, look for something that contains one or more of the following ingredients:

• Lactobacilli: Effective in reducing redness and acne.
• Bifidobacteria: Ideal for those with dry, irritated or eczema-prone skin.
• Vitreoscilla: Helps maintain skin hydration levels.
• Streptococcus thermophilus: Useful for increasing ceramide levels, especially for sensitive skin or eczema.
• Bacillus coagulans: It can help fight skin aging.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis: Known for its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause skin infections.

How to use probiotics for skin care?

Here are 3 ways to use probiotics to improve skin health:

1. Diet: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha into your diet to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which indirectly supports skin health.

2. Supplements: Take oral probiotic supplements containing beneficial strains for skin conditions such as acne or eczema. These supplements can help balance the gut microbiome, potentially improving the appearance of skin and reducing skin problems.

3. Topical use: Use skin care products containing probiotics directly on the skin, such as creams, serums, masks, foundations, gels, cleansers, primers, etc. These topical treatments can help maintain the skin’s microbiome, support barrier function, and relieve conditions such as acne or inflammation.

Do probiotics have side effects on the skin?

Although probiotics are generally beneficial for skin health, some people may experience mild side effects such as temporary redness, itching, or irritation. These reactions are usually the result of an allergy to the probiotic. Therefore, it is advisable to do a patch test before full application and start with lower concentrations to understand the effect on the skin.