And that really starts with nourishing our microbiome.
Modern life may be messing with our microbiomes, but we can heal our gut with probiotics - the good bacteria that keeps us healthy.
When you do this you’ll notice not only that you feel healthier, but also
- your skin is clearer
- your pores are less congested
- and oily skin is reduced from the inside out – without stripping it and drying it out.
And recent studies show that a healthy, biodiverse microbiome has a positive effect on the aging process too.
Translating into smooth, glowing skin and healthy hair!
A healthy microbiome plays a role in everything from brain health to hormone regulation, inflammation control and disease prevention.
Not surprisingly, what happens in your microbiome directly affects your skin too.
What is the microbiome?
Your microbiome is the invisible eco-system of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi and virus - that live within your body.It’s found mostly in your gut – your small and large intestine – but also throughout your body.
Your microbiome and your skin
Modern life, and especially the advent of processed foods, has depleted the biodiversity of this ecosystem.
So you want to nourish your microbiome by improving diversity and increasing your uptake of probiotics (the good bacteria).
A compromised microbiome is increasingly associated with so many major skin problems – like skin sensitivity, dryness, breakouts, acne and premature skin aging.
So it’s important to keep your gut healthy so that your skin can function at its best –
- keeping moisture in and bacteria out,
- producing collagen at optimal rates
- and healing quickly from any breakouts or acne.
And the way to keep your gut healthy is to increase your intake of probiotics.
Adding probiotics - whether as a supplement or through diet – will give you a healthy skin barrier.
And a strong healthy barrier means your skin retains moisture better and is less prone to sensitivity, redness and signs of premature aging.
Best food sources of Probiotics:
Fermented foods like
- Greek Yoghurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Along with
- Blueberries
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Chia Seeds
A daily dose of probiotics not only boosts your overall health it also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. So problems like acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea all improve.
We've got more on the impact of gut health here:
How Probiotics improve your hair
Having a healthy microbiome impacts nearly every hormone in your body, including the hormones that control the phases of hair growth.And probiotics help to combat skin inflammation on your scalp, strengthening the hair follicles and enhancing hair quality.
How to maintain a healthy skin microbiome
Washing your face twice a day and applying moisturizer and sunscreen every day is the first thing to prioritize.
But you should also take probiotic enzymes.
Probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics boost the biodiversity of your microbiome.
The probiotic family is divided into three categories:
Probiotics - the live bacteria which are added to the bacteria already in our bodies.
Prebiotics – these are like food for the existing bacteria.
Postbiotics – these are beneficial compounds released by healthy gut bacteria when they break down fibre.
Enzymes inside of your body that actually repair your stomach lining and make sure there’s minimal acid in your stomach.
All of these nourish your microbiome so you can ingest your vitamins and minerals properly.
So take probiotic enzymes to keep your skin looking youthful, smooth and glowing.
Anti Aging Skin Benefits of Probiotics
Along with strengthening your skin barrier and reducing inflammation, the latest clinical trials show that probiotics have an anti-aging effect on your skin – increasing skin hydration, improving elasticity and reducing facial wrinkles.Your skin ages in two ways: chronological aging and photoaging. Chronological aging is influenced by internal elements, whereas photoaging is mainly influenced by external elements – like UV rays and pollution.
And probiotics have a beneficial effect on both forms.
Reduces effects of chronological aging
Probiotics work to stop cells decaying and prolong the skin cell cycle.
Reduces photoaging
External elements cause collagen breakdown so your skin starts to lose elasticity, lose moisture, and become rough and dull-looking.
Probiotics improve collagen production and stop it deteriorating – making your skin look firmer, smoother and brighter.
Reduces wrinkles
By promoting strong collagen growth, probiotics reduce fine lines and wrinkles that may already be there, as well as discouraging any from forming.
Improves hydration
By supporting the skin barrier function, probiotics empower your skin to work in an optimum way. That means keeping moisture in, improving skin dryness and keeping your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Further studies show that probiotics:
- restore acidic skin pH
and - enhance hair quality.
So your skin is calmer and less irritated – and your hair looks healthier too!
Related reading:
- "An A-Z of the Best Anti Aging Foods for Men"
- "Here’s Why Your Skin Needs Antioxidants"
- "11 Best Vitamins & Nutrients for Smooth Skin and Healthy Hair"
FAQ’s
What does your microbiome do?
Your microbiome is the eco-system of microorganisms – bacteria, fungi and virus - that live within your body.
It’s found mostly in your gut – your small and large intestine – but also throughout your body.
A healthy microbiome plays a role in everything from brain health to hormone regulation, inflammation control and disease prevention.
In fact, a healthy, biodiverse microbiome is the key to good health.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
The probiotic family is divided into three categories: Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics.
Probiotics are the live bacteria which are added to the ‘good’ bacteria already in our bodies that keep us healthy.
Whereas Prebiotics are like food for these existing bacteria.
Both of these nourish your microbiome so you can ingest your vitamins and minerals properly.
The Takeaway
A healthy microbiome means your skin can function at its best - keeping moisture in and bacteria out, producing collagen at optimal rates, and healing quickly from any breakouts or acne.And the way to encourage a healthy and biodiverse microbiome is to increase your intake of probiotics - whether as a supplement or through your diet.
The latest clinical trials show that probiotics have an anti-aging effect on your skin – increasing skin hydration, improving elasticity and reducing facial wrinkles.
Your skin will look younger, stay calmer and less irritated – and your hair will look healthier too!
References
Sharma D, Kober MM, Bowe WP. Anti-Aging Effects of Probiotics. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016 Jan;15(1):9-12. PMID: 26741377.
Mary-Margaret Kober, Whitney P. Bowe, The effect of probiotics on immune regulation, acne, and photoaging. International Journal of Women's Dermatology, Vol.1, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 85-89, ISSN 2352-6475.
Ratanapokasatit Y, Laisuan W, Rattananukrom T, Petchlorlian A, Thaipisuttikul I, Sompornrattanaphan M. How Microbiomes Affect Skin Aging: The Updated Evidence and Current Perspectives. Life (Basel). 2022 Jun 22;12(7):936. doi: 10.3390/life12070936. PMID: 35888025; PMCID: PMC9320090.
Boyajian JL, Ghebretatios M, Schaly S, Islam P, Prakash S. Microbiome and Human Aging: Probiotic and Prebiotic Potentials in Longevity, Skin Health and Cellular Senescence. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 18;13(12):4550. doi: 10.3390/nu13124550. PMID: 34960102; PMCID: PMC8705837.
Salem I, Ramser A, Isham N, Ghannoum Mahmoud A. The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2018, ISSN:1664-302X
