The Naturopathic Co.
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If gut health and skin health are connected, should everyone with acne, eczema or rosacea take a probiotic?
Not necessarily.
Probiotics are one of the most heavily marketed areas of gut health, and the term “probiotic” can create the impression that all beneficial bacteria do essentially the same thing.
They don’t. For a broader overview, see our guide to the gut-skin connection.
Different probiotic species and strains can have very different properties.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.
Importantly, evidence for one particular strain cannot automatically be extrapolated to another.
This means that seeing “Lactobacillus” on the front of a bottle doesn’t tell you everything you need to know about what that product has actually been studied for.
The gastrointestinal microbiome communicates with the immune system and produces metabolites that can influence processes throughout the body.
Researchers are therefore investigating whether manipulating the intestinal microbiome could have effects beyond digestion.
Skin health is one of those areas.
This forms part of what is known as the gut-skin axis.
Some clinical research has investigated probiotic supplementation in people with acne, with potential mechanisms involving inflammation, metabolic signalling and the gastrointestinal microbiome.
The research is interesting but doesn’t justify recommending the same probiotic to every person with acne.
Acne can be driven by multiple factors.
For someone with obvious cyclical breakouts, for example, hormonal acne and gut health may require a different approach from acne occurring alongside significant gastrointestinal disturbance.
You can also read our complete guide to the gut-acne connection.
Probiotics have also been extensively investigated in relation to atopic dermatitis, particularly around early-life immune development.
Results differ depending on strains, combinations, populations and whether researchers are investigating prevention or treatment.
Therefore, “probiotics are good for eczema” is much too broad a conclusion.
Read more about eczema and the gut microbiome.
Research specifically supporting probiotics as a treatment for rosacea is less straightforward.
Where rosacea occurs alongside significant gastrointestinal symptoms, we may be more interested in identifying what those digestive symptoms represent rather than simply adding a probiotic.
For example, severe bloating and altered bowel movements might prompt consideration of rosacea and SIBO.
Yes, some people experience increased gas, bloating or altered bowel movements when introducing certain probiotics.
That doesn’t necessarily mean probiotics are “bad” for them.
It may mean the strain, dose or product isn’t appropriate, or that there is an underlying gastrointestinal issue requiring a different approach.
More isn’t always better.
A product containing twenty strains and one hundred billion organisms isn’t automatically superior to a carefully selected lower-dose product.
Fermented foods can form part of a healthy diet for many people and can contribute microorganisms and fermentation products.
However, they’re not appropriate for absolutely everyone.
People with particular gastrointestinal sensitivities or histamine-type symptoms may find certain fermented foods exacerbate symptoms.
If that sounds familiar, read about histamine intolerance and gut health.
Supporting the gut microbiome isn’t only about putting bacteria into it.
Prebiotics are substrates selectively used by microorganisms that can confer health benefits.
More broadly, dietary fibre and plant diversity provide numerous compounds that interact with the microbiome, which is a key part of our nutritional medicine approach.
For many people, improving the environment in which their existing microbes live is just as relevant as buying another probiotic.
There isn’t one universal “skin probiotic”.
The better question is: what is actually contributing to your skin symptoms, and is a probiotic appropriate for that particular situation?
If you have acne, eczema, rosacea or skin reactions alongside digestive symptoms, we consider bowel function, diet, microbiome factors, hormones, medications, stress and other aspects of your health before deciding what needs to change, drawing on herbal medicine where appropriate.
Our complete gut-skin connection guide is a good starting point if you’re experiencing symptoms in both systems.
For individualised support, our gut health naturopaths in Melbourne consult from South Yarra and via Telehealth.
We also provide online gut health naturopath consultations in Sydney and Australia-wide.
With 180+ verified five-star Google reviews, our naturopaths and nutritionists offer comprehensive 60-minute initial consultations, in person in South Yarra, Melbourne, or via telehealth across Australia. Book your consultation with The Naturopathic Co. today.
