Every individual experience a common problem of the skin, which is acne. It is irritating, embarrassing, and uncomfortable even after trying over-the-counter remedies. But some people found probiotics as an alternative treatment to cure acne. In this post, we will plunge into the question of how does probiotics help with acne?
What is Acne?
Before answering, “does probiotics help with acne,” let us understand acne and the different types. Acne can affect people of any age, although it is especially prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Acne, blackheads, and whiteheads manifest when oil and dead skin cells accumulate in the skin’s hair follicles.
The forehead, cheeks, neck, and chest are the common sites where acne persists the most. However, you can notice acne anywhere on the body. Teenagers are more prone to acne because of hormonal changes throughout puberty. The major contributor during this phase is increased sebum production. The other factors that cause acne are stress, and specific diets, such as those rich in high glycemic index and hereditary.
Different Types of Acne
There following are the various types of acne:
- Blackheads: Blackheads are small bumps on the skin’s surface when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Their appearance results from the oxidation of the dead skin cells clubbed with oil. Hence, they appear black.
- Whiteheads: Similar to blackheads, whiteheads are also caused by oil accumulation and dead skin cells in hair follicles. However, in contrast to blackheads, they appear as bumps with a white appearance on the skin’s surface. Whiteheads occur when the hair follicle is fully obstructed.
- Papules: Papules are small, red bumps tender to the touch. They are the result of hair follicle inflammation.
- Pustules: Pustules are like papules but contain pus. They are often called pimples.
- Nodules: Nodules are large, painful bumps deep in the skin. They are caused by oil buildup and dead skin cells deep in the hair follicle.
- Cysts: Cysts are large, painful bumps that contain pus and are deep in the skin. They are the most severe form of acne.
What Are Probiotics?
By consuming probiotics, you can only benefit from good bacteria (living microorganisms). The good bacteria existing in the probiotics help your digestive system notably. Probiotics are fermented foods where their presence is high. The best foods to benefit from the good bacteria include yogurt, kimchi, and kefir. Likewise, you will also find probiotics in instant formats such as drinks and capsules.
Your gut system comprises both good and bad bacteria. Therefore, avoiding falling sick is possible by maintaining a balance between the two. Additionally, the properties of probiotics reduce symptoms produced due to inflammatory bowel diseases, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Can Probiotics Help with Acne?
Researchers continue their studies to understand and build a correlation between acne and probiotics. During this process, they did notice positive outcomes, especially for acne-prone skin. So, does probiotics help with acne?
Given below are a few essential pointers that will help you understand how probiotics can help with acne:
1. Probiotics Can Reduce Inflammation
Acne results from oil, dead cells, and dust clogging the skin pores. Due to this, bacteria formation occurs and spreads to the surroundings slowly. You will then start noticing redness, soreness, and bumps on the affected area. In addition, studies showed that probiotics can cut pro-inflammatory cytokines by avoiding their synthesis.
According to a journal published in the Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology Journal, people with low-to-moderate acne have a high success rate by consuming probiotics. The investigation was carried out on 45 individuals and included the consumption of probiotics as a supplement for 12 weeks. There was an astonishing finding after the program. Consumption of the supplement showed positive results and reduced acne lesions.
2. Probiotics Can Regulate Hormones
The main target of acne is easily women because of hormonal imbalances that occur throughout their life cycle. For example, when their testosterone levels are high, females will have excess oil production secreted by sebaceous glands. Due to this, blocking of the pores occurs, leading to acne.
Consuming probiotics will help improve the digestive system and maintain hormonal activities. In addition, Probiotics significantly improved in females struggling with acne, as a study revealed. The research was conducted on 56 females suffering from hormonal imbalances and acne. Ultimately, the researchers found significant improvement in hormonal balance and reduced acne.
3. Probiotics Can Improve Skin Barrier Function
The skin consists of a protective layer termed the barrier. The layer protects the skin against harsh environmental elements, pollution, bacteria, and UV radiation. Unfortunately, when you have a weak skin barrier, you are exposing the skin to these elements and increasing the chances of acne formation.
Consuming probiotics will help improve the skin barrier, thereby increasing the protection against harsh elements. It happens because the good bacteria encourage ceramide production, which keeps the skin’s integrity and hydration.
The research was carried out on 80 people suffering from moderate acne. The participants were given probiotics for 12 weeks. The result concluded that there was an improvement in skin health along with a decrease in acne, inflammation, redness, and soreness.
4. Probiotics Can Boost Immunity
Your immunity says a lot about your health. An excellent immune system protects and avoids inflammations and infections. There is an increase in your immune mechanism when you have probiotics. It is because good bacteria stimulate antibodies and resistant cell functionalities. Thus, you will notice a reduction in skin irritation and acne.
The study, as per a journal published in Dermatologist Science, confirmed the positive impact of probiotics on acne. The study was conducted on 56 people with acne and a moderate immune system. After having probiotics for the next weeks, the participants saw an improvement in their immune mechanisms and acne.
Conclusion
There is a necessity for understanding the actual connection between acne and probiotics. While the study is still underway, a few of the instances and research papers do indicate that probiotics have a positive impact on acne. The good bacterium in Probiotics adjusts hormones, improves the skin barrier, and reduces soreness. Together, they offer to act as a shield to your health. We hope we answered your question, “Does probiotics help with acne?” Before consuming it, consult your healthcare provider for further clarification and have probiotics as a supplement to overcome acne.
