Probiotic Skincare: Your Complete Guide Backed by Science

What is Probiotic Skincare?

Probiotic skincare refers to any skincare that contains probiotics AKA good bacteria that support a healthy microbiome. Yes, your skin has a microbiome, teeming with bacteria and other microorganisms. 

But before you say EWW, know that yes, even, healthy, hydrated, clear skin contains plenty of bacteria…good bacteria! In fact, studies indicate that having plenty of good bacteria on the skin, can actually help prevent bad bacteria from taking over and creating havoc, like acne, sensitivity, dryness, or other skin concerns. 

Why Probiotic Skincare?

Over the last several years, numerous studies have described the presence of significant skin microbiome dysbiosis AND gut microbiome dysbiosis in patients with acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. 

Dysbiosis is simply a fancy word for imbalance. So, in patients with skin troubles, their skin microbiome - and gut microbiome - tend to contain too many “bad” bacteria and not enough “good” bacteria. (for more on how gut health affects skin health, you can explore the gut-skin connection here.) 

It has been demonstrated in several studies that improving both the skin microbiome and the gut microbiome can offer people with skin woes some relief. Hence, the advent of probiotic skincare. 

Although most people tend to think of probiotic skincare as topical products only, the truth is there is another type: ingestible probiotic skincare which targets the gut microbiome to support skin health from the inside out.

Topical Probiotic Skincare

You’ll find plenty of topical probiotic skincare products, such as cleansers, serums, and moisturizers on the market, which are believed to benefit the skin by encouraging a healthy skin microbiome. 

Several small studies have shown topical probiotics to provide beneficial effects for acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. They’ve even been shown to have a promising role in wound healing. 

That said, topical probiotic skincare is a new area of research, and more studies are needed to better understand the best strains for skin health, how much is needed to see a difference, and how exactly they affect the skin.

If you’re thinking about using topical probiotic skincare, you may get the best results from using it in serums or moisturizers, which stay on the skin longer, versus a cleanser, which is washed away. 

Ingestible Probiotic Skincare 

Although less trendy and less talked about, there is actually quite a bit more science on using oral probiotics to support skin health from the inside out then there is on topical probiotics. 

Nearly 100 years ago, in 1930, two dermatologists, John H. Stokes and Donald M. Pillsbury, set the stage for what we now call the gut-skin connection. They observed that their acne patients tended to have more digestive disturbances and more stress than those with healthy skin. 

They hypothesized that mental stress disrupted digestion and normal intestinal microflora, which in turn resulted in skin breakouts. Among the remedies advocated for by the two docs were consuming Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures AKA probiotics, which they believed helped to restore gut microflora, and in turn, improve the skin. 

In the decades since, many of their hypotheses on the gut-skin connection have been validated, and it is now hard to deny the connection between gut health and skin health. In fact, the relationship is now officially referred to as the gut-skin axis. 

For example, research shows acne patients may have less gut microbial diversity, tend to lack certain beneficial strains including lactobacillus and bifidobacteria, and may have an impaired intestinal barrier. 

We also know that stress can indeed break you out, and it likely does so by disrupting the gut. 

Additionally, certain oral probiotic strains have been validated to support skin health from the inside out. 

For example, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, researchers concluded that supplementation with the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus SP1 for 12 weeks normalized skin expression of genes involved in insulin signaling and improved the appearance of adult acne.*

Who can Benefit from Probiotic Skincare? 

Anyone with skin woes - like acne, excess oil, dry skin, or overly sensitive skin -  may benefit from improving the health of their skin microbiome and gut microbiome with probiotic skincare. 

What is the Best Probiotic for Skincare?

We may be biased, but we believe the best probiotic for skincare is Glow Biome. Formulated by America's leading Acne Nutritionist, Maria Marlowe, and based on the science of the gut-skin connection, Glow Biome was specifically created to address skin concerns where they often start: the gut! 

It is made with 6 clinically validated probiotic strains, including: 

L. rhamnosus SP1 (LSP1): Supports the gut-skin axis. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study, researchers concluded that supplementation with LSP1 for 12 weeks normalized skin expression of genes involved in insulin signaling and improved the appearance of adult acne.* 

L. plantarum (Lp-115): Supports gut health. May inhibit common pathogens.* 

L. rhamnosus (LGG): One of the most widely used probiotic strains. Supports a well-balanced gut microbiome, a healthy gut barrier, immune health, and the gut-skin axis.* 

B. lactis: Supports overall digestive health, gut barrier function, and immune health.* 

L. paracasei (Lpc-37): Supports gut health and skin homeostasis.*

L. acidophilus (La -14): Supports skin clarity, overall digestive health, and immune health.* 

Does Probiotic Skincare Work?

It depends on the probiotic skincare! It’s best to look for probiotic skincare brands that have put their products to the test in a clinical trial. Otherwise, it is hard to say whether or not they work. 

If you’re looking for clinically-validated probiotic skincare, check out Glow Biome.

In a clinical study, 80% of participants who used Glow Biome saw a reduction in the frequency and severity of breakouts, and experienced a 35% reduction in excess oil and a 41% increase in skin hydration in 12 weeks.

It doesn’t work overnight, but with time and consistency, you allow the probiotics time to do their job in the gut, which eventually leads to results in the skin. Give us 12 weeks, and Glow Biome will give you happier skin (and a happier gut!)!