When considering skin care, one may remember the need for cleansing, moisturizing, and avoiding too-fatty foods. However, recent research revealed a potential correlation between skin condition and gut health that might be particularly applicable to inflammatory conditions such as acne.

1. What Role Do Probiotics and Good Gut
Bacteria Play in Controlling Acne?
Dr. Jordan Atkinson B.Sc. ND

2. When considering skin care, one may remember the need for
cleansing, moisturizing, and avoiding too-fatty foods. However,
recent research revealed a potential correlation between skin
condition and gut health that might be particularly applicable to
inflammatory conditions such as acne.
The gut microbiome is the microbial ecosystem in the human gut,
which includes multiple species of bacteria. New studies indicate
that balancing the levels of these microbes in the gut can
significantly contribute to general well-being and even skin
condition and appearance.

3. The Gut-Skin Connection
Biologically, gut and the skin are connected. Both these originate
from the same embryonic germ layer during fetal development
and have similarities in biochemical pathways and immune system
components. According to Dr. Jordan Atkinson, B.Sc., N.D., a
renowned naturopath, changes in the gut microbiome can lead to
systemic inflammation that starts appearing on the skin.
One of these is a series of events involving SCFAs – short-chain
fatty acids – generated when gut bacteria convert dietary fibre into
energy. SCFAs are essential in maintaining and promoting gut
barrier function and anti-inflammatory activity. When the
composition of gut bacteria is altered, SCFA can be reduced,
increasing intestinal permeability and facilitating the translocation
of inflammatory mediators to the skin from the bloodstream.

4. Another mechanism involves a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon
receptor (AhR), which plays a role in processes that regulate
immune responses. AhR is activated by metabolites generated
from gut bacteria. AhRs are critical for maintaining normal skin
function, and disruption of their activities can contribute to acne.
The Role of Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that benefit health when taken in
the right quantities. They can contribute to the enrichment of the
gut with helpful microbiota and prevent dysbiotic pathogens from
proliferation. Several probiotic strains have been studied for their
anti-inflammatory and skin-protective effects, including:

5. Lactobacillus Strains
It has been demonstrated that L. rhamnosus, L. paracasei, and L.
acidophilus can regulate the immune system, inflammation, and
oxidative stress. They also have anti-acne activity, suppressing the
growth of P. acnes, which is responsible for the severity of acne
lesions. They also promote SCFA production.
Bifidobacterium Strains
B. longum, B. breve, and B. infantis, have been shown to modulate
gut barrier integrity, decrease activation of inflammatory factors
such as NF-kB, and produce beneficial antioxidants that can
protect the skin.

6. Other Strains
Probiotic strains like S. thermophilus and E. faecium and soil-based
probiotics such as B. coagulans have shown anti-inflammatory
effects on skin health.
Incorporating Probiotics
Currently, there are two primary methods of increasing the
amount of probiotics taken in – through food sources and
specialized dietary supplement formulas. Examples of probiotic
foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and
kombucha, which contain live active cultures. It should be
emphasized that strain type and amounts can differ.

7. Probiotic supplements deliver more quantified, higher strengths of
probiotic strains. Consumers should search for products containing
10-100 billion CFU of diverse probiotic species from the
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and other genera.
It is also essential to include probiotic fibre from sources such as
onions, garlic, bananas, and whole grains to feed the existing
microbiota.
Probiotics alone cannot treat acne; however, they are an integral
part of healthy, glowing skin. If you’re suffering from poor gut
health, skin problems, fatigue, hormone irregularity, or any other
problem that can be triggered by stress, call Dr. Jordan Atkinson,
B.Sc., N.D., to schedule a meeting.

8. Thank You