Works well with:Ingredients likeceramides, which also help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
What Are Probiotics?
“True probiotics are live organisms that may be found in fermented foods like yogurt or high-quality supplements.
Getty Images
This triggers our immune system, leading to inflammation throughout our bodies.
Such benefits include:
Side Effects
Probiotic skincare does not have any notable side effects.
Also, always consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, says Dr. Engelman.
Eating, drinking (kombucha, anyone?
), or supplementing them is one option.
“Probiotics may be taken by mouth as an effective yetindirectway to treat acne,” Dr. Zeichner explains.
The other option is to work some probiotics into your a.m. and p.m. skincare routines.
“Topical skin care products do not typically contain live microorganisms,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Not sure where to start?
Brands likeTula Skincarehave made probiotics a core part of their formulations.
Also, add a serum to your routine.
“For probiotics,serumsare best as they’re meant to be the workhorse products of the skincare routine.
An overnight essence featuring probiotics also delivers them effectively to the skin.
“It is important to start probiotic supplementation slowly to allow adjustment.
Additionally, good quality supplements with studied strains should be used.”
Taking a daily probiotic or including a topical one in your skincare routine may help to clear acne.
However, if your acne is genetic, a probiotic may not help.
This is why it’s best to consult your dermatologist before introducing one into your routine.
Examples include the following: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus paracasei.
2020 May;33(3):e13279.
2021 Feb 11;9(2):353. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9020353.
2018 Aug 7;15(8):1679. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15081679.
2015;1(2):85-89. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2015.02.001
Tavaria FK.Topical use of probiotics: the natural balance.Porto Biomed J.
2017;2(3):69-70. doi:10.1016/j.pbj.2017.02.003
