Probiotics for Clear Skin

Research being performed in conjunction with the American Academy of Dermatology has indicated that there may be benefits to using probiotics for the treatment of common dermatological conditions, such as acne and rosacea. Thus far, research has indicated that probiotics, whether taken orally or applied topically, may reduce the redness, inflammation, and bumps that are commonly associated with these conditions.

Probiotics, which are a type of bacteria that is classified as being "good" for digestive health, may also have a positive effect on other systems. Commonly taken in the form of digestive supplements, probiotics can also be found in yogurt cultures, pull forms, and various other sources. The most commonly found helpful probiotics are Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium.  

The oral use of probiotics has been studied in various settings and has been found to be very useful for reducing the occurrence and severity of dermatological breakouts. In a Korean study, half of the participants were given a probiotic beverage and half were not. Over a 12 week period there was a reduction in total acne lesion counts in the group that did take the probiotics. This effect was also repeated in an Italian study that was done using patients that had rosacea symptoms and the same results were replicated.  

It also appears that the topical use of probiotics may be effective treating and preventing for skin conditions as well. When administered topically, probiotics have been found to have two different effects:   -

1. Probiotic bacteria have a masking effect on the existence of aggravating bacteria, which quells the normal body’s immunological responses that typically trigger the onset of dermatological conditions.
2. Probiotic bacteria help in the reduction of bad bacteria, behaving much like an antimicrobial.  

When clear evidence is established and isolated, it is the belief of the American Academy of Dermatology that probiotics will be commonly found in over the counter topical treatments, as well as in a variety of health and beauty products.  

Source: http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/could-probiotics-be-the-next-big-thing-in-acne-and-rosacea-treatments