Early research shows that probiotics may help to treat skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea.
Though typically associated with digestive health, studies indicate probiotics — healthy bacteria — also can help immunity and mental health.
When the body identifies foreign microorganisms on its skin, it triggers an immune response, causing common symptoms of rosacea and acne: redness, bumps, and inflammation,
according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Some products available have probiotics for topical application on the face, coming in the form of masks, creams, and cleaners, the AAD reported. These products cause bacterial interference, creating a barrier between the foreign germs and the skin. In this way, the body does not respond with an immunity reaction.
Dr. Cynthia Bailey Skin Care suggested that consuming probiotics in foods or supplements may help with rosacea. Studies show correlation between the presence of a stomach microorganism known as helicobacter pylori and rosacea. Consuming probiotics may help to diminish the amount of the gastrointestinal germ.
Some dermatologists prescribe the opposite of probiotics to patients: antibiotics. With increased caution over the use of them due to rapid changes in bacteria that have caused them to survive in the presence of antibiotics, however, some doctors turn to probiotics, Dr. Cynthia Bailey Skin Care noted. Some dermatologists save antibiotics for only tough cases or rosacea.
In some cases, fermented foods high in probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir, may trigger patients’ rosacea, Dr. Cynthia Bailey Skin Care reported. Those trying probiotics should, therefore, take them with caution at first.
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Live Science noted probiotics should not be the only treatment used for skin conditions, but may be helpful in addition to current methods patients are using.
“Probiotic extracts in conjunction with medication can reduce the redness seen in rosacea, and also improve and strengthen the skin barrier to reduce its stinging, burning, and dryness,” said Whitney Bowe, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, to Live Science.
More research is needed to determine which strains are most effective in preventing acne and rosacea when applied to the skin and taken orally, Live Science reported.
Current studies are underway to look at the process of how probiotics help clear acne and redness on skin, according to the AAD.
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