Your gut health supplement may be the secret to better skin.
And its not just a teenage problem.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology,adult acneaffects up to 15% of women.
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Here’s what you should probably know about probiotics and their use for acne treatment and prevention.
What Are Probiotics?
Can Oral Probiotics Alleviate Acne?
Several studies indicate that probiotics can be helpful for acne relief.
However, the recommended strains and doses used vary from study to study.
The dosage ranges from two to 10 billion CFUs for eight to 12 weeks.
However, larger trials are needed to confirm the ideal dosage and combination of strains.
Less is known about the role ofprobiotic foodsin managing acne.
Someresearch suggeststhat eliminating dairy and choosinglower glycemic index foodscan provide relief.
Therefore, probiotic dairy foods such as yogurt and kefir may not be right for everyone.
Likewise, kombucha and sauerkraut may not provide adequate CFUs to affect skin health.
Topical Probiotics and Acne
Probiotic creams and lotions have also shown promise for acne sufferers.
Topical creams and lotions with probiotic strains such asLactobacillus plantarum,E.
However, the dosage, frequency of use, and duration required to see results vary widely.
Moreover, other ingredients in probiotic creams could interfere with their effectiveness.
It’s best to consult a dermatologist before snagging something off the shelf.
Can Probiotics Help Prevent Acne?
They also may stop bacteria from adhering to the skin.
However, these results still need to be confirmed in humans.
They also suggest sticking with a single product for six to eight weeks before trying another.
Corticosteroid injections, chemical peels, and laser treatments can also be helpful for some.
However, talk to a dermatologist rather than experimenting on your own.
Sometimes what seems to be acne can be another skin issue with a different treatment protocol.
However, important questions about the right dosage, duration, and preparation remain.
If youre someone with acne-prone skin, talk to a dermatologist about which probiotic products are best for you.
