When you’re dealing with diarrhea, probiotics are a lifesaver. The most common strain is Lactobacillus acidophilus or L. acidophilus. And it’s amazing for gut health! But did you know it can transform your skin?
It’s all thanks to something called the gut-brain-skin axis. A healthy balance of “good” and “bad” intestinal bacteria will show up as glowing skin. However, imbalances can spark inflammation, causing skin irritation and acne. In fact, bloating is 37 percent more likely to be linked to breakouts and other skin diseases.1
Plus, your gut is at the forefront of your immune system. An imbalance will make it hard for your body to fight off “bad” bacteria, making you prone to acne and irritation.
Aside from consuming probiotics, you can also apply it on your skin. So if you want a radiant and gorgeous skin, learn how to use probiotics with these five tips.
5 Ways To Use Probiotics For Radiant Skin
1. Take Probiotic Supplements
The easiest way to use probiotics for your skin is to take supplements. Tablets are really easy to find at grocery stores and health food markets. Don’t like swallowing pills? Opt for liquids or powders instead.
Aside from fighting acne, probiotic supplements are linked to thicker, glowing skin.2 Your makeup stash won’t even need a highlighter.
For best results, refrigerate probiotic supplements. This will prevent the active ingredients from breaking down.
Don’t consume too much too soon, though. Give your body some time to get used to probiotics. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of worsening diarrhea or bloating.3
2. Eat Fermented Food
If you want healthy skin, chow down on fermented foods. It’ll help your body make probiotics and therefore, improve your skin health.4
Yogurt is one of the best sources. It’s easy to find and is inexpensive! Before purchasing, check the label to make sure it contains live L. acidophilus. These days, most kinds do.
Other tasty options include kefir, miso, and tempeh.5 Craving a flavorful kick? Reach for sauerkraut and other pickled foods.6
3. Make Yogurt Masks
Yes, that’s right – you can add yogurt right on your skin. The lactic acid bacteria will reverse photoaging and, most importantly, fight bad bacteria. See you later, acne.
Yogurt also doubles as a cooling, soothing mask. It’ll feel amazing on the skin, especially if you have redness or irritation.7 It can even double as a natural sunburn treatment if you don’t have aloe vera.
Always use plain, pasteurized yogurt. It can be used alone or with additional skin-friendly ingredients like honey or oats. Manuka honey is especially amazing for the skin.8 For a boost of antioxidants, mix in pureed strawberries, bananas, or avocado.
Apply to your face with clean hands. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse off with warm water and pat the skin dry.
4. Make Probiotic Masks
Another option is to crush probiotic pills into a powder. Next, stir it into a natural base like honey or your favorite oil. Grapeseed, olive, and avocado oils are wonderful options.
Coconut oil is especially useful for fighting acne, as it has significant anti-bacterial properties. Your skin will also feel silky smooth thanks to its moisturizing effects.9
If using gel capsules, simply break them apart. Solid pills can be crushed with a mortar and pestle. For one mask, use 2 to 3 capsules.
Don’t want to bother with crushing pills? Use powder or liquid supplements instead.
5. Use Prebiotics
If you’re going to eat probiotics, don’t forget the prebiotics. These are soluble fibers that probiotics feed on. It makes them thrive in the intestine and do their job right.
The most common kind of prebiotics is fructooligosaccharides. Sources include onions, tomatoes, barley, garlic, wheat, bananas, and honey.10
When applied to the skin, prebiotics is still useful. They’ll selectively boost the growth of “good” bacteria and help your skin shine.11
Crushed tomatoes and garlic work well. But if you use garlic, watch your eyes. Honey and banana offer gentle alternatives.12
Probiotics can treat acne, eczema, sunburns, allergic reactions, wounds, and dermatitis. It might be just what your skincare routine needs.13
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