It may seem counterintuitive that bacteria can clear up pimples, but studies are finding that good bacteria like probiotics may protect the skin against acne breakouts.
Bacterial imbalance can be a source of inflammation not only in the gut but also on the skin, so it’s important to make sure the body has enough good bacteria in the gut to expel the bad bacteria from the body,
according to Dr. Frank Lipman, in an interview with New York magazine.
ALERT: Weird Gut Bacteria Linked to Digestion, Heart, Obesity, Brain Problems
“The GI tract and skin are both organs of detoxification. We need a healthy microbiome in the gut to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate toxins. When our gut flora is not healthy, and there are more bad bacteria than good bacteria, a lot of problems can arise — including chronic inflammation, which is a cause of acne and other skin problems,” Lipman said.
Probiotics keep bad bacteria from roaming free in the body and creating havoc, or inflammation, as it’s formally known, which can manifest as pimples and acne on the skin.
Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe said this free-floating bacteria then finds a way to irritate the skin.
“There’s convincing evidence now that bacteria in your gut interact with your immune system to produce changes in your skin,”
Bowe told W magazine.
But probiotics are capable of attacking harmful bacteria in the same way it attacks the gut, according to Bowe.
SPECIAL: Doctor: You Can Stop Digestion Woes, Heartburn, Gas, Constipation, More
“By introducing healthy bacteria into the gut it can actually reseal the gut lining and prevent systemwide inflammation that’s thought to lead to acne and rosacea flares,”
Bowe told CBS 2 New York. “They’re like little missiles that can punch holes in the walls of harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi.”
If taking antibiotics to treat acne, know that antibiotics do not discriminate when killing bacteria, so Lipman recommends supplementing with probiotics.
“If you have to take an antibiotic, take probiotics as well, and take them away from each antibiotic dose to help maintain the diversity of your gut flora,” said Lipman.
CBS 2 New York reported, “Probiotics are available as capsules and can also be found in some yogurts which has led some people to use yogurt for facials.”
But the network’s Dr. Max Gomez warned: “You should work with your dermatologist to make sure you are doing the best thing for your skin.”
Doctor: Not All Probiotics Are the Same, Some Are Dangerous! Read More Here
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.