How A Remedy For Stomach Trouble Helps Treat Acne
By Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A remedy for stomach trouble might also help clear up skin conditions. In his mid-20s, John James Muller says his acne was worse than ever.
"Nothing worked," he said. Nothing until he started taking probiotics.
"It changed drastically," he said. "I certainly gave it a shot and it worked."
Probiotics are live bacteria that are found naturally in some foods like yogurt and are often recommended to aid the digestive system.
"What probiotics do is they help to regulate the balance in our intestines," said Dr. Shirley Madhre.
That bad bacteria can lead to a number of problems, including inflammation, that can affect your complexion.
"The skin is the largest organ, so when our bodies are overwhelmed with toxins, that inflammation is manifested in the skin," said Dr. Madhre.
It can lead to conditions like adult acne, eczema, rosacea, and even premature aging.
"Reducing that inflammation will help to reduce those inflammatory issues in the skin," she added.
Experts say the best source of probiotics are from whole, leafy greens, yogurt, and fermented foods like sauerkraut, but there are other options. Now, some beauty companies are incorporating a probiotic supplement into their skincare lines that you take orally.
The American Academy of Dermatology agrees. Probiotics have been shown to help with clearer skin, and can decrease skin sensitivity as well as reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles